A Series of Pictorial Up-Dates, no. 1

We have made such a lot of progress from the very ‘low base’ that was the house when we first acquired it that I think it might be worth giving you the contrasts between then and now. So what is below is a series of linked posts showing just this. It has to be said, though, that there is in all cases a deal of finishing work to be done – painting, putting in skirting-boards and architraves, etc, etc. But it is comfortable and most importantly given the onset of winter and colder weather wind- and water-tight.

In this post you can see the difference between what the salon/sitting room used to be like and the situation now. In the first pictures you should be able to see the damage wrought by the collapsed part of the roof and the large crack in the wall in one place. And then the position as we now enjoy it.

Just remember the hard work, time and money that’s gone into achieving this, we do!!

A Series of Pictorial Up-Dates, no. 2

In this set you can the difference in what is for the moment the kitchen/dining room.

As with all the areas in this part of the house the fact that the roof had collapsed in several places caused a great deal of damage. But this room seems to have been used as a store/wine cellar and was therefore not particularly well looked after even when the house was occupied.

The room is being used as a kitchen/diner only until we can get to work on the second half of the house and create the proper kitchen and separate dining room. Once that has happened this room will revert to being a cosy sitting room/study/music room.

A Series of Pictorial Up-Dates, no. 3

And in this set the change is from very badly damaged bedrooms and sitting rooms to the principal entrance-way into the house. The area is virtually unrecognisable from how it used to be and provides a splendid, welcoming entrance.

A Series of Pictorial Up-Dates, no. 4

And the external position of the house. We will eventually have the walls at the front, the side and part of the back covered in a new coat of crepié. But I have spent time ensuring that the existing covering is complete and gives a weather-proof covering. It also makes the house look a little less ‘shabby’!

A Series of Pictorial Up-Dates, no. 5

Just for completeness here’s the position on the field which was covered in the material taken from the back of the house. We have spent some time removing a great many pebbles/stones from it, though that is far from complete - look back to July 2008 to see how it was. It is green only because vegetation has grown back of its own accord. But you may be able to see that we have now planted nine fruit trees at the far end to create a small orchard. We hope that in the not too distant future we shall be able to pick our own fruit whilst relaxing in the shadow of the trees!