HOUSE HISTORY PRINTS & PORTFOLIOS

Which House History Service Should You Choose?

If you’ve ever wondered about the history of your home, you’re not alone. We can help you uncover it’s story.

Many homeowners want to know who lived there before, how the property has changed over time, and what stories might be hidden in the records. But when it comes to researching house history in the UK, it’s not always clear where to start, or how much information actually exists. This guide explains:

• how we structure our house history research at Oak & Willow
• what level of detail you can expect
• and how to choose the right house history service

Ready-to-Buy House Histories

For most people, the easiest way to research the history of a house is to start with a ready-to-buy service. These combine historical research with a finished output, so you’re not left trying to interpret records yourself.

1. Snapshot House History

A concise and visual introduction to your property’s past. Includes:

• A4 wall print giving a snapshot into your home’s history
• Key occupants and timeline or a deep-dive into a specific period of time in your homes history
• Light historical context
• Digital copies of supporting records

Best for:

• Gifts
• New homeowners
• A simple but meaningful introduction to a property’s history

If you’re looking for a quick way to find the history of your house, this is the most accessible option and takes around 4-6 weeks to complete.

2. Heritage Summary House History

A more detailed and contextual look at your property’s past. Includes:

• A3 wall print telling the story of your home’s history
• Deeper research into former occupants
• More developed storytelling and historical context
• A clearer picture of how the property has evolved
• Digital copies of supporting records

Best for:

• Period homes
• Buyers who want more depth without committing to a full report
• Those interested in the lives of previous occupants

This is a strong middle ground for those researching the history of a house in the UK.

3. Full Story House History

The most comprehensive option from our ready-to-buy packages, designed to fully uncover and document your home’s past. Our Full Story House History comes in two different editions:

A5 Booklet Edition

A comprehensive, research-led account of your property.

• Long-form written history presented as an A5 Booklet
• Detailed resident stories
• Changes to the house over time
• Deep local and social context
• Digital portfolio of supporting records

Complete Edition

Includes everything in the Booklet Edition, plus:

• Accompanying A3 wall art with a summary of your home’s story

Best for:

• Period homeowners
• Renovators and long-term owners
• Those wanting a detailed, lasting record of their home

If you want to fully research your house history in the UK, this is the most in-depth option.

Not Sure What Records are Available for Your Property?

Some customers aren’t sure on which package to choose for their home, and that’s not a problem. If you’d prefer a recommendation before committing, you can start with a Pre-Research Check.

Pre-Research Check

A short initial investigation to assess what records are available and how far your home’s history can be traced.

You’ll receive:

• An overview of available records
• An indication of how much detail is likely
• A recommendation on the most suitable package

Best for:

• Those who want guidance before choosing
• Properties with completely unknown history

This is optional — most customers go straight into a package which already includes a Pre-Research Check. If your chosen package is not feasible, you will be offered the option to change your order or receive a full refund (minus the cost of a Pre-Research Check £30).

Other Services

House History Research Pack

Not looking for a physical product and just want help finding relevant records?
Purchase a focused block of research time (2 hours per purchase), delivered without storytelling or formatting.

You’ll receive:

• Key records and findings relevant to your property, delivered digitally
• A light-touch PDF guiding you through the findings
• No written narrative

Best for:

• DIY researchers
• Those who only need specific information
• Buyers who don’t require a finished product

This is purely research, not a presentation piece. Ideal if you want to research your house history yourself but need a starting point.

Bespoke Research Commissions

Some projects don’t fit neatly into a standard package, or require in-person archive visits in order to complete.

Bespoke commissions are tailored to your specific goals, whether that’s:

• Investigating a particular person or time period
• Researching land, buildings, or estate history
• Supporting renovation or planning work
• Creating a custom format or output

Best for:

• Complex or unusual properties
• Clients with specific research questions
• Projects requiring flexibility or in-person archive research

How to Choose the Right Option

If you’re still unsure, use this as a quick guide:

• I want something simple and visual: Snapshot
• I want more depth and context: Heritage Summary
• I want the full story of my home: Full Story
• I want help choosing first: Pre-Research Check
• I just want records, no write-up: Research Pack
• My project is more specific or complex: Bespoke

Before You Go…

When it comes to researching the history of your house, there isn’t a single path that works for everyone.

Most homeowners choose a package and let the research unfold from there. If you’d prefer to take a more cautious approach, guidance is available.

The first step is simply getting started.