Renovation Blog

1 December - Tiling

I am using some very large white tiles, which I though would go up quickly, but actually it's taking quite a while.

4 December - Shower in

I have grouted the tiles and installed the shower.

9 December - Parquet floor
I have bought some beautiful reclaimed parquet flooring but once I count out the blocks and do the measurements I discover the chap has only sold me just over half the amount he said it was! How incredibly aggravating. He is going to refund the difference in cost, but it means I don't have enough to lay in the dining room, which I had intended to do before Christmas.

11 December - Alternative plans

Instead of flooring we decide to remove the ghastly DIY shelves and nasty wallpaper from one of the bedrooms, ready for use at New Year.

18 December - Lime plaster
I have to do some lime plastering so end up spending ages sourcing the materials. Unbelievably it's cheaper to buy them from Wales and get them delivered than buy them locally.

22 December - Insulation
I am installing additional insulation in the eaves and roof space of the bedroom as it is very cold up there at the moment, especially since I have removed the radiators to strip the wallpaper.

25 December - TV star
I have sung Midnight Mass and a morning service at Peterborough Cathedral, live on BBC1. I don't normally sing on Christmas day, but it happened to be possible this year, and it was a great experience. Now I've got to cook the goose...

26 December - Last minute preparations
I'm dashing around getting the house ready for the 18 people who will be staying over New Year.