Wrecking day

As mentioned previously, we have taken the decision to undertake the not insignificant task of tackling the attic space in order to turn it into a really lovely room for our visitors (it's got tons of potential with three lovely old beams running the length of it). The pine pannelling that is currently up there is just so 1980s and anyway, the timbers need to be treated for insects as they haven't been done for 15-20 years. So this afternoon we set to it, having decided that we would aim to complete just one half of the attic now and leave the rest for another day (it is a big job!). This is a 'before' shot.

Andy manfully pulled down the panelling with a crow bar with pieces of wood and dust flying everywhere. We flung the pannelling out of the little attic window and laid the better pieces on the beams in the barn to make a temporary floor where tools can be stored. I then donned a face mask to start pulling down the old Rockwool insulation - behind one section there was the skeleton of a rat which had obviously died some considerable while ago! There was evidence of other wildlife using the insulation as home too so it is a good job we are pulling the lot down! Can't have our visitors being woken up by critters of various sizes scuttling across the floor, can we! Once I had removed the old insulation, we got a good look at the 'charpente', the woodwork that forms the underside of the roof, and fortunately it is in good condition. We will clean it up tomorrow and then hopefully spray with the insect treatment and get the new insulation up early next week. Should have the plasterboard panels up by next weekend if all goes to plan!

Apart from the above, it's been another gloriously warm day - we really must get out on the bikes tomorrow. So much to do and so little time!