Two housemates with a 51-year age gap say they have “a lot” in common – they do most things together and never argue.
Ella Wilson, 22, moved with 73-year-old retiree David Cox to Sydney, Australia in September 2024 after backpacking around Australia.
She found his room through word of mouth – after a customer at the cafe where she works introduced the couple.
Despite their generational difference, Ella says David is “the best housemate she’s ever had” – and the pair cook together, run together and eat ice cream together.
David has even said that Ella reminds him of his eldest daughter, now 45, jokingly calling her an “independent girl”.
Ella, a travel content creator originally from England, said: “David and I get on like a house on fire – we never argue.
“I used to live in rented rooms – it always felt like I was living in someone else’s house.
“It’s a whole different ball game here.
“I feel completely at home – not like I’m stepping on eggshells.
“The only time David and I disagree is when he tries to give me cookies when he knows I’m eating healthy.”
David, a pensioner, said: “I thought it would be hell to be honest – but I’m surprised at how easy it has been.
“We take turns cooking – we have an unwritten rule that one cooks for us one night, then the other the next night.”
Ella left college aged 18 in 2020 to travel – as she didn’t feel she was cut out for “UK life”.
After backpacking through Spain and Hawaii, she set off for Australia in January 2024 – initially hoping to travel for a week.
But after her week of booked accommodation was up, she decided to stay in the countryside and couchsurf.
“I was living in hostels and staying on people’s couches all the way,” she said.
“I thought, around August, I was going to have to settle down for a bit and get a job.
“I got a job in a cafe – but I still needed somewhere to live.
“Being me, and with a cafe being a social place, I started asking around.”
During one shift, Ella met a client who said she knew someone who had a room available.
The client worked as a carer in a women’s shelter – caring for people affected by domestic violence.
Her friend David was a pensioner with a spare room who told his friend to offer it to women in her care who needed it.
“I got a call to meet this lady,” David said.
“I was thinking she was a woman in trouble – not a 22-year-old tourist living in Australia!
“I’m a 73-year-old retired guy – I didn’t think she’d be at all interested in looking at the place.
“But as it turned out, she agreed.
“I have children – 45, 43 and 37 – but none of them live near me.
“Ella reminded me of my eldest daughter – they are both very good footballers.
“They are both always active and love healthy food.”
Ella added: “I was in a place where I just wanted to put my head down, get fit and work.
“I knew I would be a little lonely at this time.
“David came to my cafe – we had a quick chat, talked about the things we had in common – like football and running.
“We rode up and his house was in a really nice location.”
In September. 9, 2024 Ella moved into David’s house.
Despite living in his spare room, Ella says the pensioner has made her feel like the house is half her own.
They share everything – often exercising, or going out for ice cream together.
“I didn’t expect this to last,” David said.
“I thought Ella would like to be here a few days, then leave.”
Ella said: “David has made me feel so comfortable here – he’s absolutely the best housemate I’ve ever had.
“We’re never at each other’s feet – we like to go places and do things together.
“I started out as a backpacker – but I have a lifelong friend in David.”
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Image Source : nypost.com
