The inner frame

The more discerning will notice there is a change! The inner frame goes in.

The joiners got carried away here and added wooden frame where there shouldn't be. The three posts in the middle will come out.

The installation (wires etc) go in between the batons. The plan is not to go through the membrane.

Our job is to take the insulation from upstairs

and stuff it into the cavities down stairs.

Like so! It shouldn't take us too long and will give as something to do..!! The house has an enormous amount of insulation in it. The only form of heat we shall have is a wood burning stove and underfloor heating in the bathrooms. Let's hope the principle of this zero energy house works when put into practice against the chilly north?
Niels' appointment on Monday was cancelled with the building warrant officer. He has a new appointment this morning - fingers crossed it goes well. He's on his way there now, complete with drawings, plans and paper work. We really do need this building warrant!

The only advantage to being a wasp that I can see, is that you can find your plot, (under our eaves) by pass all the rules and regulations and start building more or less straight a way! I hope they haven't chewed the house up before we get a chance to live in it!
We're moving out of our present cottage this coming weekend. I can't recommend it highly enough, if you're looking for a holiday place to stay. We've probably had a longer 'holiday' in it than most! It's comfortable, cosy and very well equipped. The people who own it have kindly let us stay in another house they have - just very short term, while we get the house to the next stage, ie. running water and a bathroom at least down stairs. We shall be quite happy to camp in the house but at least need to have it organised so we won't be in the way of workmen. This will be our fourth move and you would think I would be organised at it by now - not a chance. I'm off to pack up what seems like a huge amount of 'stuff' we don't really seem to need. The best thing though, is that it can be stored somewhere that is ours. We shall divide our belongings between the shed, the caravan, and the floor at Brookwood! Just think, one day I shall have a cupboard under the stairs!

Life after the builders

Life just won't be the same without these chaps! House builders extraordinaire!

They finished building the house and had already returned to Devon by the time I got back from London.

Just one more peak at the house

Part of the 'L' shaped sitting room

In through the front door into the hall. To the left by the window there will be a shower room - I've just noticed the window has clear glass, this will be interesting!

And then the long and arduous task begins of packing up to go home

It will never all fit in!

But it does - just!

A big 'Thank you chaps'. Everybody who sees it says how nice the house looks. Already it has a lovely feel to it when you're inside. We just need to add the finishing touches - like walls, floors, stairs kitchen and bathrooms!

Just t0 show though that work still continues even after the builders have gone! Yesterday morning a huge consignment of insulation arrived by lorry. Luckily Jock was about and helped Niels unload the bags and carry them down to the house.

Ian returned in the week with his digger and dug a trench for the water pipe from the mains down to the house site

You can see the blue pipe waiting to be put into a trench under the lane

Ian digs out a channel and the best bit 0f the whole day for Niels at any rate

Is he gets to drive the dumper truck - fortunately away from the house! He called it the jumper truck maybe because he's danish - maybe just to reflect his driving!

Wow!

I get excited about silly things probably- but I think this roof is pretty amazing, the tiles appear almost a dark chocolate brown in colour - I've been told they're grey!
Our own windows! I can't wait to open and close them.

Tiles in close up!
Meanwhile on the other side of the roof, the dormer windows take shape. I know they're a bit of a hastle to do, but they do look good and make such a difference to the size of the house. Come on chaps there are only two more to do! And you've got that lovely view!

By the front door bags and bags of insulation waiting in turn to be added to the house

Now we even have an upstairs!

A room with a view! This is looking out of our bedroom window

It looks so good and sits so perfectly on the site, Everyday there is something different to see as it gets one step nearer to completion