The items ranged from simple $1 rings to a solid ivory walking stick with an ornately carved dragon's head handle, which cost $4,000 (2,350).

The original deal floorboards have been repaired and stained and provide a perfect base for the ornately carved bedstead.

His living room features giant chairs ornately carved from tropical hardwood, and a flatscreen television the size of a pool table.

In the hall, below the ornately carved dogleg staircase, they put in a new chequerboard tiled floor.

In the central courtyard, slender columns reach up to keyhole arches, all ornately carved, while the living and reading rooms are adorned with frescoes and antique furniture.