New log burner installed in kitchen & decorating session
Felix & John spent 3 days up at the cottage to coincide with the installation of a new log burner in the kitchen.
The old cast iron cooking range was disintegrating rapidly and has been out of commission for decades. We decided that one of the best improvements we can make to the cottage was get a log burner in it’s place - providing warmth for that side of the cottage and helping keep the structure dry.
It was a very intense and grubby two days with the guys from Yorkshire Stoves & Fires working tirelessly to remove the old stove, line the flue, shore up the cavity and install the stove while Felix and I washed down, prepped and decorated the two bedrooms and all the woodwork in the ‘No.4’ end of the cottage …. at in 30C Nidderdale heat!
Now we just need some slightly more typical Yorkshire weather to feel the full benefits of the fire.
New hot water system and bathroom
For the first time since (we think) 1952 the hot water system and bathroom have been upgraded.
The principal is the same; an electric immersion heater, but the heater and tank are a modern combination design with much better insulation, efficiency, hot water pressure and capacity.
The tank is now 220 Litres, which will take about 45mins to heat up from cold. We recommend that the heater be left on for the duration of your stay unless you are not having baths / showers!
The bath, sink and pipework have all been upgraded, we tried to keep the original feel as much as possible with a footed bath and traditional taps.
We’ve also stabilised the springy floorboards and put down a new floor in the bathroom.
