This time last year we were still up to our ears in building work. We were opening up the back of the house – replacing an old conservatory with a new kitchen-dining room. This project involved somewhat hair-raising deliveries of construction materials into our front garden. As you can see, access on our street is challenging for large trucks, and it gets worse beyond our house. The only way out is backwards.
Also during such operations, the entire carriageway was blocked. So I was mightily impressed by the high-techery involved in this particular delivery – all executed ‘remotely’ by the driver with a natty little gizmo hung round his neck. Watching him was anyway a welcome distraction from watching what was happening at the back of the house.
It was July when we turned the existing sitting-room cum galley kitchen…
…into this:
The big ‘knocking through’ event. The dust cloud was horrendous. And the steel beam insertion somewhat mind boggling.
At this stage, the structural work on the new kitchen beyond the opening was nearing completion, and the old galley kitchen was about to be re-worked and closed off to make a utility room with cloakroom.
Super builder Alan eased the transition by setting up a make-do sink plus the cooker in the new kitchen where we planned to camp out until the arrival of the kitchen units in mid-August. Meanwhile, all the new kitchen window and door spaces were encased in black plastic, while we also waited for the actual windows and double doors. It was all strangely cavernous. It was also raining a lot, and there were concerns over leakage.
Then came the lantern roof-light, doors and windows (the kitchen’s footprint was dictated by the space occupied by the erstwhile old conservatory – not ideal but do-able and the plans drawn up by Bishop’s Castle architectural designer Henry Beddoes):
And there was light:
*
And then came the solid wood kitchen drawers and cupboards made by local cabinet makers Shepherd Hills:
And yes, I know – it’s all very quirky, mostly evolved as we went along.
And after the kitchen, there was/is still more to do, especially the small terrace area at the back door. Outside views to follow.
#SimplyRed Day 7 Becky concludes the first week of SQUARES in fine style on the high seas. Three weeks left to post red themed photos; the header must be SQUARE.
#Squares
All worthwhile. I’d love to revamp my kitchen but the OH hates disturbance and mess. I think our next house has to be a new build!
There’s much to be said for a new build. And I’m with OH as to mess and disturbance. I rather dragged my heels when it came to our building work. Shed-building-man provided most of the momentum, and then the builder was so brilliant, and between them they forged ahead while I did a lot of hiding.
A good builder is very necessary. We had a wonderful young man working on our Shrewsbury house, he had a good team of mates to help. But, yes, lots of mess and dust.
You do need a builder who can command and rein in the other trades.
Lovely job and smashing workmanship. Well worth the inconvenience, I’m sure.
Unfortunate we were unable pop by for a cuppa on our drive to France last year.
😊
By the way… the name of your builder, Alan, is the same as the chap who builds for Jeremy Clarkson.
Coincidence?
Our Alan is tall and thin! Jeremy’s Alan certainly gets cracking on some v. difficult projects. Always admire a chap who can problem solve on the hoof which appears to be true of both Alans.
Saw Clarkson on the telly yesterday at Silverstone. My goodness, never mind gray, he has gone white!
And.. Whoosh… There goes another decade!
Yes, it’s all v. disquieting – other people growing old 🙂
“.. other people” 🤣
Thought you’d like that 🙂
Funny how we never think of ourselves getting older?
On occasion I still find myself saying something like: “I saw this elderly person at the supermarket blah blah…” and then stop abruptly… and sigh.
I know that moment too…
What a project Tish, but you lived through it–and the result is beautiful!
Thank you, Anne for v. nice comment.
It must have been challenging to live through this period of chaos, but the result seems well worth it 🙂
Yes, more sensible people might have moved out…
But that adds a lot to the expense …
Yes. And it also has complications.
Well what a result, wonderful workmanship!
Thanks, Sue. Our kitchen units are v. plain, but when you open them, they are exquisitely made.
I’ve really enjoyed following the transitioning(!) Tish – heart warming to see the kitchen complete not least the touches of colour and the glass fronted cabinet
Thank you, Laura. Nice to think you’ve visited if only virtually.
Get that kettle on, Tish! We’re all coming round xx
Now that would be very lovely, Jo.
And I’m needing a pep talk to paint the guest room. This is an impressive undertaking! Just wondering—is that an IKEA chair?
Yes, a trusty Poang chair. They seem to feature in millions of homes here.
Mine has become my office. Great look and value.
Ours have had several changes of cushions over the years, which is also great value.
Really interesting I wonder how they could’ve managed in the “olden days” without all the high-techery they now have. My eyes were drawn to that lovely red themed art work, very appropriate for this challenge
I suppose it comes down to more people being employed to do a job. Now technology is replacing man-power. Is this altogether wise one asks oneself.
🤔🥴
I love the original brick wall and how open the space now feels. It might be interesting getting used to a sink that didn’t face a window but overall you’ve got lots of counter space. The Skylight window is fabulous and really must open up the other rooms as well in regards to light. Love it. Well done!!
Many thanks, Bernie. All praise gratefully accepted. But yes, that blank wall behind the sink isn’t ideal. It is right on the boundary with someone else’s land so there were planning limitations. Now it’s used as a gallery for other half’s black & white photos. And he does the washing up!
once you get to this glorious stage the pain is well worth it – but feeling for you in the hiding away stage. I still have more to do at mine, but we’re getting there.
Good to hear you’re making progress. I think the problem is once one pitches in, the more you find to do.