I must pass my thanks to this forum and its members for all their support on our journey to restore a family farmhouse. I have learnt that most things are achievable with the right people helping;the ones with the 'we can' attitude.
We have removed the old thin layer of concrete covering the floor, which was sloping and had surface water in one room, these are now insulated, UFH applied, limecrete and a mix of old and new stone laid on top. The old lime plaster had blown on many walls with the water ingress, we have removed the blown plaster and I have plastered with the three coats of lime - I have done this, not trained, not particularly good, but done with love. If it should fall off, I know I can repair it. Lugging buckets of lime rubble or plaster may not be the easiest job for a woman, but it can be done.
I have my own cement mixer for mixing the lime, one with a wheel that can tilt the drum. It worked very well for me as I did not need the strength to tip the drum manually.
We have lined the chimneys and put in wood burners, we have a new roof. Central heating upstairs. Electric throughout the house - the first in its entire existence, potentially 600 years. We have running water and plumbing - never had that either.
We have brought forward the history of the house, finding remains of old doors and windows, previously hidden behind blown plaster.
We have put a modern stamp, today's date if you like on the property, but we have also respected what we have.
I would encourage anyone to give it a go, become the expert and take on part of the job. Don't let outside contractors do it all. Take ownership and enjoy the process.
Thank you one and all
We have removed the old thin layer of concrete covering the floor, which was sloping and had surface water in one room, these are now insulated, UFH applied, limecrete and a mix of old and new stone laid on top. The old lime plaster had blown on many walls with the water ingress, we have removed the blown plaster and I have plastered with the three coats of lime - I have done this, not trained, not particularly good, but done with love. If it should fall off, I know I can repair it. Lugging buckets of lime rubble or plaster may not be the easiest job for a woman, but it can be done.
I have my own cement mixer for mixing the lime, one with a wheel that can tilt the drum. It worked very well for me as I did not need the strength to tip the drum manually.
We have lined the chimneys and put in wood burners, we have a new roof. Central heating upstairs. Electric throughout the house - the first in its entire existence, potentially 600 years. We have running water and plumbing - never had that either.
We have brought forward the history of the house, finding remains of old doors and windows, previously hidden behind blown plaster.
We have put a modern stamp, today's date if you like on the property, but we have also respected what we have.
I would encourage anyone to give it a go, become the expert and take on part of the job. Don't let outside contractors do it all. Take ownership and enjoy the process.
Thank you one and all
