One girls DIY restoration of a cottage.

As far as possible we, me and MeWally, want an old age with low, or no, utility bills. We also happen to be stingey with money and will make as much eco stuff as we can and build it all into our tiny house.

So we'll have a comfortable home that's cheap to make and to run. RESULT!!

Sunday 8 February 2015

Fire Basket - Jan - Feb 2015

We have this horrible arrangement for our fire tools.
It's a small ash tray.


We fancy something that will do the job and compliment our woodburner.
As you can see our JOTUL has arches in front of the glass panel in the door.
It had to be made for us as we had an idea in mind.
It will have to be made for us as we had this idea in mind.

It'll be made of wrought iron. 

It'll be made by Lizzie Whyte who can be found on the 4th Saturday of the month at Nailsworth Farmers Market.

We can't wait.

Bathroom - Feb 2015

Everything on the middle floor has been piled up in 1 room and covered up.

We've made a start on our bathroom.

On the left, cotswold stone wall, repointed. Limewash to finish. On the right, original tongue and groove partition, will be restored and painted. Currently revealed and cleaned.Next week, the end wall will have a window put in and it'll then be insulated, services run there, instead of under the floor, and, finally, plastered.

2 Coats of limewash will transform this patchwork wall into a sea of cream.

While we're at it we checked the run of the water pipe through the middle floor. We had a rough idea but want to be certain. We also wanted to check on the condition of the floor joists and under boards. The palce has be treated against woodworm, but .... is it still active?
We needed answers.

These old boards date from when the place was a farm building. They're fabulously wide, but probably not worth salvaging.
Thankfully the floor joists look pretty sound.
Loving insecticide
!!

We mocked up the new bath and sink, moving them around until the layout pleased the eye. 
A plan drawing doesn't take into account the rising sweep of the bath, which needs consideration so that the right effect's achieved as people walk through the (non-existent) door.

The old bathroom-less stylish. The new one, no bigger, but far nicer. The alterations will be well worth it.

National Renovation and Self Build Centre Show - Jan 2015

We headed off to the National Renovation and Self Build Centre exhibition in Swindon. Lots to see and professionals to talk to.

The cost?
Same as last time....
NOTHING!
What a bargain.

The following is a bunch of stuff that interested me. I doubt you'll be too fascinated though.