A devastating termite invasion has left Alyssa Adams, an artist in the Seychelles, with a crumbling home. These tiny creatures, belonging to the Rhinotermitidae family, had a six-year feast on her house, creating intricate tunnel systems within the walls. Alyssa's unique home, built from four Greek columns at the bottom of her parents' garden, has now become a battleground against these pests.
Alyssa's father, the renowned artist Michael Adams, received an MBE for his contributions to the arts in the Seychelles. The family's journey to the Seychelles began in 1972, and Alyssa, born and raised there, returned at 25 to build her dream home. Little did she know, the pine used for construction, though treated, would become a termite haven.
The termites' destruction was gradual but relentless. Alyssa's art studio, perched atop the house, was the first to go. The pine used for the living quarters below was different, but even that couldn't withstand the termites' appetite. Alyssa and her family, including her 15-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter, are now cramped on one floor, with the termites literally eating their home from the top down.
But here's where it gets controversial: the insurance company refused to cover the termite damage. Alyssa, mortgage-free, is now facing significant costs to rebuild. She's determined to get it right this time, as she wants to live in this inspiring place forever. The Seychelles, with its giant tortoises, beautiful beaches, and Alyssa's parents nearby, is a dream location.
Alyssa's art, influenced by her surroundings, reflects the beauty of the Seychelles. She studied at Kingston University and the Chelsea College of Arts, and learning from her father, a fellow painter, is a privilege. Painting in this landscape is her passion, but the termite invasion has become an unwelcome distraction.
The builders are now reconstructing the home in the traditional Seychelles style, a far cry from English building standards. A metal frame now encases the old house, treated with non-rust paint. With rising water levels and the ever-present threat of termites, building in the Seychelles comes with unique challenges.
Alyssa's parents, Michael and Heather, live in a 250-year-old Creole house made of local cedarwood at the top of the garden. Their home, too, has termites, but the destruction is slower due to the cedar. Many houses around them have fallen victim to termites and been replaced with concrete "block houses."
Alyssa's journey is a testament to resilience and the power of art. She's determined to rebuild and continue her artistic journey in the Seychelles, termite-free this time around. Will she succeed? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: Alyssa's story is a reminder that sometimes, even in paradise, challenges can arise.
