Mid-winter solstice, and all is very well

On the shortest day of the year (June 21) we went to Woodbury and saw the house in all its glory. Masses has been achieved over the past couple of weeks - we even had to use a key to get inside. Although the front door isn't actually there yet (covered by a piece of plywood at the moment), the rest of the house has its extremely attractive doors and windows and we had to unlock to get in. Keith refused to carry me over the threshold, but there's time yet (front door, I think).

The sun penetration in mid-winter is ideal - all in the right places at the right times, and to my delight, at 4.30pm, just before the sun slid behind Four Peaks, the sun's rays shone through the double doors in the living room right into the fireplace, and if that's not perfection, as the fire is in the centre of the house, and given the time of year, I don't know what is. Very Stonehenge, I thought.

It's wonderful being able to see the assortment of pipes, vents, cables, wires and other bits that are currently in the wall and ceiling recesses pre-gibbing. It's also fantastic to be able to see the ceiling and wall insulation - just amazing - and the house, on a clear but cold day, was pretty warm and snug, considering it's still under construction.

We met Desmond and made decisions about wood finish, exterior colours, door handles, showers, and nearly decided on the ceiling colours, too, but that will come later. Also, very handily, we had just received an initial landscape design concept from Rob Watson, and so were able to pore over outside spaces and suggestions for planting. So, a very good visit.

Next time, updates on the building of the garage/workshop and pictures of the exterior, and, with luck, some inside work and prelim kitchen/bathroom/laundry joinery. Living in hope.

Mid-June progress report

It's Sunday June 15 ... nearly mid-winter and the house is basking in an unseasonal nor-westery glow as a freak patch of warm weather hits between two more usual very cold fronts. The windows are nearly all installed now, and the board bits for the board and batten elements are taking shape around the exterior. Next decisions involve strength and final tint of stain for board and batten - light enough to see some rough wood grain through yet sturdy enough to protect and enhance. The board and batten effect, a nod to the arts and crafts era, is to add design interest and detract from a possible monolithic effect in the finished product. All in all the house is looking very handsome, so when we next get down there (the coming weekend) we should see lots new and many things to comment on (not to mention decisions to make) so progress can continue apace.