SHOWHOMES in 2016 often tempt potential buyers with the latest gadgets, but it isn’t a new marketing ploy.

Only the gadgets change or are updated.

In 1933 the Adver ran a photograph of a house in Swindon’s Marlborough Road, which had been officially opened by the mayor, WR Robins.

The house was conceived and fitted out by the General Electricity Company Ltd and several local contractors.

We said: “Designed on modern labour-saving lines it is tastefully decorated and furnished, and fitted with all the latest electrical appliances.

“Simplicity of control is the keynote of the exhibition, everything from the most modern cooker to a tiny bed warmer being worked by a switch.

“An electric chiming clock and original lighting effects greet the visitor as she enters the dining room, a symphony in warm creams and red, furnished in dark oak with one of the very newest patented ‘Majik’ dining tables, low bookcases and elastic spring-upholstered chairs.

“Here an electric sewing machine is demonstrated, while modern electric fires and lighting arrangements add a pleasing warmth and light to the scene.”

One of the bedrooms had a pink theme with “original electric candelabras introduced on the modern dressing table.”

The article was clearly written to appeal to women; in that period the home was still very much regarded as a woman’s domain.

Turning our attention elsewhere in the house, we added: “The bathroom, in soft greens and white, is fitted with a special electrical hot water system, electrical towel rail and a variety of novelty gadgets such as electric hair curlers, a shaving mirror which cannot be dimmed by steam, an electrical stimulator for massage, a sunray lamp and an electrical vibrator.”

The latter was a muscle-toning exercise belt of the type later seen in Carry on Films.

The kitchen was also full of electrical appliances, and there was also vacuum cleaner, an immersion heater and even electric saucepans. In the garage an electric car heater prevented the engine of the family saloon from freezing.

Anybody with misgivings over the cost of running the gadgets was reassured that electricity would only become cheaper as more of it was used.