It seemed particularly appropriate that on both days that the solar panels were being installed we should have bright sunshine. The sun struggles to get over the trees on Windmill Hill during the winter and on the recent frosty and cold days, the southern part of the garden (including the caravan of course!) has remained … More 13th January 2022

Our tradesmen have been plugging away on the roof, Jose and co on the PVC membrane to the flat parts of the roof and gutters, and Dave and Curtis on the plywood ahead of the membrane and zinc. Interruptions are from the rain and now sleet. Next week is looking dry so we might be … More 7th January 2022

Happy New Year! We’re looking forward to a return to normality … in several ways. We’ve never been so interested in the weather forecast. Our naive hope to be largely weather tight by the Christmas came to nothing and the house continues to drip with rainwater and hold puddles. Getting the membrane on the flat … More 2nd January 2022

A Happy Christmas to all our friends, family, readers, supporters and followers. Thank you for your cards – sorry we can’t send any this year, but know that we think of you and send you lots of love.

The pressure to get jobs finished by Christmas has caused new peaks of stress – especially for Chris. Decisions and clarifications are needed constantly – thank heavens we’re here on site, but we’re paying the price of not having a principal contractor, project manager, or hands-on architect. Recycling and regular trips to the tip keep … More 22nd December 2021

Today we had the second delivery of windows and doors which were skilfully craned into position. Unfortunately there was one mishap and the big window in the last photo toppled over a few minutes later and smashed…. Oops! So we’ll have another delivery in a month’s time – new glass and aluminium skin but the … More 17th December 2021

Today was the final day for the MBC frame-erecting guys. They’ve put up the house in three weeks, as they said they would. They’ve been hard-working, diligent and helpful – if all our trades can be this good, we’ll be flying! The guys that have joined the core team of Brendan, Shaun and Nathan, in … More 14th December 2021

The 38 tonne crane left today. A different operator came to collect it and was in such a rush to leave that he thought it would be a good idea to cut the corner on the drive. The first, and we hope, only big cock-up so far. It took all day to dig out, eventually … More 13th December 2021