More improvements have been well underway this Autumn at Fornside: firstly, the removal of the large green dilapidated barns, usable parts of which are being upcycled at a nearby farm. We will be replacing these with smaller, watertight barns and lots of raised veg beds in due course.
Artisan landscaping around the back of the three white cottages is now complete including the provision of a seating area for each cottage to make the most of the morning sunshine and spectacular views up towards Great Dodd. We recruited family to help with planting the new beds and are now looking forward to shrubs spreading and flowering over the coming seasons. Buried treasure, in the form of dozens of bulbs should produce a fine display in early Spring. Photos to follow!
Having renovated the cottages last winter, we fhave now embarked on the renovation and extension of the Farmhouse. As well as rewiring, replumbing all the bathrooms and giving the roof, windows and other parts a bit of TLC, we need a new heating system. We are delighted with the cottages’ underfloor heating and remain committed to a greener future so will be replicating the Ground Source Heat Pump solution in the farmhouse. The LPG tanks will soon be removed, representing an important step towards sustainability for Fornside (and allowing a little more parking space for the cottages!).
Meanwhile, we are enjoying the opportunity of living in one of our cottages during the project … and of course we continue to explore the local fells and other nearby attractions. Lowther Castle and Rookin House activity centre have been firm favourites with our children, and recent craft shows at nearby Rheged Centre have been inspiring.
