Sand, sand, sand......

The poor builders start sanding the beams - it takes a LONG time - this one took over an hour

but it's worth it as they look fantastic once done

Good to have friends

I took my great pal Dawn over to see the house - she very gamely drove all the way from Northumberland (where she's done her own Grade II refurb) and gave me the benefit of her wisdom and input.  Some great ideas.  She suggested making the top floor a guest suite with bedroom & en-suite (rather than two bedrooms), putting the en-suite to the master bedroom on the mezzanine level & changing the position of the stairs in the garden room...........will make such a difference.  So helpful to have mates who are spatially aware.  She's trying to reign me in on the garden - wise advice even if it's not much fun!!!