The Goldhawk Road House

Martha grew up on Goldhawk Road in Shepherd’s Bush in a house purchased in 1978 when she was ten. Winsome found the home, negotiated the price, and lent Martha’s parents the deposit to close the deal. Narrow and dark, it has just one bathroom that opens off the kitchen, allowing for little privacy. Each floor has one room connected by a steep staircase. It is a source of complaint and resentment for Martha’s mother and the site where she hosts countless parties. Aware of the home’s deficiencies, Winsome thought that Celia and Fergus would work towards improving it. While Celia never showed any interest in doing so, Fergus’s contribution was limited to the unappealing terra-cotta paint with which he covered half of the first floor. He also brought in used furniture which was supposed to be temporary, but remains to this...