I always thought that the reason I preferred to buy new-build properties was because I rather liked the idea of no-one having used any of the facilities before me.  A blank canvas which I can then make my own with colours and textures and creative thinking.  It looks as though I was wrong!  I must have decided on this course of action to prevent previous occupants turning up, uninvited and unannounced, wanting to look round my humble abode and then making a cheeky offer to buy the property back from me!

Yes folks, this has actually happened and the culprit, none other than Hollywood actor, Sir Anthony Hopkins!   The star arrived at the semi-detached home in  Port Talbot (his childhood home) in a chauffeur-driven car with his wife and two bodyguards, and asked if he could look  around.   The bemused couple invited the actor and his  group inside and he stayed for 30 minutes, posing for pictures before asking if  the home was for sale.

The owners apparently admitted to being a little starstruck but pleased he’d had the opportunity to revisit the place he was born.   I’m not sure I’d have been so amenable had I opened the door to find Hannibal Lecter standing on my doorstep – some fava beans and a nice Chianti anyone?????