After the (mainly) sunny days of January – although spoilt by some miserable and rainy ones – we were greeted by snow and freezing temperatures on the 1st February.
Friday 1 February – a light dusting of icing sugar
Friday 1 February – And the next day it was all gone!
After the dramatic progress immediately either side of Christmas, things have calmed down a little. We have been amused to hear that many of the villagers refer to our build as ‘the Vann Lane Palace’.
However, it has been very satisfying to observe the roof taking shape. We are very pleased with our choice of hand-made clay tiles (Tudor). The tiling team of Will, Barry and, on occasion, Will’s son Golf have worked in freezing temperatures and glorious sunshine.
Exterior – roof
Wednesday 6 February – And in the Blue Corner……
Monday 11 February – using the tile ‘Bumpa’ escalator
Monday 11 February – 7000 tiles up – only 5000 to go!
Wednesday 13 February – starting to look like a house
Wednesday 13 February
Sunday 17 February
Monday 18 February – Pile ’em high!
Wednesday 20 February – ‘Vann Lane Palace’
Thursday 21 February – close up
Sunday 24 February – spot the difference from the 20th
Wednesday 27 February – 08:30
Wednesday 27 February – the second velux window is fitted
Interior
Sunday 4 February – the elegant ‘staircase’
Sunday 4 February – Looking towards the front doorSunday 4 February – Rod is determined that these floorboards will NOT squeak!Sunday 4 February – internal view from the front doorWednesday 6 February – Stud Walls
Sunday 17 February – Face Glazing with temporary protective film
Phase 1 Sign Off
Wednesday 6 February – Celebrating with coffee and cake
CAT CORNER
Freddie, Moses and Layla reporting for duty again. As you can see, we spend hours discussing ‘the project’ and making constructive suggestions.
Wednesday 6 February – Bored Meeting
Sunday 10 February – A girl has to check that everything is in order!
Egyptian Hieroglyphics?
When the frame first went up, we could neither make head nor tail of the chisel marks, which would not have seemed out of place in the Valley of the Kings as far as we were concerned. Furthermore, we did not fully appreciate the balletic quality of the construction teamwork. However, with all our research, we must now be the feline world’s experts in such matters and at last we fully appreciate the beautiful choreographed “raising” as seen in the film ‘Witness’.
It is imperative to be able to identify every one of the 400 plus timbers on site by their individual chisel markings and orientate them the correct way. It is also clear that finishing the build without any timbers left over is also to be recommended ….
The characteristic carved numbering or tagging system is intimately tied in with the method of construction
Every piece of frame has only one place in which it fits properly, so an indelible identifying mark is an absolute essential.
Most framers use the traditional system of chisel and/or raceknife (a hooked making tool) marks
The tagging tells you the order of assembly and even who cut this particular frame, because every framers’ numbering looks slightly different.
Unravelling the meaning can be difficult at times
Outward Opening Front Door – really?
Mr Rod has always been insistent on an outward opening front door, the Scandinavian way. English builders are very, very suspicious abut this and try very hard to make oh so subtle comments to make him change his mind. (Not a hope – Ed)
We have investigated the temporary door and have to admit to being completely perplexed. What is your view?
Fantastic progress, in such a short time – and the weather of the last few days must have cheered up your builders no end. (Bet you’re glad it wasn’t this time last year!)
Your Moggies are truly amazing & SO articulate. Clearly take after their owners!!!!!
Bx
Thanks so much for sharing the amazing progress – it really does look stunning! No wonder the locals call it a palace…will we need to address you as ma’am in future?!!
Another Brick in the Wall 
Fantastic progress, in such a short time – and the weather of the last few days must have cheered up your builders no end. (Bet you’re glad it wasn’t this time last year!)
Your Moggies are truly amazing & SO articulate. Clearly take after their owners!!!!!
Bx
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Looking fabulous! It’s really taking shape now. Good luck with stage 2 of the planning process and then you’ll be on the home straight!
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Thanks so much for sharing the amazing progress – it really does look stunning! No wonder the locals call it a palace…will we need to address you as ma’am in future?!!
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