First Weekend of Work
2022 will be the year! In January 2022, we finally had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the walled garden, embarking on a long weekend of work that was filled with excitement and anticipation. After receiving the keys finally in November 2021, it was a long-awaited moment to step into this space that we had dreamed of calling our own. You might remember that we signed the papers and had our walk through with the architect way back in July! Lovely, bureaucracy, but now finally we can begin work!
We finally got the keys in November 2021
Day 1 On the first day, our focus was on the Bothy, a building with a rich history that has served various purposes over the years. We spent the entire day emptying its rooms and loft, clearing out old furniture and debris. It was a fulfilling task, knowing that we were reclaiming this space and preparing it for its new chapter. To our delight, we discovered that there was electricity in the building, and even found a working electric heater to keep us warm during the chilly days.
Day 2 The second day was dedicated to the walled garden itself, as we ventured into the area where we plan to build an extension. Our first task was to clear away shrubs and vegetation around the footprint of the old greenhouse. As we worked, we uncovered hidden treasures, such as beautiful stone borders and two stone water troughs. These discoveries filled us with inspiration, as we imagined the potential they held to become focal points in our future garden. Additionally, we found stacks of large stone tiles, which will be used to restore the old stone paths, adding to the charm and character of the space.
The Wild Greenhouse
Last July 2021 During our visit in July 2021, before the purchase was finalized, we witnessed the wild beauty of the greenhouse, where nature had taken over. However, when we returned in January, the lush greenery had diminished, and we made the decision to revive this neglected space. It was a daunting task, but we were determined to bring back its beauty and functionality.
When we arrived this time in January the beautiful green was pretty much gone!
Day 3 On the final day, we dedicated our efforts to the old greenhouse. With vines and fig trees dominating the space, we carefully cleared them away to reveal its hidden treasures. The greenhouse, estimated to have been built in the late 1800s, held remnants of its past glory, including hot water pipes and an enchanting old grapevine. As we cleared away layers of overgrowth, we uncovered a beautiful tile and brick floor, adding to the charm of this historic structure. The process of restoration became even more rewarding as we witnessed the transformation of the greenhouse, preserving its wild character while revealing its intricate details.
We want to restore the wild character the greenhouse had when we visited in July, however it is an amazing transition and lovely to see the details revealed.
Our time in the walled garden during that long weekend was filled with hard work, but it was also a time of discovery, inspiration, and an affirmation of our commitment to restoring and nurturing this cherished space. As we left, we couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for the journey ahead and the beauty that awaited us in the months and years to come.
