How does it work?

charming old cottage

Curious About The Process?

Every Oak & Willow House History follows the same two-step process.

This ensures your investment is tailored to the records that survive, and that your home’s story is presented in the way that feels right for you.

If you purchase a House History from Oak & Willow, here’s what you can expect.

All customers start with a Pre-Research Check. This is the first step in discovering your home’s history and will give you insights into the depth of historical records that may survive for your address.

All of our Research Packages can only be purchased alongside a Pre-Research Check. If not enough records survive to fulfil your chosen package, I will either produce a lower tier package and refund you the difference, or refund you completely (minus the cost of a Pre-Research Check – £30).

What happens after you purchase:

  • You’ll receive a short questionnaire where I’ll collect the details I need about your property — such as its address, approximate age, and any known history
  • I’ll then carry out a targeted search of key historical sources (census returns, parish records, directories, maps, and more)
  • Within 1–2 weeks you’ll receive a short written summary of what records survive, along with my professional recommendation for the best research package for you

What you receive at this stage:

  • A clear picture of how much information exists for your home and how your house history would be focused
  • If you have not already chosen a research package, then a recommendation on which is best for your property is provided
Book Your Pre-Research Check

You can purchase your preferred package upfront, or wait until you have seen the outcome of your Pre-Research Check. Either way, there are options available for every level of curiosity.

What happens next:

  • I’ll confirm the scope of research and align with you on timescales
  • You’ll be able to share any personal stories, or details you’d like included — or if there is something specific you would like your house history to focus on
  • I’ll then begin the deeper research into the records, uncovering what they tell us, piecing together the timelines, and weaving them into a written narrative
  • Along the way, I’ll keep you updated on progress, especially if new discoveries shift the direction of the story

Designing your final product:

  • Each house history package includes its own physical keepsakes (A4/A3 wall prints or an A5 storybook)
  • You’ll be able to choose from a selection of design templates to match your style — heritage-inspired, minimalist, or floral
  • There is the option to have your wall print framed – so that it arrives ready to display
  • Your final product will be printed & arrive shipped to your door, with your digital archive delivered via email
Compare Research Packages Browse Design Templates

Choose Your Package

Compare the Research Packages and select which is best for your home. You can start with just a Pre-Research Check if you aren’t sure.

Choose Your Package

Customer Onboarding

You’ll share some details about your home, it’s potential age, anything you already know about its history, and anything you’re hoping to discover.

Research Commences

I research the historical records, maps, and archives to uncover what history has survived for your property, piecing together a timeline of former occupants and their lives spent in your home.

What Will I Receive?

Product Development

Your house history narrative is written and thoughtfully designed into your chosen final product.

Presentation Options

Final
Delivery

Your final product will be printed, shipped, and delivered to your door.

You will also receive digital copies via email.

Customer Reviews

For most old homes, there is enough information available for at least a Snapshot house history – however there is no guarantee that historical records on your property have survived

But, don’t worry.

That’s why we always start with a Pre-Research Check first

Book Yours Today

House History Packages

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Bespoke House History Research

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.