As the OH has had a week off work, we have been at the house everyday so things are disappearing quite quickly.  Most of the woodwork has been removed from the bedrooms and the dining room ceiling has gone, as well as the taped downlighters.  Most of the electrical cables have been removed apart from those needed.  The plan is to completely renew all the electrics but till then, we are leaving one simple power circuit to plug lights into and work from.    It was quite funny in that most of the cables ran over the walls and along skirting, not behnd, just in front.  So once disconnected, we just had to pull and up they came. 

So here is the guided tour.  First downstairs.

The front room faces south and we are thinking of changing the window for french doors.  The porch is hidious but does create a space for coats, just.  With  new front door and paintwork, it may look acceptable.

As you can see this is an excellent example of a typical Victorian lounge!  The carpet is now residing in the local refuse skip and the stonework should follow soon.  We hope to restore the room with a classic surround and fireplace as well as some cornice and ceiling rose.  (Similar to a house on George Clarke's TV programme on last night - Old House, New Home)

To the right of the fireplace, something has been removed, possibly a unit which has left a cblack stone plinth. Strangely the wooden floor was cut to the plinth - its all a bit strange. 

Moving from the front room, we pass the stairs and arrive at the bathroom.  Its not far.  Our aim is to move the bathroom upstairs as I think most people will want that.  I certainly would not want to have to climb downstairs everytime I needed the loo during the night.  Although as pointed out by OH, we use the loo more during the day then night time.  so he thinks its better downstairs.

If we take out the bath and rearrrange things, we could have a small cloakroom and add a couple of feet to the middle room, which is small and quite dark. 

That alcove on the right leads to the stairs to the cellar.  The fire is an old woodburning stove with a back boiler.  It does not look like it has been used for many years and I cannot even open the door.  I think it will be going soon. 

To the left of the teddy is part of the origonal back wall which is about 50cm thick and solid stone.  Its certainly not something we'll be moving, which is a shame as it would be lovely to open up the space between the middle room and the small kitchen. 

thats it - its a small room and with the Rangemaster filling up one side, there isnt much room for anything.  There is a fridge and freezer under the sink unit so goodness knows where they put all their stuff.  there is hardly any cupboard space.  So plenty of thinking to do to improve the layout and create a spacious kitchen/diner in the two rooms. 

Next time - upstairs!