Getting on with the job

It’s surprising how quickly a building deteriorates. After just a few empty days the barn was a damp, fusty shell (it took longer than planned, but we finally returned the keys). Mostly it’s about condensation and a building’s breathability. Even at this time of year, without the ambient heat of occupation and adequate ventilation, it reverts to being a barn. Our new location was little better when we arrived. However, after several days in residence we appear to be winning control. Following the adventures of South London Mansions I swore we would never commit to another period property, that in the future we would always chose to go with a new-build. Yet here we are – and it’s even older than the nightmare on KGS. I’m surprising sanguine at present, but that’s mostly down to this mild patch of weather and the novelty of it all. Wait ’till winter when we are snowed in and the water fails. At present I’m booking roofers and glaziers, and planning to dig up the drains...ordering firewood. Getting on with the job, as our political masters are so fond of saying. There’s a disturbing blue tinge to the water that has me a little worried, though it doesn’t seem to affect the taste of our tea. If I can demolish the mountain of paperwork before me I might actually get outside and begin to enjoy myself.