This old house

It goes without saying that us Collinses (me included as was before I became a Stewart) love a challenge and buying another old house needing a complete overhaul is no exception. I may have mentioned more than once that I bought into this new adventure sight unseen, unless you count numerous photographs and videos sent to tempt me. Whilst I have no regrets on making the big leap across the pond, the amount of work needed to restore this beautiful old lady is somewhat daunting (I’m talking about the house not me). Let me put it into context. There are two separate homes; my bit which is a very large two bedroom apartment with a sprawling verandah and the colossal mansion attached. To add to this, a few acres of ‘extremely mature’ gardens sit to the front and a beautiful remise (like a big covered outside space over two floors) at the back, all of which need more than a little TLC.

After much discussion about what work needed to be prioritised, the antiquated electric and heating systems coming top of the list, we decided that the substantial budget needed could be reduced by doing some of the work ourselves. Ourselves meaning little brother showing my Mum and I what to do. Two days in and we have managed to uncover the original stone walls in the dining room with only minor hand injuries. Having not much experience in renovating anything, I have to admit I’m enjoying the process so far. It is exhausting and physically demanding but seeing the results, although small as yet, makes it all worthwhile. It’s like watching historical saga unfold in front of you, every room telling a story and I’m only on the first chapter of a very long series.

Aside from the houses, the garden is desperate for attention. At one time it must have been beautiful but like the house, the landscaping had become a little too much for the previous owners. The dogs love it though, plenty of room for zoomies and a lot of holes have been dug without need for a shovel. Unfortunately some of the trees will have to come down, the amount of rotting fruit five fig trees can produce is not appetising and many acorns have borne many little oaks. Like the house, there is a history and uncovering the mysteries is half the fun. Perhaps there is a little bit of me that sees a similarity between myself and this home, stripping back the layers and finding out what is underneath. I’m going to have fun finding out.

“you can’t spell challenge without change. If you’re going to rise to the challenge, you have to be prepared to change” (Kylie Francis)