The House That John Built
More than two years ago, John Hardwick, of 8, Spinney Road, Rushden, then aged 21, decided to get married, and that meant having a house of his own – a dream he had long cherished. In a little over a week he and his young wife will move into that dream home, now reality, which John has built himself.

John, a plumber by trade, applied for the building licence early in 1950, and filled in dozens of forms before he finally obtained one nine months ago. He acquired a piece of land in Fern Road, and started right away.

Working each evening after a full day at his place of employment, all day Saturday and Sunday and all through the holidays, he has had help at various times from his father, his father-in-law and one or two mates. Now a six-roomed bungalow built largely to his own design is almost complete.

The bungalow will have a pleasing appearance with a white cement finish. Approximately 20,000 bricks have gone into the building – about 10,000 of them laid by John himself.

He also tiled the roof, but had assistance with the woodwork. His greatest pride is in the wood-block floor of the hall – another “lone” job.

Electric light was installed by a friend, and there was also help from John’s father and father-in-law, Mr. R. Line, in laying the sewer. This meant digging down eight feet – an achievement when one realises that both men are shoe operatives.

Pastel coloured distempered walls and light painted skirting boards have been done with a professional touch, and then there is the bathroom with its green fittings, the pride of Mrs. Hardwick.

Total cost of his home is estimated by Mr. Hardwick to be between £1,100 and £1,200. He has yet to build a low wall to surround the bungalow, and later possibly a garage.

Before he started on the bungalow his father said: “You’re setting yourself a big job, you know!” John’s reply was: “It’s a poor man who can’t build his own house when he’s in the trade.” He has every reason to be proud that he stuck to this view.