Ravensbarrow Lodge

Since our last update on Ravens barrow lodge we have been very busy both internally and externally.

We now have a roof finished in reclaimed green slate with some nice detailing to the verges /purlin ends to the customers own specification (all joinery work by Sam Clarke) the design on the completed job I think looks nice and blends well.

The windows and doors are now in and the external smooth render finish being applied. (Over the next few weeks).

The rear entrance and seating area has worked very well. Finished with a reclaimed Brathay slate to the floor from the original building and the seat and wall copings are in Kirkstone silver green with a honed finish, giving a textured riven look but not as uneven.

The chimney stacks received there final coat of render a few weeks ago and the photos show the construction of the chimneys. We always put a full code5 lead tray through the complete stack to ensure no damp penetration below the roof line as chimney stack particularly on old properties are a constant source of trouble and I wish I had a pound for ever damp chimney stack ive been out too.

The garage is well on with 2 thirds of the stone facing to the structure complete, the
Timber structure to the roof is also up and once the stonework is complete the slates can then go on and be completed.

Internally we are ready for the first fix on plumbing and electrics and should be completed in about 6weeks and allow us to lay the under floor heating screeds and start plaster boarding.
Whilst the first fix takes shape we aim to concentrate on cast iron guttering to the rooflines and complete the garage. Following completion of the gutters the scaffold can then be stripped and external landscaping completed before winter well and truly kicks in. Oh I hate winters!

Hope this brings you up to date with Ravensbarrow Lodge. We are very pleased with the overall appearance of the property and always ensure the client has full control over the build process and total flexibility which all adds to the end result.

Next time we will be featuring Violet Bank in Hawkshead. Already 3 weeks into the build its going well. With a good volume of work already done.

Well its been a while since we posted a blog so i thought i would fill you in on a few developments.

We have been very busy over the past 6 months the bad summer hasn't helped us much but you just have to bite the bullet and get on with it really.

Wychwood, Stott Park is now almost complete ,with the external works coming to a close and the internal works are all but plastered out (its a big place).

A pathway has been constructed into the woodland and a retaining wall constructed from the barns old oak beams.

The garage roof now has Brathay tiles and the rear of the barn has under gone changes via new steps and seating area.

Whilst the lads were working we dug into the banking and found a coloney of bees so it was quite interesting working around them and managed to accommodate the bees via a plastic pipe let into the wall to still give them access to the nest. Interesting times as my Bro insisted on still wearing his shorts. Not for the faint hearted.

Ravensbarrow lodge ,Cartmel fell has under gone some massive changes and is looking really good, photos of which and a full write up will follow very shortly.

We have also started two more projects the first one being a small barn conversion in the Little Langdale valley. We only started 2 weeks ago and although a smaller project it still has its challenges.

Quite a bit of underpinning and work to stop water ingress are just some of the works ahead of us.

But we really enjoy this type of work as each day throws upon us a new challenge and problem solving which is great!

Finally we started another project 2 weeks ago .Violet Bank,Hawkshead is on about the same scale as Ravensbarrow and with the same challenges as all the other projects. An adjoining annex from Violet bank it will have a pool, gym, shower rooms, entertainment hall, accommodation suites and a huge garage (nice).

So as you can see,plenty going on and really exciting times ahead and we look forward to taking you through the projects as they evolve.

On a personal level we also celebrated the safe removal of Driac 2 from hawkshead to Whitehaven she was built in 1932 in Portsmouth and spent much of her time in blue water. Having undergone a major restoration she is nearly ready for launch.

We will keep you posted on this also.

Old wooden boats share a lot in common with old buildings i have always had a huge interest in old timber boats from a very early age likewise with buildings they are like living things and need constant attention to keep them in good shape,but that's what i like, it takes care and attention to detail to be around both historic buildings and classic wooden boats.

Well that's all for now.but we intend to keep you up to date with all the projects on a 2 week basis.

Wych Wood update.

Here's more news on the work that is going on at Wych Wood. Since the last report all the landscaping and walling is now complete.

It's always nice when your client gives you the freedom to be creative, this outdoor seat was one of those opportunities. We primarily used oak timbers and slate from the old barn to re-create what we think is a lovely feature.















This is a view of the top of the garage prior to paving. Once the paving is in place it will form a sitting area outside.

Here you can see some of the completed walling.








Hardwood windows and doors are now fitted and internal first fixes are also going ahead.

we will keep you posted on this project in about a months time.

our next blog will feature the completion of sawmill cottage.

Update - Ravensbarrow

Since the last update, Ravensbarrow has undergone some big changes. The old barn now has new roof timbers ready to receive the existing green slate , and stone facing is transforming the external walls.

Here Mike and Adam are building the facing using the original stones that blend with the rest of the building. A green oak lintel has been placed above the window ready to receive two layers of green slate tabling to keep the weather off the timber.

Near the corner of the barn we have started to lay down the drainage system, since these photo's where taken yesterday they have now been finished.

Since the last update the foundations for the retaining wall near the old barn are being laid. Extra reinforcement has been put in because this is a main retaining wall for the driveway.

Sawmill Cottage

Sawmill Cottage is the third of our larger renovation projects just outside the village of Hawkshead. The cottage is an old corn mill built and owned by the monks of Furness Abbey. The monks used it for storing malt, parts of the original building still contain the drying plates for the corn. The property still has some of the original crooked beams, there is also a mill dam in the grounds. Although it's near completion we just wanted to show some of the final stages of the work that is going on.

Before and after of the basement

Here you can see the depth the floor in the basement needed to be dug out.

Fernando at work on the fireplace.











External walling.

Happy New Year

We'd just like to wish you all a Happy New Year. There's been a lot of merriment over the festive period. Some have been visiting families in Scotland, fabulous husky rides on New years Day, whilst others have been seeking out various parties. Here's some festive piccys!!

Here's the crew from left to right: Myself, Merv, Mike, Adam, and apprentices Mike and Joe.

Grub Up!

Mike, my brother is a man of many talents, a lunchtime treat is to sample one of Mike's many recipes that he cooks for us over the fire, all the prepwork is done at home ready to cook while we work. This week we sampled the delicious roasted butternut squash, sweet potatoes and garlic. Ideally mash with creme fraiche. Drain well so it doesn't go too mushy. And there you go, it's great what you can cook outside on a cold winters day! Watch this space for many more of our culinary delights at work and at home!

Wych Wood

The second of our projects "Wych Wood" is quite a large renovation near the Graythwaite estate south of Hawkshead. The old cottage and barn has been completely gutted apart from the external walls which maintain the original character of the building. A portion of the external walls which were in disrepair have been rebuilt using the original stones. The roof and lintels above the doors and windows have been replaced in green oak a traditional wood for this type of barn.

Our skilled workforce with years of experience carry out extensive landscaping and walling renovations. Retaining walls and landscaping with unique features are now near completion. One of the features is a stonewalled seat using reclaimed oak from the barn, finished with some nice slate detailing. This will feature in a later blog. Once it is completed, we will be moving onto the internal work to maintain a clean working environment.

We use the Manitou telescopic handler as a labour saving device to lift heavy materials onto scaffolding and other inaccessible places.