Banstead Roofer’s Halloween House of Horrors Raises Charity Funds
A Spooky Transformation on Hillside
If you have driven along Hillside in Banstead this week, you will have noticed something unusual. The family home at the end of the road has been transformed into a full-scale haunted house. A 10ft skeleton stands near the front, a gory scarecrow keeps watch by the gate, and a gruesome graveyard fills the garden. For a street that is normally quiet and residential, the change is hard to miss, and it has quickly become a talking point among people who live nearby. Banstead has a long tradition of community spirit, from its village green to its busy high street, and events like this remind us how much that spirit depends on local people willing to put in the effort. The display also shows what can be achieved with imagination and a little help from what others throw away. Most of the scenery is built from building waste and items recovered from skips, which turns what would otherwise be landfill into something that brings families together. Residents heading out this October will find the house a short trip from much of the borough, and those travelling from further afield, perhaps from Dorking or Guildford, should allow extra time for parking and be respectful of the residents who live on the road. Hillside is a reminder that Halloween in our area is not just about the big parades. Sometimes it is about a driveway, a few hand-built props and a family who wants to give something back.
The Man Behind the Monsters
The face of the display is David Donovan, a roofer who works across Surrey and knows how hard people in local trades work through the year. He says the decorations began as a family project, something he and his household did together for fun. Over time, the scene grew into an annual event that draws hundreds of visitors, many of whom queue along his drive to take part in the games and pick up sweets. That popularity has its challenges. Donovan admits the crowds can be overwhelming, and running the stalls, checking that everything works and making sure there are enough treats all fall on him and his family. The event has also taken on a charitable purpose. Last year, Donovan raised £3,000 for the Royal Marsden, the cancer charity whose hospital in Sutton serves many families across south London and Surrey. For a local tradesman, that figure represents months of quiet generosity and a sense of purpose that goes beyond his day job. Donovan’s decision to link a spooky hobby with a serious cause is part of what makes the story resonate. It is also a lesson for other homeowners in Banstead and beyond. Charitable events do not need a large budget or a corporate sponsor. They need commitment, a clear goal and a willingness to open the front gate to strangers.
What Residents Should Know and Do Next
For those living near Hillside, the display is likely to bring more visitors, more cars and more noise in the coming days. Neighbours have been understanding, although Donovan says they were not keen when the idea first took shape. He reports that they have since grown used to it, which is a good sign for any community event. If you plan to visit, arrive on foot or by public transport where possible, keep pavements clear and avoid blocking driveways. Families with young children should consider going earlier in the evening, when queues are generally shorter. If you want to support the cause, look for the donation details on site or check the Royal Marsden’s official pages before you go. The weather has also made this year’s build tricky, with storms and rain delaying work and forcing larger items to be finished at the last minute. That is a useful reminder to check on local events before you travel, as conditions can change quickly. The project also offers practical lessons for anyone planning home improvements. Homeowners considering a kitchen renovation or bathroom refurbishment can take inspiration from the way waste was reused. Ask your bathroom fitters or kitchen installers whether offcuts, old units or fittings can be recycled, and check that any skip you hire is licensed and suitably placed. Keep an eye on this story too, as the display will likely return next year with an even bigger scene.
Source: Banstead roofer transforms home into Halloween house of horrors
