Welcome

Cowieswells is a derelict farm south of Stonehaven in NE Scotland. We were lucky enough to acquire the place in August 2010 when we were moving back to the UK from Norway and looking for something to match or even better our previous, fjord-side home. The farm house and steading (barns) command an impressive and exposed cliff top location with fantastic views across the North Sea. The buildings were constructed from sandstone in a traditional style and our goal in rebuilding it is to be sympathetic to the original design whilst creating a much larger house which is modern, efficient and maximizes the unique views.

Since we bought the place we have spent over a year working with architects, planners and generally doing stuff that doesn't make for interesting reading. This blog picks up the renovation process in late 2011 when work outside got started. Over the coming months it will be updated every week or so with pictures, movies and the odd bit of text. Like Grand Designs but without the suave sarcasm of Kevin McCloud.

Monday 13 February 2012

Tenders in

We now have quotes in from four builders, one dropped out as the job was too big. Its pretty tight and the next challenge is to compare them all since they all include and exclude different things. I feel a spreadsheet coming on.

Otherwise things are progressing. I have been building storage at the steading for all the outdoor toys (boards, bikes etc). Also built the log store and pretty much filled it from the trees we cleared out in from in front of the house. Also been planning the best way to use all that space, its coming together. The next phase is to build and equip the workshop, then build the climbing wall. Need to get the electric in at some point soon as well.

With hedges to plant before the end of March, water and phone to put in and more trees to come down there is plenty to do.
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)