Oak Furniture

We have had some truly extraordinary weather this last couple of seasons.  Normally when winter has gone and we get the spring rush of brisk winds and sharp showers, we can then rely on the summer to be mostly dry and sunny.    If last summer is an indication of what’s to become the norm, then … Read more

I was helping out at a local heritage property recently – stewarding teh main ballroom area.  The bigger of two ballrooms. . . .  It struck me for the firt time that the ceiling had downlights and as the house had been completed in the 1700s, there wouldn’t have been any lighting beyond oil lamps … Read more

Gosh we need to get a bit warmer before too long.  This cold damp weather is having an effect on my limbs.  Nothing feels particularly comfortable when we’re very cold and very wet. It’s always worth checking out various maintenance jobs in these adverse conditoins, lest we come downstairs to find something ghastly has occured … Read more

We need our outdoor spaces – badly.  When the second world war was finally over, the government of the day had a massive rebuild programme on heir hands – moving families ou of war ravaged areas, into suburban council estates.  Although the houses were very utilitarian, built as quickly and cheaply as could be allowed, … Read more

When anyone moves into the houses in my area, it seems that the first thing to be done is always rip out the existing kitchen and replace it within a  massiveextension, all shiny white mirror like tiles . . . .  then the finishing touch is a massive bi fold patio door arrangement across the … Read more

Some things about home ownership can be inspiring and a welcome boost to the ego.  Then there are the times when it can just be jolly frustrating.  Take for example this week – I’ve had need to open the up and over garage door a few times.   I don’t like to leave the door up … Read more

It’s incredible just how quickly the year seems to roll by.  It doesn’t seem possible that only a few short months ago we were wailing about the ghastly weather – winter had been harsh with storms, lashings of wind and rain.  There had been much flooding and then ice and snow at Easter.  I recall … Read more

We can’t all afford to go out and buy the latest solar panels or heat transfer systems to convert anything into domestic energy.  Some are out of the question on finance grounds primarily.  However there are things that can and should be done to cut our own domestic energy and utility use.  Families tend to … Read more

Several houses have changed hands near me.  From years of inactiviy in the housing market, to suddenly a whole raft of folk upping sticks and moving on.  This does introduce a whole new set of families into the area – with younger children again replacing the teenagers the original toddlers morphed into.  One such family … Read more

I very often help out as a room steward in an old house that opens to the public.  They also hold fund raising events there, including lots of weddings and bridal showers.  The house was built in the 1700s and it didn’t have any sophisticated things like running water or toilet closets for many years.  … Read more