On the Spring Equinox we were delighted to finally complete on our this stunning 200 year old homestead. It is going to take some serious work to get it where we want it, but it offers us so much opportunity to realise our dreams.
The first few weeks have been very busy, clearing out rotted beams and old blown plaster walls. There is amazingly, no damp issues really, considering the house has not been lived in for a long time, but there is extensive woodworm that needs spraying. We really are taking the house back to the bones, whilst retaining as many of the original features as we can. Our plans are to honour the cottage with sympathetic renovation and I can’t wait to see how it develops.
Of course Alfie has been getting involved as much as possible too, and where possible, and safe to do so, we let him join in as this is his home as much as ours. We need all the basics of the house before winter sets back in, but we have the long drawn out summer ahead of us with a lot of daylight hours so we have a good amount of time to progress.
Most of the work can be done by ourselves which is the main reason we are able to achieve our goals with this property. We don’t have an endless supply of cash, so intuitive thinking, creativity, and a good lump of hard work will be the answer to achieving our plans. We have previously flipped two small houses to get to this point, so it does feel a little less intimidating this time round.
Of course there will be a new aviary to build for Fable too, and she is going to have so much fun with all the open space to explore during her free flying sessions – as long as she doesn’t fall out with the local ravens and birds of prey that are around!
One of our first jobs was to plant a beautiful rowan tree that was gifted to us. In Scottish folklore, rowan trees are associated with protection and good luck – particularly against evil spirits and witches. They were often planted near homes and livestock and it seems like a special and symbolic way to start our life here. We have plans to plant further trees here too, giving back to the place we will soon be living in.
We’re so excited to share this new journey with you. I’m sure there are going to be plenty of highs and lows along the way but with plenty of reward too!
– Amy
Good luck, stay healthy.