tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43323667613417070872012-03-01T14:39:10.763ZBuying and converting a barn in Cornwall.Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.comBlogger721100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-89213551788997079742012-02-19T22:40:00.007Z2012-03-01T14:39:10.790Z

We've had an amazing few days planting trees with 51 people 2 dogs and 1 field mouse. Long days preparing breakfasts, planting trees, guarding, staking, cooking soup and eating cakes made by kind friends and family. We ate a circus pig, cooked hot-dogs and had home-made apple crumble. I think everyone enjoyed catching up with old friends and getting to know new friends while sharing food and

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-11367429436897965962012-02-19T21:28:00.002Z2012-02-19T21:35:57.333Z

Our day started with a call from the neighbour, sheep were in the front garden eating the lawn. Shortly after we had another neighbour, the owner of the sheep, call round to collect them. Sheep in the garden  After that we had a call with the designers of our heating system who are trying to help us tweak and optimise our system. This all left us late for the arrival of Malcolm from the

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-28796098904584852762012-02-02T18:15:00.003Z2012-02-02T18:17:35.112Z

As you may know we've been talking about planting a woodland for some time and, having got ourselves organised, we'll be doing it from Friday 10th to Sunday 19th February. With the help of the Woodland Trust we have lots of trees (2400), canes, stakes and guards being delivered on Friday 10th.  Before this, our friend from the Woodland Trust, Malcolm, will help us mark out our woodland planting

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-88829158494412624372012-01-11T21:19:00.001Z2012-01-11T21:20:16.106Z

It's January and the solar thermal pump started working! Woohoo, that's free energy folks... I've been burning wood at a rate that is causing me distress. We've nearly used up one load of wood this winter and we'll soon be eating into the second load... but on a sunny day we can hold fire on lighting the err, fire until well into the afternoon when the sun is close to setting. Morning sun

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-52423538592212684062011-12-01T15:26:00.001Z2011-12-07T23:38:50.358Z

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-56759132708880026922011-10-26T15:42:00.001+01:002011-10-26T15:54:44.781+01:00

I'm loving the mornings as we move through autumn into winter, sunshine floods straight in to the barn giving a delicious natural warmth. The sun combined with heat from the wood burner soon creates the perfect temperature. We're yet to get our underfloor heating system working so fingers crossed this will add some extra heat when the the nights draw-in further and the icy conditions set in.

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-40962791150249842682011-10-25T12:02:00.001+01:002011-10-25T12:47:25.098+01:00

We're in the process of applying to be part of the MOREwoods tree planting scheme run by the Woodland Trust. The idea behind the scheme is to encourage people to plant native woodland tree species. We've had a site visit by the Woodland Trust and while we're close to the sea the number and variety of species already growing in our hedgerows indicate that we can plant numerous native species on

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-91229598042850964652011-09-28T22:42:00.000+01:002011-09-28T22:42:19.235+01:00

We've pretty much finished the build. After giving the blog a bit of consideration we've decided not to bother boring anyone with our choice of haberdashery etc. If you want to see where we're at with the finishing touches then you'll have to come and visit. I should caveat that by explaining that we're fairly relaxed with our progress on the finishing touches. We're still sitting at the caravan

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-73394703569538842032011-08-30T14:04:00.003+01:002011-09-14T23:25:29.115+01:00

As you may know the only heating we have is either from wood (stove with back-boiler) or solar thermal (hot water). With Autumn fast approaching seasoning and storing wood is a problem waiting to happen. We've even found that we've had to burn some wood on the coldest days in August so that we have hot water for the next day. So far I have made one small wood store with a slate roof, all of this

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-27988122257117003002011-08-17T21:31:00.001+01:002011-08-17T21:33:32.107+01:00

The veggie patch has been pumping out salad, herbs, beetroot, courgettes, spring onions and potatoes. Tomatoes and cucumber have just come on stream, cabbages are getting big, peas are done. Leeks are looking healthy, there is too much to mention. The docks in the grass are like a plague, we have a new weed plucker which means there's a lot of plucking to do. I'd better get on with it post-haste

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-22334644621908557522011-08-08T23:53:00.002+01:002011-08-17T21:10:31.472+01:00

 Here's a few more photos, they are taken with a mobile phone so unfortunately they aren't all that great but you get the idea of where we're at. I am sitting in one of the deckchairs as I write this. It's dark outside so anyone passing by can see me but i can't see them. Deck Chairs I can't wait for a sofa to arrive. Curtains or blinds would be good too although we ordered a sofa online so

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-48741076371794294732011-07-18T10:28:00.005+01:002011-07-18T23:18:54.280+01:00

Since the rise and flop of the cake party we've had loads of helpers recently. It started with Joe and Becs helping us build the frame for the greenhouse (although they arrived on the promise of us taking them mountain biking). Then the weekend after the Spring Groovers helped fit the glass. Bill n Meg came down the weekend of the cancelled cake party. They helped in the garden loads and even

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-10852888038275060892011-07-06T11:35:00.001+01:002011-07-06T11:41:25.572+01:00

 We have a couple of problems that we are working through. The cooker was sitting proud of the kitchen worktop. It felt like a petty quibble but it was bothering both Sally and I. Thankfully Stuart the builder and Paul the carpenter set to work on straightening everything out and also came up with a cool idea for the shelves on the back of the kitchen Island. Units being adjusted Cooker back

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-52170358500275332772011-07-06T10:52:00.000+01:002011-07-06T10:52:30.279+01:00

 I would argue that there are a few material items that mean you are on the road to becoming a fully growed up adult (did you see what i did there?). The first item is a pair of tongs for cooking i.e. turning-over hot items on a grill (rather than burning your fingers). The second item is quite obviously a greenhouse. We are now in a position, to one day soon, wander down to our new greenhouse,

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-59113516118119248322011-06-28T12:07:00.000+01:002011-06-28T12:07:31.285+01:00

Party postponed. No Cake... i repeat... No Cake available here on the 9th July (or hard work) We will still be in the area so no plotting to come down and raid our collection of dock weeds and thistles!! Sorry folks, xx

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-35680709075222642222011-06-24T17:38:00.001+01:002011-06-25T23:33:39.708+01:00

The slate worktop for the utility room arrived allowing Pete and Bruce to finish fitting cupboards and the washing machine. Unfortunately the pipe for the washing machine was a little short and as we're waiting for a replacement toilet to arrive from Victoria Plumb Bruce will be back on Monday to finish the installation.

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-18861606032435914142011-06-24T17:28:00.002+01:002011-06-25T23:39:19.953+01:00

My ability to finance this project in one way or another has to be attributed to glass and crystalline materials. When the quote came in to install glass on the stairs, landing and balcony it felt right to ignore the budget and and place the order. Heck yeah, my grandfather who co-founded an optical manufacturing company would have done exactly the same only he'd have ordered the solid gold

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-16209504797456340122011-06-24T17:01:00.000+01:002011-06-24T17:01:17.831+01:00

If you ever write a blog and you're anything like me you'll be doing it in a rush hence the lame titles for all my posts. Whilst this is a secret blog that nobody is really supposed to read (not even me, i only look at the photo's) it would appear that there is a colossal quantity of 17 'followers'!! This level of interest certainly adds weight to my creative responsibilities but rather than bow

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-81289817319024936912011-06-24T16:28:00.001+01:002011-06-24T21:42:30.566+01:00

We're still painting the interior, most of upstairs is complete, when it is we can have a tidy up and oil the floorboards. There is a tiny bit of electrical work to be done but after that upstairs will be finished. Sally working hard. Nothing like a coat of paint to freshen up the bathroom My ugly mug splatted with paint

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-47785645207015368082011-06-14T12:23:00.004+01:002011-06-14T21:12:51.058+01:00

Dear Friends & Family, This is an idea developed following last weekends introductory course on Permaculture. What's it all about you ask...? We are having a massive cake party. The cake is soooo big that you need to bring a garden fork in order to eat it (it's not a trick, honest, please bring one, seriously). At the cake party there will be some cool stuff to do like learning how to cut the

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-89692415695645813232011-06-14T12:00:00.000+01:002011-06-14T12:00:37.043+01:00

Lazy man's gardening apparently... We've signed up for a 12 month contract via Tesco.  More about this as we progress.

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-30192250777445926552011-05-31T17:46:00.000+01:002011-05-31T17:46:23.779+01:00

Sally helping me train for the local sprint triathlon Sally doing the Milkshake Dance UFH manifold is hidden behind panel Zinc frame Pretty much the finished item less some landscaping

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-74673169083643566912011-05-31T17:32:00.002+01:002011-06-24T17:43:16.212+01:00

The big news from the barn this week is that we have electricity connected to the main fuse board in the house rather than the temporary one that was in the garage. The electrical work in the house isn't finished yet, we still need to install light fittings but some of the plug sockets are working so I can listen to Radio 6 on the digital radio while i paint. Western Power installing the

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-44248769882216927642011-05-21T15:45:00.002+01:002011-05-21T16:26:58.315+01:00

We are yet to sow grass in the garden the main reasons for this I suppose would be time, timing and docks and nettles. It is right up there high on our to-do list, we're nearly ready to pounce on it. Sally has done an amazing job planting out seedlings with the help of Louise and Crumpet her Collie. The raised beds are full of compost and we're planting out seedlings as they become strong

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-48283789686642761012011-05-21T15:24:00.003+01:002011-05-21T15:29:34.195+01:00

We've made lots of progress since I last blogged and now we have just a few key jobs that are outstanding plus lots of little bits and pieces before we're completely finished. Major jobs left to do include: - - Electrics and light fittings - Transfer power supply from the garage to the barn (3 weeks tbc) - Fix glazing to stairs and Juliet balcony (3 weeks) - Commission stove & solar collector -

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-2075433498621020672011-05-03T16:02:00.000+01:002011-05-03T16:02:23.095+01:00

Now that the garden has been landscaped we're trying to work out the best way to manage our garden. We inherited a garden full of nettles and docks which were scraped back and dumped in a pile while the major landscaping works were carried out. Next the topsoil  (aka docks and the nettles) that had been set aside was spread back across the whole area and trampled down by a large digger. We've

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-56409273411900670082011-04-18T22:44:00.000+01:002011-04-18T22:44:06.831+01:00

There are random bits of plastering going on all throughout the house. 1st fix plumbing must be nearly finished as there seems to be pipes everywhere! Reclaimed flooring has arrived and is ready to be fitted, sanded and oiled. The kitchen, worktops, cooker, extractor and thermal store are all due to be delivered shortly, thankfully we have space off site to store some of the more delicate items.

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-58471133189224817892011-04-18T22:24:00.000+01:002011-04-18T22:24:00.667+01:00

I don't think there's a lot to add to the outside of the barn, there is one more tiny window but apart from that we're pretty much finished with the actual building. We even have a house sparrow nesting box proudly made by yours truly. We do plan to re-finish the drive, the parking area and eventually our next project will be improve the garage which is pretty much ready to fall down. Doors

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-5812617323060131372011-04-18T22:06:00.002+01:002011-04-18T22:09:48.556+01:00

Bruce the plumber pressure checked his pipes by blowing down them, Womble assured us that Bruce was full of hot air and this was probably the most-fail safe way to test the pipes prior to pouring concrete over 80sqm of flooring covered in expensive pipes and insulation. We'll soon know if this was a funny joke or a very unfunny one. Stuart Bryant (& Co) prepared the area with insulation

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-85354871137620794182011-04-18T21:52:00.000+01:002011-04-18T21:52:57.268+01:00

Most of the landscaping in the main part of the garden is finished, we've also cleared the old access track so that we can get to our field easily. We now have a blank brown (mud) canvass to create, grow and have fun with. The bottom corner has been raised I like big butts... this one is over 3,000 litres Leftover topsoil The old access track

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-19039431638948628422011-04-18T21:34:00.000+01:002011-04-18T21:34:38.671+01:00

Our waste water will run from the barn/house down the length of the garden into a treatment plant which then discharges clean water 275 metres along a pipe into a stream that eventually joins the River Neet. In order to install the pipes we needed big earth moving machinery so it made it a good time to landscape the garden area. The landscaping is very easy to talk about in theory but when

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-23456313812113573412011-03-30T13:42:00.000+01:002011-03-30T13:42:54.860+01:00

We are now rushing to get the outside of the barn finished so that it can be sealed up from the rain allowing us to lay the underfloor heating, insulation and floor screed. First fix electrics are nearly complete. Upstairs has been plaster-boarded ready for plastering and the bathroom fixtures and fittings have been delivered. Glazing and doors will be fitted some time between now and next Friday

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-86088973923374622282011-03-16T10:08:00.007Z2011-03-16T10:22:02.326Z

The scaffolding has gone so the building has been revealed properly for the first time. It's a good time to reflect on the changes that we've made. We started off with the rectangular barn and planning permission for a small lean-to extension on the SE facing gable end. We took a gamble to re-apply for planning permission requesting a larger building that would take advantage of fantastic

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-11012841198816231382011-03-15T17:09:00.005Z2011-03-16T09:16:19.638Z

The gable end window in the master bedroom must have been bricked up for years... It's not anymore. We now have a beautiful view towards the south east with a cedar tree and a church tower on the horizon. The window starts at floor level and is around six feet tall so it adds tons of light to the master bedroom. The picture below doesn't do the view justice but you get the idea. Some of the

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-15904599182538667392011-03-07T21:56:00.001Z2011-03-07T22:01:35.146Z

Microgeneration is the company that we are using for the micro-renewables. These guys are not entirely in favour at the moment. I will try not to go into too much detail. The latest problem is that they have sent a thermal store that does not fit the space created for it. It is about 50cm taller than the one we were told we were going to get.  A thermal store that does not fit in the building

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-87038874402436286332011-03-07T21:49:00.000Z2011-03-07T21:49:26.641Z

We've started on the roof of the little extension. This is the one with the bat house in it. We need to put an opening in the slates so that the bats can get in and use the space as a day roost to sleep. Zzzz You might also see the new black aluminium guttering on the main roof.

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-60000430330794557512011-03-03T12:31:00.009Z2011-03-03T12:45:42.703Z

I really like the following photo as it goes a long way to showing what the finished building will look like. We're currently working on insulating the bedrooms & fitting windows. In this photo you can see that the brick arch for the office window has been re-instated and repaired, it looks really good up close.  Looking out from the office window The insulation is very thick, there is

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-24906110475875134412011-03-03T11:40:00.002Z2011-03-03T12:02:23.522Z

So loads of stuff happened while i was away and I'm eternally indebted and grateful to Sally. I'll quickly try and show you the developments. The roof work started so that the main extension now joins on to the existing barn making the building look much more as one and we're pleased to say that we really like it. We're starting to like the building more and more and any fears that we have about

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-7595023184244754832011-03-03T11:21:00.003Z2011-03-16T09:21:40.140Z

February was a month with loads of building activity. Sally kindly took lots of photos while i was away surfing in Costa Rica so unfortunately not much has happened with the blog. Yes, yes, i agree, it does sound a little unfair but the itchy jellyfish stings have helped in some way as payback for leaving Sally in a cold caravan on a building site while i'm off on a lads jolly. The surfmobile

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-50363827755717645702011-02-04T12:00:00.001Z2011-02-04T15:41:23.079Z

Can something be 'felted' or has the roof been 'felt' and battened? I know Womble loves his job but I don't want to confuse anyone about what he was doing while he was up on the roof. He certainly wasn't feeling the roof although he may have been feeling the cold. Anyway the roof is now covered with a breathable membrane which probably isn't even called felt anymore (so I'm not sure what I'm

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-48879405887010973342011-01-30T18:40:00.001Z2011-02-04T11:08:52.900Z

We've ordered our kitchen, we've also ordered our log burning stove. We now need to decide if we want Brazillian or English slates for the roof. Rika Tavo Aqua log burning stove with back boiler The stove will apply 70% of its heat output to water. The water is then fed to an insulated central store. The central store which is also heated via solar thermal panels on the roof will then feed

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-25085323836217395552011-01-30T17:42:00.000Z2011-01-30T17:42:13.961Z

A number of recent changes.... I snapped my surfboard and have an ear infection which means that i'm well and truly out of the water for the time being. This is probably a good thing as it means I no longer have any distractions from all the decisions that need to be made with regard to the barn. Simon Anderson Surfboard RIP Custom ear plugs being made  We now have a timber first floor.

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-83401095511604069642011-01-25T16:53:00.000Z2011-01-25T16:53:37.770Z

Block work continues, lintels are being put in and now work has started on the internal timber frame. The frame is thick so that we can fill it with insulation and use it to support the timbers for the first floor. Here are the latest piccies... New steel in place to support 1st floor (sat on reinforced concrete pads) Blocking up by office window Timber studwork Window to be opened

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-31854212394051400342011-01-21T19:43:00.000Z2011-01-21T19:43:55.224Z

It's been close to too cold but just warm enough to get some work done in the middle of the day (them not me). Here are the latest photos. The middle is a window, to the right double doors. Wall on the right at finished height. Looks like I'll be helping next week. The first floor timbers are being put in place, scaffolding and then on to the roof.

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-6347007838627180882011-01-19T20:05:00.001Z2011-01-19T20:18:52.440Z

If its too cold you can't lay blocks because the cement will turn to dust rather than going off to form a strong bond... But on the other hand you can't lay blocks if its raining either because the rain will wash out the cement and the wall will fall down. It just seems a little unfortunate that over the last few weeks its either been freaking freezing or ruddy raining. So at last I'm pleased to

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-91975501417325793492010-12-05T12:58:00.000Z2010-12-05T12:58:18.431Z

We've started work to try and get our field into better condition. We've installed a french drain to catch water running from the neighbouring campsite down our old farm track and into the top of our field. French drain across field access The water now falls into the drain that spans the access point and exits into the ditch that runs the length of the field. Paul from Vantsone's kindly

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-73281354083809788332010-12-05T12:21:00.003Z2010-12-05T12:34:26.839Z

Why didn't the pipes split and how come the washing machine hasn't died???? It's really weird... We abandoned the caravan a few days ago as our mains water supply froze solid. Exposed water pipes sat in icy puddles so there was no way of stopping them freezing. We had a full watering can frozen solid and 5" of ice in each of the water butts. Sally and one of my few local friends 'Owl' look on

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-57095771219568731742010-12-05T11:55:00.002Z2010-12-05T11:59:30.161Z

Stage One of the groundworks involved everything to do with the inside and immediate surroundings of the barn. The next stage of the groundworks will be to install our rainwater harvesting tank and a water treatment tank further down the garden. Stage three involves running a treated water discharge pipe the full length of our field down to the stream at the bottom. Ready to start building works

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-81006405356038554012010-12-01T19:12:00.007Z2010-12-05T13:00:59.911Z

Our mains water supply has frozen solid so we've been forced to evacuate our caravan. We've left an electric heater on in the hope that the water pipes won't split and cause too much damage inside. Fingers crossed its just the exposed mains pipes that are causing the problem... Probably hopeful thinking given that the water butt has 3" of ice on the surface and tonight it's supposed to drop to -

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-15432779861178908852010-11-26T10:53:00.000Z2010-11-26T10:53:49.832Z

A peaceful derelict barn... Digger, digger, digger, mud, mud, mud

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-60576732045495054032010-11-26T10:37:00.003Z2010-11-26T14:17:17.931Z

So much seems to have happened since we started building unfortunately most of the work is hidden under concrete. I'll try and show you how things have progressed with a few photos (which is code for 'I'd better write this down for myself or I'm going to forget all the work that has been done before the first invoice arrives'). Earth from the areas where the two extensions are being built was

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-6419840240738744052010-11-09T12:10:00.000Z2010-11-09T12:10:16.025Z

Wow, now we're getting technical... here is a short tour of the barn so far!

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-36392334801605228822010-11-05T20:50:00.009Z2010-11-06T17:59:38.636Z

The ground-works guys from Michael Vanstone's are doing a good job. We now have a temporary driveway so that we can receive deliveries and drive cars across the garden to our caravan. The location of the drive is pretty much where the finished drive will be built. New Driveway Underpinning has gone as well as anyone could hope, a solid clay base is ideal for the walls to sit on but it's fairly

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-77390562622939820392010-10-20T18:42:00.013+01:002010-10-22T13:56:18.517+01:00

The barn is looking somewhat sorry for itself, you could say it looks gutted.... Most of the doors have been removed as well as the main interior wall making it much more open and exposed to the elements. So that's what's behind the green door!? Below the red line = danger The red line indicates the base floor level, as you can see it's below the depth of the wall itself. In short this

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-78043935616073682592010-09-29T15:32:00.000+01:002010-09-29T15:32:30.062+01:00

Groundworks are scheduled to begin on 11th October. This largely includes: - - Laying a temporary drive to the site - Filling in the milking pit - Removing timbers making up the first floor - Demolishing stone wall to one side of barn - Laying drainage pipes - Pouring concrete floors - Install a sewerage treatment plant - Install a rain collection tank - Lay discharge pipes, 250m to stream

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-45811140535458855922010-09-27T14:05:00.000+01:002010-09-27T14:05:42.925+01:00

It's not a game is it...  So before ruining the hard earned reputation of a our nice builders i ought to mention that the precariousness of the roof was the result of an unprofessional assessment (my own) and a natural nervousness mixed with a little artistic license to make this blog more readable. Upon request the said builders came out immediately to allay my fears... Apparently the roof it '

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-82766369165951045392010-09-23T18:11:00.001+01:002010-09-27T13:45:59.313+01:00

So it started with creation of concrete pads so that we can put in a 6 meter steel to support the roof. This allows us to pull the wall down below the steel and then lay one level floor as part of the ground-works. The steel will be positioned a week tomorrow. Until then the roof appears to be balancing precariously on a couple of remaining stones. The worst thing that could happen is that my

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-3599330799346708112010-08-02T18:22:00.000+01:002010-08-02T18:22:57.307+01:00

... and still not broken ground! Yeah yeah, whatever. Well actually we moved on site in February this year but I bought the barn in July 2009. There has been some progress though; we have submitted our building regulations application and we have requested quotes from Builders. Thinking about it one might expect that many of the good builders would be busy, especially at this time of year. So

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-73328860290367126262010-05-18T09:57:00.002+01:002010-12-02T14:59:26.843Z

Batman has cometh and goneth, we're relieved to say that nothing too serious is going to arise from his survey. There are some signs that the barn is being used as a roost but it may only be one bat. If the barn was being used as a nursery roost then we'd have been in a very different situation. We've learnt that bats have different roosts for different activities day roosts for chilling out in,

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-64931534124047691452010-05-11T17:46:00.005+01:002010-12-02T14:55:11.152Z

Firstly I guess I should apologise for such tardy blogging skills. We don't have internet access in our caravan hence the delay between posts. Sunny Caravan There's good news and kind of bad news since i last wrote back in February. The good news is we have full planning permission, everything we have asked for has been approved by Cornwall Council so our yellow planning notice can be removed

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-6803097202038311702010-02-25T17:49:00.001Z2010-12-02T14:51:46.529Z

Boxes are packed, a van load is going down to Bude tomorrow and the final van load is due to go down on Saturday. It's exciting but sad to say goodbye to Cyril Street West and our friends in and around the Taunton area. You are all encouraged to come and visit, especially if you like hard labour, growing / gardening, chilly caravans, surfing and the odd glass of wine / beer / cider. We look

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-82288140399472964842010-02-05T22:55:00.003Z2010-12-02T14:57:05.700Z

Click to enlarge These are pretty much the final plans! We've managed to keep the original features of the barn and the main extension is timber clad so it can be clearly distinguished from the original building. It's modest in size but we think it will be big enough to meet our needs. It's certainly going to seem larger than our caravan! Fingers crossed the planners will look upon our project

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-56015509033127793842010-02-03T09:54:00.001Z2010-12-02T14:58:16.071Z

Oops our application for planning permission has been delayed slightly due to... of all things, a skiing trip!! I'm sure it's not particularly good form to delay the project with such frivolity, you might say it demonstrates a lack of focus and a larger budget than the one i've disclosed but it was a free trip and it would have been rude to turn the opportunity down. The good news is that Sally

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-24768751129432426102010-01-06T20:36:00.001Z2010-01-06T21:18:39.279Z

Early in December we agreed our ideal layout for the property. Our architects are working to set these ideas out on paper so that we can apply for planning permission by mid January. We have focused on being sympathetic to the original building and attempted to create a practical country property while being aware of how any changes may affect our neighbours. We think we have made improvements

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-45227677232809956102010-01-06T20:22:00.001Z2010-01-06T21:18:06.458Z

We are planning to move into our caravan in Bude on 20th February. This will give us a chance to settle into the area, see what the worst of the winter has in store for us and wait to hear news of our planning application. Exciting but cold times ahead. Our living costs will be reduced but plenty of energy will be spent trying to keep warm.

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-58971800656134891582009-10-24T14:09:00.002+01:002010-12-02T14:49:42.683Z

Electricity is installed, we have a temporary distribution board in the garage with two double sockets and a supply running through an old foul water drain down to the caravan. The caravan is connected and tested. Water is also installed on site, the meter is fitted, pipes are live, caravan is connected so we just need to flush through the pipes and finish some plumbing for waste water drainage

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-48516784321631324032009-10-24T13:58:00.007+01:002010-12-02T14:46:46.206Z

  After getting the caravan on site we've been working on making it a comfotable place to live. Modifications include ripping out a sideboard and replacing it with a wood burner (made on the Blackdown Hills by the Windy Smithy). We've also ripped out the dividing wall to the second room so that we have a larger kitchen area and easy access to storage. Removing the electric fire and surround

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-58628029983813032182009-09-07T17:14:00.008+01:002010-12-02T14:44:34.917Z

We are now proud owners of a barn and a field. Yay! Applications have gone to South West Water and Western Power Distribution to install water and electricity. Architects Atelier 3 have been instructed, measured up and we're due to meet them at their offices on September 25th, 2009. This is obviously the exciting bit! Need to get a mood board sorted so they can see what kind of thing we

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-88963025751215138492009-07-03T11:10:00.006+01:002010-12-02T14:22:34.954Z

I don't think we're going to sign off today (Friday). It's a shame as we have some Champagne ready to open, the weekend would have been an ideal time to head down and celebrate. Both Sally and I are feeling much more excited about moving to a new area and getting to work on building a new home. We are going to plan our immediate course of action over the weekend. Everything has been on hold

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-17211853214298587422009-07-03T10:36:00.010+01:002010-02-03T10:52:44.614Z

Our barn was a small part of what was formerly known as Park Farm. The farm has been divided into 4 segments, so our immediate neighbours include the farm house, the stable barn and the touring park. The barn was most recently used as a milking parlour and still has milking equipment within it. We are not sure what it was used for before this although it has been suggested that it may have been

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-76414962244850024522009-07-01T17:15:00.003+01:002009-07-03T11:10:21.159+01:00

Sent the money to my solicitor's client account today. I expect to sign the transfer document this week.If I was to offer one piece of advice relating to solicitors I would say find a good one. Don't just go for the cheap option. You need to make sure that the transfer document gives clear rights of access to your property and the right to install and maintain essential services such as water and

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332366761341707087.post-47553024713425177152009-06-22T14:48:00.007+01:002010-12-02T14:27:12.126Z

After first inquiring about the property back in early Feb 2009 we are now very close to successfully buying it. We should have a completion date very shortly. Sally and I are both a little nervous and excited about everything. Parlour Barn

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01592837433740900278noreply@blogger.com0