Work has begun!

After all this time, we can finally say: "Yes, work has begun!"

True, the outcome so far is somewhat underwhelming. Still, these are significant and necessary steps before the actual restoration work can begin.

What has happened is that workers have been digging and ripping, in and around the house, in preparation for the more creative work to begin. So, floors are being dug down and levelled in various areas of the ground floor, and ceilings have been ripped to expose beams and other structural elements.

Of course, it is also at this stage that surprises - good and bad - can come to light.

But reports so far are positive and there are no major setbacks. Beams that have been exposed appear to be sound. At the same time, it looks like the rock base is higher than expected under the dining room and, as a result, there will likely be a couple of steps between the dining room and the kitchen while initial plans had both rooms on the same level; we can probably live with that.

The crew kindly sent a few photos (click on photo to enlarge):

Part of the old stone elements removed temporarily from the side of the kitchen fireplace, to be reinstalled in time.

Exposed dining room ceiling, beams and upstairs flooring underside.

The fireplace in the small room off the kitchen. A pleasant surprise?
Behind the "modern" wood and brick exterior, an older, more rustic stone fireplace has been revealed.