Yes it has all started...
Only one day after I got the keys, I have enlisted all to help me get started...
Little Miss loves painting...
I did say I was ripping of all the old 70's timber panellingbut that was until some disappointment set in....
The walls behind it were crumbling beyond repair...
Really bad even for me...Who is very big on the whole
"It will be alright,We just need to slap some paint on"...
Oh well maybe down the track I can put up some plasterboard...
Now I have a few more pics...
The laundry a bit tidier than the last photo...
The well...Yes you did hear right!!!
We have a well...
Mind you covering it up properly was the first job before anything
It is really deep and all hand laid...
How amazing...
But my stress levels can not cope very well with the idea
of very deep holes and kids safety...
So it is now all covered and I feel much better about it...
And now for the stove...Oh I really can't wait for winter...
To have this going and a huge pot of stew boiling away...
Now I do know it all looks a bit scary just now...Lots of work and really not enough
kids free time to do it...
But that is life and things like that will never change...
So I just let them try and help out as much as possible
and make them feel like it is all a great adventure...
I do worry that I really took on more than I can manage...
and hope that it is all for the best...
Do you feel like that too some days, dear friend...
I am sure you do...
So for now you will be finding me up a ladder most days...
But know that I am still thinking of you and hope your
Christmas Holidays are full of happiness and maybe a few new adventures just like me...
Loving The Vintage...
G'day Michelle
ReplyDeleteKeep wearing a happy smile & it will all workout & the kids will just love their new home especially when they have 'done' all the work... you do realise how kids are... ha ha
What a fabulous stove... you should be able to make wonderful sponges in that oven... & as for the well... I can understand your apprehension & wanting to get it covered as quickily as possible but what a treasure it is... looks like it could be hand-made bricks as well... you will have a wonderful well if there is anyone who can put a proper top on it... Ohhh all so exciting... Have a wonderful Christmas - lunch in the garden of River Cottage would be just so grand I feel... Bethel
Wow, looks totally amazing! I hope the painting and fixing goes well and quick, so you can get to the fun part, making it yours. That well would scare me to...with little ones that go wandering. Happy Holidays to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteWhat an adventure indeed. It must be so exciting to be able to put your own stamp on a little bit of history.
ReplyDeleteMy advice is to leave the timber panelling in place and buy a really good sealer/primer/undercoat and then just paint it. The grooves in the panelling actually give a really nice homely effect.
You're going to have so much fun over summer!
If only I could beam myself over and lend you a hand. I imagine it is quite daunting when you step back and really look at all the work ahead. But, if you are like me, you will have moments of being overwhelmed and then you must walk outside and paint a picture in your mind of that lovely garden...take a deep breath. Then you will know that you can carry on, doing what you can - when you can. Pieces at a time and it will start to come together. There will be sweat and tears perhaps but, also pride and joy...and a home.
ReplyDeleteYou are a brave and creative woman my dear, and I know that you are quite capable of making magic happen. It will be beautiful and your spirit will fill the place with wonder.
I wish you and your sweet family the most joyful of holidays! Take care.
You've got a well??
ReplyDeleteIs there water in it?
I couldn't face peeling the wallpaper off our walls - so I just painted over it (everybody told me not to!) and it looks great.
It only feels like you've bitten off more than you can chew coz you are at the beginning.
Remember to take lots of "before" photos, so when you are further down the track you can look back and feel proud of how far you have come.
That is how we started here 23 years ago! And it all looks lovely now - and it's much more fun to do it yourself - the house becomes part of you and you part of the house. Have a very happy Christmas!
ReplyDeletePomona x
I can't tell you how envious I am! This is something i dream about, but my other half hates DIY and won't consider anything that needs more than a lick of paint. The cottage looks fab. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteWow, and wow again! I love that stove, and the pot beside it. You're living in an episode of The Good Life (the one where they do a lot of hard work but finish up very satisfied, warming their feet in front of their beautiful wood stove). Congratulations and very best of luck!
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