Judith and I have just returned from a few days at Gannets. The weather has ranged from sunny to misty to snowy, but always chilly! Fortunately, thanks to the insulation I've installed and the good central heating, Gannets is always warm to return to after a quick walk over the marsh to the beach. We always wanted Gannets to be a year-round holiday home, not just for the summer. With double glazing and lots of loft insulation it works beautifully.
The purpose of our visit was to prepare Gannets for the year. Things we did included:
- Meeting our new cleaner. She's really nice and understands the job. Our previous cleaner tended to be a bit slap-dash at times and we became unhappy with things. I think the house will be consistently cleaner now
- Tidying the garden a little. I tried to get the bonfire started but it was too damp. One day this year, perhaps! Judith did a good job of pruning the shrubs in the front garden
- Learning of what's happened to Greanacres. That's the house at the bottom of our garden. It was occupied by a nice old lady who has sadly died. It's now been sold and we're awaiting news on the plans of the new owners. We've put a letter through the door asking the new owners to contact us. We'd like to preserve the sea views and also the quiet of the area -- we don't want our guests being woken at 8am by builders all through the Summer :). When we get more information I'll post something here
- Replacing the mastic round the bath and along the worktops in the kitchen and utility. I felt the mastic was looking a little tired. It's now all nice and clean for the year
- Cleaning all the carpets with our Vax
- Repainting the 2nd bedroom. It's a much brighter shade of yellow now, matching the downstairs wall
- Easing the front door. It used to stick a little, and of course it swells in the winters. I've eased it in several places and now doesn't stick at all! Much more welcoming, I think
- Checking the state of the leadwork. The snow has attacked it some more at the back of the house and I think it will need some remedial work before next winter. We'll get some experts to take a look and let us know. I don't think we'll see any leaks but I'd like to make sure it's as good as possible.
I plan to return in late March to do some more painting: bathroom, stairs, and all the white doors. Plus some polyfilling as well.
We also noticed that the large barn conversions in Bard's Hill haven't sold yet, nor the barns with planning permission in Cross Street. We will be very sad to see those barns converted as it's so great to have a working farm in the village. The cows were looking good this week, steaming in the cold conditions.
On the subject of houses, the house opposite the duck pond sold last year and has now been extended at the rear. The builders were there this week building a low wall across the front garden. This appears to be to separate off the parking area from the lawn, but it seems rather unnecessary. Still, we'll see what it's like when it's done. The house is certainly improved.
As always, do let us know of anything you'd like to see new, or different, or better, at Gannets. We aim to make our guests happy and comfortable at all times so we're keen to hear your views.
Peter
