Homes under the Hammer star to bring Leigh home back to life

Diason Paye, who previously appeared on hit show Homes under the Hammer, has purchased the property which has been abandoned since 2018 and surrounded by a jungle of overgrown weeds and shrubs. 

The 1920s property, on Leigh Park Road, had previously been scheduled for demolition to make way for flats, according to Diason. 

The property enjoys stunning estuary views (Image: Diason Paye)
With estuary views, large reception rooms and sprawling gardens, the house was once a very luxurious home and Diason will restore the property’s period charm while modernising many elements to create a revitalised family home.

“The place has been sitting empty since about 2018 and it was so overgrown that I think a lot of people didn’t even know it was there,” said Diason. 

“I drove past it every day and just thought it had such a beautiful character, gardens and views across the estuary.”

Vandals and squatters have damaged the property (Image: Diason Paye)
Describing the experience of walking into the empty home, the 45-year-old Southend resident said: “It was a bit like walking into a time warp, the kitchen must’ve been done in the eighties and would’ve been very modern at the time.

“It had since been vandalised, smashed up and squatted in.

“It would’ve been easier to demolish the property but I’m trying to bring it back to life.”

According to Diason, the property had once been owned by an “iconic” and eccentric local character who had served in the RAF and flown Spitfires. 

During the clearing of the house, the developer even stumbled across a photo showing the former owner alongside his Spitfire squadron.

Having begun his career in nightlife and events, Diason made the transition into property 15 years ago. 

In addition to developing a number of local buildings, he has also been featured on Homes Under The Hammer and worked as a location scout on 2021’s Rise of the Footsoldier: Origins.

Diason added: “The place has been empty for so many years and my main goal is to just preserve a piece of history.”

Updates on the project’s progress can be found on Instagram at @payeproperties.