A unique cottage in the village of Haslingfield, near Cambridge, is attracting attention for its striking exterior art. The property, priced at £450,000, features 139 plywood artworks, transforming the 19th-century home into a vibrant canvas. Its owner, Robert Petryszak, 58, has spent four years creating these murals, which include portraits, animals, and floral still-lifes.
The cottage, affectionately known as “The Portraits House,” has become a local attraction, even earning a spot on Google Maps under this name. Petryszak began his artistic journey during the COVID-19 lockdown, motivated by the time spent at home and the blank walls surrounding him. He recalls, “The pandemic has done different things to different people. I was working from home throughout the lockdown and staring at my blank walls.”
Petryszak started painting discreetly behind a fence to avoid disturbing neighbors, gradually building up his collection of murals. He learned to paint on a ladder and transitioned to using plywood for durability. Drawing inspiration from social media platforms like Instagram, he found a community of admirers who began visiting his garden to appreciate the artwork.
A Unique Living Space
Beyond its artistic exterior, the cottage offers four bedrooms and a spacious dining area that opens onto the garden through French doors. There are also two bathrooms and a separate home office that could serve as a fifth bedroom. The estate agents handling the sale, Emoov, highlight the property’s charm and artistic flair as key selling points.
Petryszak has decided to sell the cottage after living there for 25 years. He views the artwork as an outward illustration of his personal growth as a painter. “When I was painting, I wasn’t sure if I were to move away, if people would want them,” he explained. “But now I can leave them with the house, knowing they’ll stay. It’s become part of the fabric of the village.”
As the listing goes live, local residents and art enthusiasts are likely to keep a close eye on this one-of-a-kind property. With its combination of unique artistry and comfortable living space, the cottage not only serves as a home but also as a testament to the creativity that emerged during challenging times.
