Great Barrier Grief

MUM Kay Lakin was forced out of her £350,000 home for five months after her husband gutted it behind her back — to build a £150,000 fish tank.

The 5.000-litre aquarium complete with coral reef takes up the centre of the three-bedroom house.

Green around the gills ... Kay Lakin had no idea what husband Martin had planned Mercury Press

Fishy business ... preparation work underway Mercury Press

Chartered engineer Martin Lakin, 49, sneakily began work after sending Kay, 52, and son James, 15, to see her sister in Tenerife.

They then had to stay with her mother while 35 workers completed the tank, which will cost around £4,000 a year to maintain.

Stroke of genius ... James swims before fish go in Mercury Press

No afishionado ... Kay was bit sniffy at first Mercury Press

It can be viewed from the living room and kitchen as well as a specially-created “fish room” and is topped with glass so its 120 tropical fish can been seen from upstairs.

Kay, of Rochester, Kent, said: “I had no idea what he was planning. But it was all worth it in the end.”

Martin said: “Life is too short not to try and achieve your dreams.”

TV property expert Sarah Beeny says...

The Lakins' three-bed house Mercury Press

HOUSE buyers want space. It is possible a fish fan would pay extra for this — but I’m afraid the amount of money spent hasn’t done anything to add value.

However, I champion the eccentric design and I hope the Lakins will enjoy it for many years to come.