‘The school had been used for storage for years, so there was junk everywhere,’ says Angélique, recalling the catalogue of problems. ‘Just like the other viewers, we noticed the rotten woodwork and window frames, and spotted the leaks, sagging ceilings, broken roof, damp and mould.’ None of that made any difference, however, because Angélique had been obsessed with the old building for at least 20 years. ‘I had once been to a Christmas market here, organised by the previous owner.