Tourists flock from all over the country to see house covered entirely in ivy

Tourists are flocking from all over the country to see a house that is entirely covered by ivy. Owners Michael and Teresa Lye say they initially tried to control the Virginia creeper when they moved into the home nearly 40 years ago.

However, over time, they have given up on taming it and now let it grow freely, only occasionally asking a relative to trim the leaves that cover the windows. The plant, also known as five-leaved ivy, has become a local attraction with people regularly stopping to take photos.

The parents-of-five and grandparents-of-25 bought the semi-detached property for £24,000 in 1984. It is located on an estate in Bromley, south east London, which they say dates back to 1928 and was opened by royalty - who suggested the Virginia creeper.

READ MORE: Inside quirky apartment in iconic Ancoats mill on the market for the first time

However, when the couple viewed the house decades later, the plant had taken over - even making its way inside. The couple claim that the ivy serves a practical purpose - as it keeps their house warm during winter.

Speaking in 2022, Michael, 75, said: "We think it acts as natural insulation. But I'm still dreading my gas and electricity bill coming."

Teresa, 72, added: "This room is nice and warm. Go in any of the rooms - it's warm. That's why we've got a fan in here. In the winter we are toasty. My daughter comes up and says, 'You got the heating on? '. I say, 'No, of course we haven't got the heating on'."

Images of the house frequently appear on community Facebook groups, where locals express their affection for the local landmark. Michael added: "Every week, somebody will stop. If you watch the cars pulling up because of the lights, you can see them doing [makes photo gesture]."