This blog has been set up to record the restoration of Ashgrove, which was devastated by fire in August 2007.
Please add comments of encouragement (or even suggestions for the colour of the walls, carpets, tiles, furniture....!!)

Saturday 1 August 2009

Terrace complete - now for the planting

The new terrace is complete! .

And thanks to David the outside toilet is freshly painted.

All that is needed now is a new shed and some planting

And of course some bbq weather!









Monday 20 July 2009

Transformation of the terrace

Here are a few shots of the transformation of the terrace which has taken place during this past week at a remarkable pace because the team of 'likely lads' have worked their socks off.

There will now be less activity for a while because they all have other fulltime jobs.

There are some questions to be sorted out with the boss man, but in general we are impressed with their workmanship and energy.

It is not an easy job to achieve all that we would like - in fact some things are just not possible - but I am confident that we will get most of what is important and desirable. I will keep you updated accordingly.

When this team have done all that we can expect of them we will get the replacement shed ordered and erected on the prepared site.

Our love and best wishes to all.

Dad















Thursday 25 June 2009

Repainting of smoke-damaged roof boards

 Yet another phase of the restoration - repainting of smoke-damaged roof boards to match next door.

Fortunately the weather is good, and all-being-well the job should be finished and the scaffolding removed by Friday pm. Will be glad when the seemingly never-ending schedule of work has been completed, and we can just sit back and not worry about when the next workman may (or may not!) appear.

With our love to all

Mum & Dad



Saturday 20 June 2009

First barbeque using the garden room

Fathers' Day Week-end 21st June 2009

First family BBQ party using new Garden Room

May there be many more!

Dad






Thursday 11 June 2009

New gardenroom taken in the evening sunlight

One or two shots of the new gardenroom taken in the evening sunlight.

The atmosphere is very amenable both as regards the aircoditioning and the general feeling of comfort and relaxation - just what we hoped it would be. And there is a generous sense of space.

We are using a round table positioned just below the sliding window which is proving very convenient. Velux windows working well with useful remote controls.

Getting the feel of the new room before we decide on any further furniture or equipment.

The Amtico flooring creates a first-class impression. Due to rather inefficient workmen it took ages to complete, but the underfloor heating is working well and the overall effect is all that we hoped it would be.

Our gin and tonics taste good here!

More reports in due course.

Love to all. Mum & Dad





Thursday 7 May 2009

Inside nearly there!

A few pictures taken today before heading down to Marlow for William's wedding.


The electric underfloor heating has been put in and covered with a thin screed. So all that remains is for the amtico flooring to be fitted. Then the electrics need to be made live and a final coat of paint added and the inside will be complete and ready for furnishing!


That, of course, leaves the patio, which need a lot of work!


Mike






























Friday 27 March 2009

Looking good - windows in and first fix electrics complete

Hi Mike,

Up to date photos from today - looks great

Cheers

Paul















Thursday 19 March 2009

On the tiles!

A few more shots showing roof progress.

The roofer is silhouetted against the sky this afternoon as he fixes the final ridge tile, and we are now (we hope!) watertight. The four Velux roof lights are in, and diagonally opposite are the two with the electric control panels hanging down pending wiring up. Most of the roof insulation panelling is now in position.

External views show how the window frames abut the steelwork which will then be covered externally by shaped bridging wooden fillets.

I am disappointed that Dave has apparently conceded that he cannot improve on my sliding window system (despite 41 years of progress!) and has built the surrounding framework for the wall panelling accordingly.

With access to the new room now possible for us outside working hours we have been contemplating the most advantageous type and disposition of furniture to make the best use of the extra space and the views etc.

Decisions -- decisions -- decisions ------------ if you know what I mean!!

Dad















Saturday 14 March 2009

Window Frames

Pictures taken by Paul on Saturday showing roof and window frames.

One of the 4 velux windows in the roof is also in.

Mike
















Friday 13 March 2009

More Concrete

Concrete has arrived to fill in the gap round the existing base. Insulation (piled up on the terrace) and further screeds yet to be laid.

Window frames going in.











Tuesday 10 March 2009

Roof tiling

Good progress with the tiling today








Thursday 5 March 2009

Further progress with the roof

A few photos taken on Thursday showing progress on the roof. It is now watertight, and most of the battons are complete. The rosemary tiles have been delivered, and should be on the roof shortly. Also, the timber wall at the 'bin end' is in place.

Mike