It has been hard work, but we are open, at last! We have been burning the midnight oil. It is amazing how long it takes to do the finishing touches. Once the woodwork has been done, skirting board, dado, picture rail and architrave, there is more painting to be done, as in 'cutting-in'! However, once the painting is done, the curtains up and the carpet down, then its the dressing of the room, which also takes time as it has to be right! Our first guests have been, stayed four nights and, I believe, went home very happy! We enjoyed oursleves too!

July '08

The house has not been lived in for over twenty years, so there is a lot of damage to the woodwork, and the clay lump. Over the years many layers of cement, concrete and render have been added to the original lime plaster. In many places this has 'blown', come away,  from the clay lump. This has left us with no alternative but to remove all the layers, dry out the clay lump and start again.

This month we have had a carpenter round to replace the rotten wood on the window frames. Then we can get the lead lights mended and put back into the new frames. Water tight and wind tight, what an experience.

One of the chickens went broody. So we sat her on another chicken's eggs to hatch. We have two fluffy chicks!

July '09

How time flies! We haven't quite made our, sorry, my Summer deadline! However, we are almost there! We should have the Edwardian Suite ready by the middle of August! It is looking great already. There has been a delay with the front entrance, however the back door through the kitchen works and nearer to the room!

The external paintwork is almost finished and looking fantastic! The new flower beds look good - well the bees and butterflies think so! We also have nine more chicks, growing fast, and two beautiful Silkies!

All rooms have now been re-plastered, just waiting for them to dry out and then we can weald the paintbrush!

February '10

Before we know it Easter will be here. Already we have had a few spring days. I heard two Sky Larks last week, while walking Holly round the fields and the snowdrops are up and in flower. I even have blossom on the Chilli Pepper plants, though they are on a sunny window ledge.

Finally the Edwardian Suite is now available to our guests. The family have already been up, sampled the goods and left complimentary comments! We have filled in our paperwork to be given a grade - so watch this space.

As soon as the garage has had it's roof tiled and the front door is on it's hinges we will finish the additional two bedrooms. We have decided to take our time and do a good job. It will be worth the wait. Although we will miss 'my' Easter deadline, we will be in time for the Summer! Hopefully by June. In the meantime we will be able to give our undivided attention to our guests who book into the Edwardian Suite. We have decided to offer complimentary Cream Teas on arrival.