Puddle Cottage Face Lift – 3 week update

We are now three weeks into our refurbishment of Puddle Cottage, so I thought an update on progress was well overdue.

The first project was to have the cottage re-pointed. The cottage was built in 1849 using local Collyweston stone but over the years the stone has been filled in using standard concrete. We have used local experts to complete the re-pointing work, and within a week, all the old concrete had been removed and replaced with limestone restoring the cottage to its original appearance as well as preserving the cottage for years to come.

While the builders were battling with our ‘summer’ conditions outside, Dominic and I, along with some help from the family started removing all the wallpaper throughout the cottage. Such a difficult task as the paper must have been on the walls for years, but a wallpaper stripper hired locally from Abacus Hire Centre in Oakham, along with a few bottles of beer had all the wallpaper removed in 3 long evenings! Underneath the wallpaper we found some large holes, exposing the walls which are made of straw. We knew the cottage was old but we hadn’t anticipated straw walls! Over the coming weeks, all holes have been carefully filled in and the walls  re-plastered providing additional warmth to the cottage. In another week, the walls should be dry and ready for painting.

The first three weeks has also seen the kitchen tiles taken out, the kitchen walls plastered and new tiles laid, as well as the kitchen having several new licks of paint. The new kitchen appliances will be ordered this week from Knights of Oakham.

The final large project so far has been the work we have done on the garden. The garden shed and the existing fence has now been painted using 2 HUGE tins of paint over 2 long evenings painting  – 3 coats of paint on the wood and 2 on my hands and feet! Approximately 50 bags of garden refuge have also collected from the overgrown boarders/ bushes and taken to the tip in numerous visits.

Inside the cottage, we have chosen and ordered the carpet  – a pure wool carpet using the local firm Portess of Oakham. We have also ordered a zip together king size bed from them which will be delivered in the coming weeks (via the upstairs window – thank you very much Portess for the trial run today to ensure the bed will fit!!). We are trying to use local companies wherever we can to renovate and decorate the cottage, and so far we have managed it really successfully and been extremely pleased with the local service we have received.

So, what does the next week hold for Puddle Cottage? If the weather allows, we are hoping to get the new fence in the front garden built and painted. It will take some real concentration as we are keen it keeps any pets within the grounds of the cottage for peace of mind. We also hope to complete all of the painting inside the cottage too!!

We will be open for business by the beginning of August 2012. When Puddle Cottage is fully renovated, it will be a dog friendly, character one bedroom cottage in Edith Weston within walking distance of the South shore of Rutland Water. The main bedroom can be presented with either one king size bed or 2 full sized single beds. There is also a double sofa bed in the living bed if required. Puddle Cottage will be a perfect base for anyone visiting the area for sailing or fishing, as both Rutland Water Sailing School and the Fishing Lodge at Normanton are within walking distance of the cottage. Puddle Cottage is also within 8 miles of the market towns of Oakham, Stamford and Uppingham. So if you are looking for self-catering accommodation in Rutland, close to Rutland Water, please contact  enquiries@puddle-cottage.co.uk or contact Anna on 07734175291.