Kitschin Corner

The latest before and afters from Appletree Cottage. I wanted more surface space and something to disguise an ugly washing machine and tumble dryer. So, propped up by one of our old beams (recycling galore!) - Karl put in a sturdy work-top. Then I made some curtains out of remnants - and hey presto - a country cottage corner that hides a myraid of sins! Still waiting for a dishwasher though - - oh hang on - that's me.


Before




After


TTFN

Fleur

Up a Ladder or Creek - unsure?

Before we start - my Mum said I should have shown a wider angle of the living room in my last post- so always doing as Mummy says - here is one. What do you think?

Look at the slate state of that roof!

Well this week has all been about the roof (or lack of it). Fed up of being dripped on as we descended the stairs for breakfast every morning, Karl put off the inevitable and brought out the ladder. our next-door neighbours gave us some old slates (bless 'em) and Karl bought relevant mending bits (no idea what, on a need to know basis only).

However, the tiles that needed replacing were in a very awkward space and even Karl showed his nervous side about going up there.

"I need some weight on the bottom of the ladder - you'll have to sit on it....please" my husband dared to ask.

Me at base of ladder lending my 'weight'.

"Are you honestly taking pictures for your blog right now?"

"Are you saying I'm fat?" I asked.
Long conversation ensued.

My weight worked - Karl did not have a ladder fly from under his feet and the job is now done.
We shall see how well at the next rain fall? However, as we do not have a shower yet (ahem) - perhaps I should embrace the trickle of fresh rain water I get in the morning.

TTFN

Fleur

xxx

The Kitchen

Did I mention we move into this house in 3 weeks time?

Kitchen 1
Kitchen 1

Appletree Cottage was formerly two cottages, which we are going to knock together, although there is an internal door from Kitchen 1 into Kitchen 2.

Kitchen 2. Internal door to Kitchen 1.
Kitchen 2.
Kitchen Sink 2.
Kitchen Sink 2 GONE!

The ceilings are incredibly low and so we have decided to lower the floors by about 8 inches (20cm) We are praying that the foundations are deep enough!

Need more head room!!!!

This will be taking up most of our budget, so much of the work has to be done by us. This meant Karl had three days this week to knock all the kitchen units out, remove the cookers and take out the sinks before our builders arrived to knock down the internal walls, creating one big kitchen.

Bye Bye old Cooker.

It's been really, very hard work (for him!) and he has been leaving our rented home at 5amish to put a few hours in before going to his paid job!

On the 5th day the builders arrived and began taking down the dividing wall- which was very successful. I can see now just how big a kitchen I will have (yay) enough room even for a table to feed the children.Kitchens knocked Together.

It has however left us with a delightful decision to make!

Feature Wall?Keep it?

The builders left part of the dividing wall, (can you see the one with the radiator and vertical beams?) as they weren't sure whether we wanted to keep it or not? The large vertical beam you can see has to stay as it supports the ceiling, but we hadn't intended to keep anything else there - but now, I'm wondering whether it looks pretty (don't laugh!) - or - is it going to get in the way? Really.....what do you think. Oh and no pressure I have to decide in the next couple of days.

We have met the neighbours who seem lovely, which is a huge relief (you can't chose your neighbours!). This week my to do list is....

1. Confirm my children have a school to go to!
2. Sort carpets and lino for entire house.
3. Buy a front door (long story)
4. Buy a bathroom (even longer)
5. Be a Mum and do some paid work.

So there we have it ! Week 1 at Appletree Cottage and I am thoroughly exhausted - yes.....I have been working too, but that's another post! But I feel on top of the world...I am living my dream!

TTFN

Fleur
xxx