An American woman living in the UK has revealed the three things that “baffle” her about buying a house in England.
Ashley Jackson moved to Manchester from Texas in 2022 and is now house-hunting with her British husband.
But the 42-year-old says some of the quirks she has spotted in English homes have left her totally confused.
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Ashley, who regularly shares UK vs US culture shocks online, admitted she and her husband are “learning as they go” through the buying process.
In a viral post liked more than 2,600 times, she revealed the three things she just cannot get her head around.
One image showed a living room with a fireplace and mantelpiece.
Over the photo, Ashley wrote: “Is this a real fireplace? Is it the original?
“Why is it so far out, if so? If not, is there a real fireplace back there?
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“Why cover it up? And how easy can I remove it?”
Another snap showed a strange boxed-in structure upstairs – likely covering the staircase.
Clearly baffled, she asked: “What the heck do people do with this space with the box?”
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But her biggest culture shock came in the kitchen after discovering there was no dishwasher.
She said: “I do not want to hand-wash all the dishes.
“Nor does my husband.
“I’m in my 40s, I’m not adjusting on this.
“The sellers’ estate agent said it wouldn’t be a problem to have the plumbing moved around and have it installed, any truth/tips on this?”
The post quickly sparked debate online, with Brits rushing to explain the strange features, as reported by What’s The Jam.
One user wrote: “You can definitely move things around in the kitchen to accommodate a dishwasher.
“It should be relatively simple to do – ask a plumber for advice.
“There’s probably a fire or a back boiler behind that faux fireplace, rip it out and see.
“The ‘box’ is hiding the head of the staircase so is wasted space really, but you can pretty it up with cushions to make a reading nook or make it functional with storage.”
Another viewer said : “You’re in England. Get used to doing the dishes manually.”
One person wrote: “Get a bed built onto the box.. with half onto the box and half off.. It’s a fake fire, but maybe an original fireplace behind it.”
Another person said: “A dishwasher is essential!
“I’m English, 70 and have had a dishwasher for at least 45 years.”
And one viewer commented: “I am with you I can’t stand washing up and it makes me feel [queasy emoji].
“Greasy water.
“Looks like a fabulous house and 1950s builds have great proportions!
“Hope you are very happy there!”
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