John Cartmell wrote:
In article ,
ben wrote:
John Cartmell wrote:
[snip]
The house might have caught fire at sometime before she bought it,
and the walls might have just been painted over?

Don't think so. The smell wasn't there a few weeks ago but has been
quite clear for the last few mornings - and daughter reckons it is
tobacco. There are no signs of there having been a fire.

It might only appear at humid conditions? there won't be any signs of house
being on fire if the job was well done to cover up the signs?

Other possibility knock next door and ask does anyone smoke in that house,
heavily.

A ghost. :-)