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.

Thursday 6 September 2012

Week 25

A late post from last week because I have been travelling again.
Things are still progressing. They got the trusses on the main house and Sid and Al, the stone masons are back to finish the tabling. Andy (the block bloke) is starting the block work on the extensions.

We have been forced to finally come to lots decisions on things we have spent too much time procrastinating upon. So now we have chosen fires, internal doors, door handles, external doors, internally lighting, tv points and got a pretty good idea on the stair case. Its incredible how many images a google search on "modern stairs" or "contemporary stairs" throws back, even more surprising how hideous 90% of them are, although I guess it's largely a matter of taste.

Anyway here are a few pics to keep everyone updated.

Main extension coming on nicely, note also the roof on the main house to the right

Al and Ian ponder a pile of stones, while it looks like someone has driven a tractor across our future lawn. Wait I think someone has driven a tractor across....

Main house from the south. Note trusses are up 

This pic may not look very exciting but it is significant because it's the front door and it 's the first time  it's been open


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