Michael and Teresa Lye did try to tame the Virginia creeper when they first moved into their home in southeast London, nearly four decades ago. But over the years, they have simply stopped trying and are now content to let it grow, asking a relative over infrequently to prune the leaves covering the windows.

The plant, also known as five-leaved ivy, is somewhat of a local attraction—with people regularly stopping to take photos.

But the pair says it has a practical purpose too—keeping the house warm in the winter. Michael Lye, 75, said: “We think it acts as natural insulation. But I am still dreading my gas and electricity bill coming.”

Teresa Lye, 72, added: “This room is nice and warm. Go in any of the rooms—it’s warm. That’s why we’ve got a fan in here. In the winter we are toasty.”

“My daughter comes up and says, “You got the heating on?” I say, “No, of course we haven’t got the heating on,”” she said.

The parents of five and grandparents of 25 bought the semi-detached property for £24,000 in 1984. It is located on an estate in the Downham area, which they say dates back to 1928 and was opened by royalty.

When the couple viewed the house decades later, the plant was running amok and had even made its way inside. Michael Lye, who worked in social housing, said: “A monarch opened the estate. I can’t remember which one. And they said, “These houses would look lovely with Virginia creeper on them.””

So the council started to plant it on all the houses. Most people moved in and got rid of it.

“It had grown in one bedroom, where they [vandals] had broken the windows. When we viewed it, I said, “Oh.” You walked into the room, and it was right across the ceiling and down the walls. And they said, “No, we’re going to clear all that. We’re going to paint the window, we’re going to decorate,”” said Teresa Lye.

Pictures of the house often make their way onto community Facebook groups, where people speak fondly of the local landmark. Michael Lye added: “Every week, somebody will stop. If you watch the cars pulling up because of the lights, you can see them doing [makes photo gesture].”

Produced in association with SWNS.

This story was provided to Newsweek by Zenger News.