July update

The refurbishment is now well underway with several activities being carried out simultaneously, downstairs, the kitchen diner is almost completely stripped out and ready for re-plastering, we have yet to decide upon the final location for the new cable runs and additional electrical sockets, also a gas feed has to be installed for the cooker before we can get the floor sorted out.

I think that we can say "Fortunately at this stage" the recent deluge has found it`s way into the building, from what I can see so far the rain water appears to be from an overflowing gutter which is finding it`s way down the exterior wall and then probably entering the building via the stone lintel above the window, when the rain subsides I will make this a priority for correction, there are other old wooden gutters which require attention as these can also be seen to either be leaking or blocked, anyone got a long ladder and not afraid to climb it?

The living room walls have been stripped of all the old wood chip, not an easy task for her ladyship but she has persevered and patiently completed the task admirably, having the correct stripping tools, steamers and a suitable portable scaffolding unit have been essential for this work. Again cable runs need deciding upon for the required wall lights and additional electrical sockets in this room, I have been advised that the best course of action might be to run the cable down the walls and under the floorboards, not decided yet!
The high ceilings are papered over and require preparation, we can either strip the paper (hard work?)or board over, again another dilemma! A good few weekends are probably required before we can get the plasterer in.
One unknown aspect of the living room is the fireplace, it is currently boxed in and has yet to be revealed, hopefully there will be a fully functioning fire place behind that can be restored and utilised, During June we visited the excellent Hearth and Fire exhibition Harrogate aided by the trusty pack mules we came away with loads of relevant information and new ideas for consideration, high on the list at this time is a contemporary log burner, if we find an existing fireplace to be missing.