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.

Sunday 24 March 2013

The Heat is On!

The end is so close we can literally smell it!
The builders reckon that they will be finished on Tuesday next week, yep in 2 days!
We where down there today and the work that has been done in the last few weeks is pretty damned impressive, especially considering the storms that have been hitting the UK. Personally I doubt they will finish quite that soon but its very close.

All the ground works are pretty much done. Where there was the Somme it now resembles a garden, amazing transformation. All the structure is now in place, just needs planting and seeding. It makes a massive difference to the feel for the whole place.

From battlefield to patio in 3 weeks!
Patio and sunken garden. The square hole in the fore ground will have a hot tub in it. 
Area between the the house and bothy, sheltered spot for a cup of coffee on a summers morning
So after being amazed by the progress outside we headed in. A sign on the door said that they heating was on! That's a bonus! Inside it felt warm (only 11 degrees) but warmer than it has been for about 3 years. Things are progressing, the bathrooms still need some tiling and plumbing and Dougal the electrician is in for a very busy day on monday if the Tuesday deadline is to be met. Overall though I think they could be finished by the end of next week. Its so exciting! 

That's a good sign...
11.1 degrees - the evidence
This is where all that warmth is coming from. Think I might need a degree in engineering to understand it
Main living area basically finished except got a clean up 
Main bathroom - some tiling and plumbing still to do there


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5 comments:

  1. Unknown29 March 2013 at 08:59

    It's superb! Totally excellent result, we're both very envious!

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    Replies
    1. John29 March 2013 at 13:13

      Thanks Sam, you'll be welcome to come and stay if you are ever over this way :-)

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  2. Raphaelle1 April 2013 at 15:58

    So? Is it finished yet? After reading the whole blog over this long Easter weekend, I can't wait to see pictures of the finished project! It looks absolutely gorgeous, I agree with Sam!

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    Replies
    1. John21 May 2013 at 18:02

      Yes it is! See latest, somewhat belated post!

      Delete
  3. Ola2 April 2013 at 01:03

    Super cool! Waiting for more updates!

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