Soooo many challenges in this renovation it makes your head spin. Numerous moments when we think why didn’t we just find a something ready made good to move into. There’s enough to do setting up a new business without actually having to renovate first, but each time we come back to there’s nowhere else like this place that fits the big dream as well. A unique space for a unique business in a great location. Carry on Bob.

The curiosity about what lies behind the chimney breasts sadly didn’t lead, like in the big renovation tv series, to uncovering some beautiful, original cast iron fireplaces, but it did lead to the equivalent of how many people can you squeeze into a telephone box. An unbelievable amount of rubble stuffed up the bedroom chimney, including the old slate hearth or what was left of it. After exploratory holes in all three chimney breasts, decided on only opening up the one in the bedroom as we felt it would benefit from a focal point.

An exciting find/coincidence in the un-build. Making me feel like there are mysterious forces at work behind this project. The demolition work preparing for double doors to replace the ‘wendy house’ window between the living space and the bedroom space reveals a large wooden beam above the doorway. It would seem there had been double doors in this exact spot originally. What are the chances?

A new archway to balance out the original archway that has now been put back in place after an extended absence. A loft hatch to gain some much needed storage in the previously closed roof space. Some sound proofing boards installed to mitigate sound which has been travelling unhindered to and from neighbours for too long a time. Another skip filled.

After what seems like an eternity of on off activity on site awaiting for first fix electrics (it seems like sparky services are more in demand than a newly released limited edition signed print by artist Phlegm) it’s time to plaster the walls.