Britain's biggest fixer-upper! House that was crumbling so badly it was filled with FOAM to stop it collapsing is saved after couple's £500,000 revamp

Published: 01:16, 15 June 2026 | Updated: 01:16, 15 June 2026 A crumbling house with yellow foam that hangs like stalactites from the ceiling is not the property you might expect a young couple to jump at the opportunity of buying. Stuart Thorner, from Shropshire, says he was met with exactly this reaction from his wife Katie when he broached the subject - one of horror and 'absolute' dread. However, she was soon won over and after a mere eight months, the property was transformed into something wholly unrecognisable - four stylish, modern apartments now rented out to guests from 'across the UK and beyond'. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Mr Thorner, 37, admitted the house had been in need of some 'dire work' when it was first condemned by Shropshire Council in 2021. To some, the comments might come as something of an understatement looking back at old images of the building. In one particularly alarming photo an entire archway and entryway to the home has been filled with pale yellow foam. Swathes of brick are visible in others as well as remnants of plaster stuck to the walls. The end-of-terrace building on St Michael's Street was evacuated in June 2021 after concerns were raised about its structural stability. In one particularly alarming photo an entire archway and entryway to the home has been filled with pale yellow foam The end-of-terrace building on St Michael's Street was evacuated in June 2021 after concerns were raised about its structural stability Stuart and Katie Thorner (pictured here) are property developers who have overseen a stunning transformation to the property on St Michael's Street Mr Thorner said: 'You've got to really enjoy it because, yes, a few times we did look at areas in the house like the basement and it was a bit daunting' The staircase in the hall of the house is pictured before and after its stunning transformation at the hands of Mr and Mrs Thorner At the time the council warned it could collapse at a minute's notice - adding that demolition may be the only way forward. The local authority proceeded to stuff the building with foam, creating a strong honeycomb-like structure in a bid to distribute the load.  But Mr Thorner and Katie, 36, saw potential in the iconic 1850s property - with its exterior archway having previously been used in parts of the production of A Christmas Carol in 1984. It has now been converted into four separate apartments - one on the ground floor and in the basement, a second on the first floor and a third and fourth on the second floor. The homes cater to a varying number of guests - ranging from six to four.  Mr Thorner said: 'We thought it would be an opportunity - I love trying to find challenges and problems and finding a solution. 'You've got to really enjoy it because, yes, a few times we did look at areas in the house like the basement and it was a bit daunting. 'People thought we were pretty brave taking it on and it was head-scratching work at times. The couple did not overlook small details in the renovation of the home with even the stair treads requiring careful thought In one of the apartments, the kitchen and dining area is complete with a series of dark grey cabinets. The online listing states: 'The fully equipped kitchen has everything you need for cooking at home, while the dining table comfortably seats six' One of the rooms boasts a luxurious bed and generous storage. The colour scheme has once again been carefully thought out to include gentle tones of grey and pink The light-filled property has been fully decked out with the latest state-of-the-art furniture The family bathroom is fitted with a large vanity, bath, and overhead shower, described by the developers as ideal for unwinding after a day exploring A beautifully laid table is seen in another apartment which boasts a full length mirror and stunning black staircase One of the bedrooms is pictured in one of the apartments. The house is said to feel spacious and have lots of light coming through A kitchen in another department is pictured. It contains a sleek work surface and ample cupboards 'It took us about eight months to do the work in terms of when we actually started ripping it all out.'  Mr Thorner said the renovation cost around £500,000 and was completed in autumn last year - however the building now brings in a steady income as it is rented out as four separate Airbnb apartments.  The couple both run their own interior and construction studio in Shrewsbury, known as Summer House. They started the family business with a showroom in Telford in 2014, originally specialising in just bathrooms. The pair said that as they grew, so did their vision - expanding into kitchens and bedrooms. Summer House, which often collaborates with other brands and manufacturers, now boasts a team of more than 30 'multi-talented individuals'. Mr Thorner said around 15 people were required to help renovate Foam House. The home - which won the Transformation of The Year award in 2025 - is now a world away from its previous state. The home - which won the 'Transformation of The Year' award in 2025 - is now a world away from its previous state. It is pictured here after renovation work started A gold plaque at the entrance to the property now reads Foam House - a sweet ode to the past Its interior has been crafted to create a calm and relaxing space with photos showing a mixture of soft colours that give the property its modern, minimalist look. Among the most striking transformation images are those of the hallway. Once a pitiful state with bits of debris and crumbling plaster on the floor, the space now boasts modern lamps that hang from the ceiling and a slick red and white tiled checked floor. Mrs Thorner said: 'When we first viewed it, I said "absolutely not" to Stuart, but where others saw a problem, he saw potential! 'Fast forward to today, and the hall and staircase that were once buried beneath foam have been carefully restored as part of a complete redevelopment. 'What was once one of Shrewsbury’s most talked about properties is now home to four beautifully restored holiday apartments, welcoming guests from across the UK and beyond.  'Proof that sometimes the biggest risks lead to the most rewarding transformations.' A gold plaque at the entrance to the property now reads Foam House - the only reminder that this fashionable block of modern apartments was once an old and dilapidated building written off as beyond repair. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. 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