Charlie Buckland Wales
A Gavin and Stacey superfan has described the “surreal” feeling of buying the home of one of the most beloved characters on the programme.
Sitting in the same spot on the sofa as Larry Lamb once did, Lisa Molloy, 42, describes doing a “double take” when she saw the listing online for 45 Trinity Street, Barry Island – better known as Doris’s house.
Lisa couldn’t believe it was actually the home of Gwen and Stacey’s foul mouthed, salad-hating neighbour.
She and husband Chris were the first people to view the property in July after travelling 130 miles from their home in Tamworth, Staffordshire, to seal the deal within 48 hours.
After paying just over the asking price of £220,000 for the two-bedroom terrace, the couple also paid extra to keep the furniture from the show, including the curtains, cushions and wallpaper, to keep it looking just like it did on screen.
“We’re massive fans and we were fortunate enough to be able to buy the property and feel very privileged and honoured to own it,” said Lisa.
“To be able to own the original furniture was the cherry on top of the cake for us.”
The couple, who have three children, have watched the series together since the beginning in 2008 and now have their own slice of British TV sitcom history.
“We love Doris. She’s cheeky – I think everyone loves Doris,” said Lisa.
Played by actress Margaret John, Doris was a friend and next door neighbour of the West family – Uncle Bryn, Gwen and Stacey.
Following John’s death in 2011 at the age of 84, the show featured a storyline that Doris left the house to Gavin and Stacey in her will.
Known for her iconic one liners, Doris is well quoted by fans of the series – particularly when she refused to make the salad for Neil the Baby’s christening.
Joanna Page previously described working with John as “one of the highlights of Gavin and Stacey”.
“I just love how her character got bigger and worse and saucier and sexier as the series went on,” she said in an interview on Barry Island Discs.
Baby CowShe said the family were “in awe” of the home, which featured heavily in the 2019 Christmas special and consider themselves very thankful to have bought it.
“I didn’t think for a second we would get the chance to view it in all honesty,” said Lisa, adding that the sale is “still sinking in”.
By buying the fixtures that featured in the programme, the family plan to keep it as fans remember it, to keep its character, and have gathered all of the wall’s paint codes for when they need a touch-up in future.
Even the original kettle and toaster have retained their place, though the rest of the kitchen has had a refurbishment, in line with Stacey’s wishes – the character asked for new cabinets in the Christmas special six years ago.
The couple said they bought the house for their eldest daughter, who is a huge fan of the show, but while she finishes her studies they will use it as a holiday rental.
“The main bedroom has still got the dressing table where Joanna Page was there with Matthew Horne,” said Lisa.
While the second bedroom was never featured in the show beyond the door, the family created a door sign in an “ode” to the characters.
“You still can’t believe the actors that have been in the property,” said Lisa, adding that they still have moments of going: “Oh my god, Larry Lamb has sat on this sofa.
“Which is why we have tried to keep it as it was in that Christmas episode, and again in the finale.”
For some, the sale was seen as “the end” of the comedy show after its Christmas finale in 2024, but Lisa said the Gavin and Stacey fandom was “still buzzing” and they enjoy all the interest that comes with owning such a well-known house.
Unfazed by the rain, dozens of fans passed by the home every few minutes, with many peeking through the bay window, taking selfies in the doorway and lingering with curiosity.
FulwellAs regular visitors to Barry prior to the big purchase, Lisa describes the town as being like “home” to them.
“It’s a cliche, but we love it here” she added, crediting the friendly people, the beach and their favourite cafe Marco’s, which also featured in the show.
“Any day it’s sunny we look at each other and go ‘Barry’?”
“Everybody seems to be quite excited for us, which is quite lovely,” said Lisa, adding that she had received messages from strangers on social media offering her family their well wishes.
