Sunday, 17 May 2015

Less of a barn - more of a home




Despite there still being a lot to do we have, at last, managed to introduce some personal finishing touches, clean and tidy so it feels more homely.






We have to be patient while our poor electrician recovers but have made things safe by fixing loose switches back to the wall and hanging the kitchen hood although the extraction flue is outstanding.




We have raided Dunelm again and the Morning Room is complete apart from some gloss work and the kitchen doors. Upstairs is virtually complete and we can sit in comfort and listen to the brilliant sound system or watch films.





We have enjoyed Dai's company as our first visitor but he now has felt well enough to return home.










We have been able to have some fun in putting up a few bits of "Object D'art" around the place, exploiting some of the features and, very enthusiastically, looking forward to another impending visit.






With the concentration on improving the inside very little has occurred in the garden and that might become the next major project.







Wednesday, 13 May 2015

Safety first?




Simon is really pressing ahead with the second fix joinery with architraves and skirting boards appearing everywhere. The down side is that this results in an awful lot of outstanding decorating.




We did discover the error of leaving windows open while Swallows are revisiting their old haunts and consequently leave messages on our newly painted walls. The previously aquired insect screens will have to be brought into use (thanks, Alison).


The glass balustrade has arrived and brought into the house by an unusual route. It is now installed and we are really pleased with the light, airy protection to the stairwell. We are, finally, protected from falling down the opening from inattention.


Similarly, Andrew has installed the Juliet Balcony (how romantic!) to the hay loft door/window. This was a challenge requiring ten fixings into the granite. Amazingly he only burnt out one drill bit and the balcony has not fallen down yet.


Our poor electrician has suffered a serious injury and is, currently, unable to finish the last few jobs. He has provided us with the screws necessary to fix back the last plates so, once we have done this, it will be safe for a visit from Jackson.



We have enjoyed all sorts of wild life visitation including woodpeckers, herons, deer, squirrels (greys - hmmm), yellowhammers et al but today's visitors were unexpected. Now restored to their rightful owners.


Saturday, 9 May 2015

Quite quiet but some finishing

A concentration on trying to finish some things off but fairly unsuccessful.





The morning room is almost complete and we are now able to sit at a table to eat our meals. The AGA is still not functioning properly but, at least, we are able to cook on it and it keeps the kitchen toasty warm.



Sad to report that Dai has been unwell and has been in hospital. He was discharged today and has taken up our offer to stay at Cinder Beck. So the "silver lining" is that we have achieved our wish of him being our first overnight stay and we can bring the Visitor's Book into action.




However this has meant that we had to get on and complete the double room, oil the doors and generally tidy up so this has been a result.







The beds for Jackson's room finally arrived and fit nicely but at the moment it's still being used as a bit of a dump room.


Tuesday, 5 May 2015

Stuff just doesn't happen

The beds didn't arrive, the electrician hasn't sorted the AGA, or fixed the lighting, we can't get the information necessary to apply for our "Feed In Tarrif" so we're not getting paid for the electricity we generate and we can't get the bank to provide evidence that we exist so we are not getting paid our entitlement for the "Renewable Heat Incentive". So, we've done our bit by paying out an enormous amount of money and nobody else does their job and we cannot get our entitlements.

Rant out of the way.

There is an exception. Simon, the joiner, continues to be completely reliable and maintains his highest quality. He has laid three quarters of the wood floor to the Morning Room (Dining Room but you'll get used to it!). It looks brilliant and feels so warm.





Despite being a week late the carpet is laid in Jackson's room, the furniture is in and we have fixed up his TV. This completes all of the carpeting.

Once we manage to fit curtains and doors (particularly to the bathroom) we might be fit to welcome visitors.



On the subject of TVs we have some. Andrew has had his way and we have the most ridiculously expensive one in the Drawing Room (Lounge but you'll get used to it) together with an amazing sound system. No wires and he loves it.





The garden is looking tidy but bare although the views are as breathtaking as ever.