While writing an upcoming post on the subject of walls, I realised that I had never properly concluded the thread that was bubbling away through 2008 concerning what to do about the leaky, south facing gable end wall. After finding it was ‘infested’ with stalactites and stalagmites, I considered whitewashing the wall, then eventually it was bag-pointed and whitewashed. The pointing tidied up the mortar joints then the wash gave a consistent overall coating.

The evidence of this has been staring down from the header of My Barn Conversion for some months now:

From MyBarnConversion 2009

(In case it’s not obvious it is the creamy coloured end wall to the right of the building I’m referring to.)

So, did it work?

I must admit, I don’t know. The work was completed in October 2008, so has only had last years damp summer to dry-out - and it didn’t appear to do that as there have always been damp looking patches across it. I’m hopeful that this summer will be different and provide a proper opportunity to dry out. Cosmetically I really like it - the creamy undulating finish is very easy on the eye.

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I’ve been considering what to do with the second bedroom in the barn. It will be my son’s room once it’s been relieved of its current duty as store room. I’ve been planning on installing a built-in-bed, both for reasons of practicality and desire. Practical because part of the construction can be used to solve my tricky carpentry challenge and desirable, because the child in all of us would like one.

I didn’t have to look far for inspiration as I favourite site of mine, Remodelista came up with the goods as it so often does - Children’s Rooms: Built-in Beds and Bunks

Here are my favourites - those from which I’ll take some inspiration:

[The photographs link to their original source where one was available.]

I like the white painted wood and the nifty under-bed pull-out mattress.

Close to what I envisage - a lovely childs bed with plenty of storage.

Great lighting, use of natural and painted wood and yet more storage. Those steps are pretty great as well - wonder if I can fit some in?

Lovely wood, nice use of the mirror and I really like the book storage at the end of the bed.

Painted wood looks good and nice bunny!

I like the regularity of this space and the high level book shelf is a great use of space. Lovely looking wood again.

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As a consequence of my growing obessession with fire-wood I found myself buying a wood moisture meter that allows me to measure the moisture content of cut logs. You ideally need a moisture content of below 20%, although the intermittent 25%er won’t do too much harm. This handy gadget also allows me to measure the moisture content of formerly lost at sea oak flooring which has now acclimatised and measures in below the requisite 8%.

My kitchen sink splash back travertine tiling is progressing - I’ve decided that speed when tiling leads me to decreasing quality and an increased likelihood of entering regrouting hell, so I’ve decided to take my time and slow-down (As TRF is currently so keen on telling me from his elevated car seat from which he directs my driving).

All the trees I ordered are now planted so there are no excuses when it comes to getting on with work in the barn (except perhaps the occasional trip to cut some logs on a nearby farm). I’ve also decided not to plant my proposed willow trees this year - that one will go on the list for next year.

In my January update I worried about…

the distraction of the Six Nations rugby [being] too great…

…that was a mistake, as in fact this year, the Six Nations rugby itself isn’t too great (at least for the home nations)… let’s say no more on the matter.

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The tiled floor that runs through the whole of the downstairs of the barn took a considerable investment in terms of both time and money in planning, sourcing and then fitting. It’s been completed for a while now (since August 2009), but I thought that a post summing things up would still be worthwhile and [...]

The process of coppicing is pretty straight-forward:
Coppicing is a traditional method of woodland management in which young tree stems are repeatedly cut down to near ground level. In subsequent growth years, many new shoots will emerge, and, after a number of years the coppiced tree, or stool, is ready to be harvested, and the cycle [...]