A House Called Awful End by Philip Ardagh

First book in the Eddie Dickens trilogy.

From the author's website:
When both Eddie Dickens's parents catch a disease that makes them turn yellow, go a bit crinkly around the edges, and smell of hot water bottles, it's agreed he should go and stay with relatives at their house, Awful End.

Also from his website (as I think it will help illustrate the tone of this book):
Philip Ardagh is over 6 feet 7 inches tall with a big bushy beard. Not only is he very large and very hairy, but he has also written more than sixty children's books for all ages.