Which House History Is Right for Your Home?
If you’re curious about uncovering your home’s story and not sure which of my House History packages is the best fit, you’re in the right place.
At Oak & Willow Cottages, every project begins with a Pre-Research Check. This first step identifies what records survive for your property and helps me recommend the most suitable package for its story. From there, there are three different levels of House History to choose from: the Snapshot, the Heritage Summary, or the Full Story.
You can purchase a full House History Research Package at the same time as your Pre-Research Check. If there aren’t enough surviving records to fulfil your chosen package, a lower tier product will be produced and you will be refunded the difference, or you will receive a full refund (minus the cost of the Pre-Research Check).
Each option involves detailed research into your home’s past — uncovering the people, records, and events that shaped it. The difference lies in the depth of research and how the findings are presented. From concise A4 wall art to an in-depth A5 storybook, you’ll receive a keepsake that brings your home’s history to life.
This post will walk you through what’s included in each package, the type of detail you can expect, and which might suit your home best.
Step One: The Pre-Research Check
After completing the check, I’ll send you a summary of what was found, and insights into what your house history narrative will focus on. If you haven’t already purchased a full package, I’ll also provide a recommendation on which package suits your property’s story best.
The Snapshot House History
Best for: Homes with only a limited trail of records; a thoughtful gift or accessible starting point; anyone curious about the essentials of who lived there and when.
The Snapshot is a concise introduction to your home’s past, presented as a beautifully designed A4 Wall Art print. It brings together the most significant surviving records — usually census entries, directories, and key parish registers — to create a short but meaningful story of your property and its former residents. This package is ideal for homes where less material survives, but you’d still like a keepsake that captures the essence of its history.
The Heritage Summary House History
Best for: Properties with a stronger paper trail; homeowners who want more depth than a Snapshot.
The Heritage Summary builds on the Snapshot, with wider research and a professionally designed A3 Wall Art print. Alongside census returns and directories, I’ll draw on parish records, newspaper archives, and local history to trace the lives of several former residents and place your home in its broader context. This package balances depth with clarity — more detailed than the Snapshot, but without the extended narrative of the Full Story.
The Full Story House History
Best for: Homes with a rich and varied historical record; those who want to uncover the full depth of past residents’ lives; a keepsake that preserves both highlights and detailed stories.
The Full Story is the most comprehensive package available. There are options available for either a summary A3 Wall Art print or an A5 Storybook, or both, giving you a display piece and a complete written history to keep. Research expands well beyond the basics, exploring records such as probate and wills, military service, criminal registers, institutional records, trade directories, detailed land ownership files, and more. This deeper scope allows me to follow the threads of individual lives, uncovering stories of work, family, hardship, and resilience — weaving them into a full social and historical context.
What If More (or Less) Is Found?
Sometimes research uncovers far more than expected — or much less. If your chosen package turns out not to be the right fit, I’ll recommend the most suitable alternative and refund the difference. My goal is always to create something that feels genuinely worthwhile.
Still Not Sure?
If you’re uncertain which option to choose, don’t worry. Start with just the Pre-Research Check. For £30, you’ll receive an honest assessment of what records survive for your property, and a recommendation on which package is best for your home.
Every Home Has a Story — Let’s Tell Yours
Whether you choose a Snapshot, a Heritage Summary, or a Full Story, each package is personally researched and written. These are not auto-generated timelines or lists of names. They’re curated archives and carefully written stories that preserve the history of your home and the lives lived within its walls.
Some of the house imagery used on this site was photographed by me, from public streets, as part of a long-standing personal interest in architectural history. No identifying information is shared, and images are used respectfully to celebrate the heritage of our built environment.
