A Pensioner’s Fight to Stay in a Historic Home
A 71-year-old pensioner, Baschea Walsh, is facing eviction from the estate she has called home for nearly two decades. This historic location, West Horsley Place, is not just any property—it is a 15th-century Grade I-listed manor once owned by Henry VIII and is now a popular filming location. The estate has been the backdrop for several notable productions, including the hit BBC sitcom Ghosts. However, Walsh’s life is being upended as she is forced to leave her cottage by mid-November.
Walsh, a retired child protection worker, expressed her devastation at the news. She believes the property will be turned into a holiday let for fans of Ghosts, which was filmed on the estate. Despite this, the West Horsley Place Trust, which manages the property, confirmed that they have asked her to vacate but denied any connection to the show.
The Emotional Impact of Eviction
The suddenness of the eviction left Walsh in shock. She described feeling “stunned” when she was told she had only four months to move out. For the first week after receiving the notice, she could barely eat, relying on potatoes and struggling to cope with the emotional turmoil. Walsh emphasized that the issue is not just about her but about the broader injustice faced by many elderly tenants who are suddenly evicted due to greedy landlords.
She has lived in her cottage since 2006 and has devoted herself to maintaining the estate. Walsh even went as far as collecting litter with a converted pushchair, showing her deep care for the property. She described the estate as a place where she felt “perfectly harmonious” and where she formed strong bonds with others living there.
Support for a Long-Term Resident
Despite the disruption caused by filming, Walsh supported the production of Ghosts, believing that the revenue would help fund restorations. However, she now regrets not asking for a rent reduction due to the disturbances.
A friend of Walsh has started a petition to stop her eviction, which has already received over 2,000 signatures. Meanwhile, she is actively searching for a new home but refuses to leave until a suitable replacement is found.
The Trust’s Perspective
The West Horsley Place Trust explained that their goal is to secure the future of the estate by creating sustainable income through changes such as converting two historic cottages into short-term lets. They emphasized that these changes are carefully considered and aimed at allowing people to experience the estate, its heritage, and cultural activities.
The trust also acknowledged the significant upheaval this decision causes for tenants and stated that they have provided an extended notice period and personalized support, including assistance in exploring alternative housing options.
A Personal Stand
Walsh remains determined to fight for her home. She emphasized that she will not accept anything just because the trust wants her out. She stressed that she cannot live in a bedsit in a council old people’s home, as it would be detrimental to her health. Her fight is not just about her own situation but about standing up against what she sees as an unjust system.
