One of Toti’s long-standing eyesores is finally getting a much-needed revamp.
Bernard George has purchased Mason Court on Kingsway and is currently putting finishing touches to a brand-new adobe.
“I bought the property from the previous owner, who owned it for 17 years,” said Bernard, who originally hails from Sydenham, but now calls Toti his home.
“I started cleaning it up in February. About 70% of people I have encountered are happy with what I’m doing. The others aren’t too sure yet.”
Bernard has build a two-bedroom house and two flatlets on the 1,800 metre squared property. “”I built up from the five original flats that stood here, but I had to build from next to nothing as the vagrants took everything.”
He still has to contend with trespassers and the odd graffiti artist. Recently two youngsters, possibly believing the property is still vacant, spray-painted a pentagram and the words ‘Hail Slayer’ in one of the garages, which are still to be refurbished.
The dilapidated property that was Mason Court has been a contentious issue among Toti residents and all avenues were exhausted years ago to try and get the owner to renovate the building.
“So far the neighbours seem to be very happy with what I’m doing here,” said Bernard.