“Gloriously Ramshackle”

slates on utility room roofComing back from Tai Chi Caledonia was as exciting as expected. Still on a high, I found that John had just about got all the floors down, Merry Mick had finished the utility roof and architect Chris had been for a visit without throwing up his hands in horror. He pronounced the house ‘gloriously ramshackle’ referring (we think!) to the patches of polythene and tarpaulin over the windows.

It’s true, the house does look a bit like a well loved teddy bear with sticking plaster all over it. Chris went round checking on the structural bits and seemed generally pleased with everything.

claddingThe weather hadn’t been great but John was able to get the cladding on the south and west gables when it was fine and work indoors on the floors when it wasn’t.

living roomWhat a difference it makes being able to walk around the house. Well, it would be nice, but there are piles of left over materials and tools everywhere. What I have been missed for is clearly my obsession with going around clearing up!

diffuthermAnother week has seen some low level cladding on the north gable but we have run out now and are awaiting fresh stocks. The diffutherm is also on the three places which are going to be rendered . It is awful stuff to work with. Despite being chunky and going up quickly, it is very fragile and easily damaged. We also seem to have bought too much and at £37 a sheet that isn’t very clever. Still, it will not be wasted as it is excellent insulation. Mick and Mitch are working steadily on the slating which is looking really good with the cladding and another week could see a start on the south roof. 

gooseberriesWeeds, weeds, weeds. Chickweed and buttercups have taken over the potatoes and onions and reeds and grass have taken over everywhere else. My poor willow maze is swamped. However, the gooseberries are tasty and the apple trees are recovering from the deer.

We have all the drains and inspection chambers and things ready for when Ali finishes silage making and comes to install the septic tank. This is one of our areas of compromise as the complexity and expense of using clay drains defeated us and we have just bought nasty plastic. (Sorry!)

2 thoughts on ““Gloriously Ramshackle””

  1. We all have to make compromises somewhere – at least it’s hidden in the ground. Seems like everything is coming on at a pace and you’ll be watertight by winter! Cladding looks lovely. Looking forward to seeing it in person. We’ll be up at the Caravan the week beginning 25th August so pop round for a cuppa at ours if you’re free.
    Ali

  2. I think you are even ‘greener’ than Chris so it’s good to be forgiven for the plastic pipe. Will be great to see you again.

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