renovation ruminations: part 2

Having completed the extension with the second bathroom, we were excited to start renovating the main bathroom and laundry. The bath and shower were made to accommodate vertically challenged individuals and the ugly window and lino had to go.

1.bath before

The tiles proved a bit difficult to remove

2.bath duringbath during

but perseverance paid off.

3.bath during

The more we demolished, the more shonky workmanship was revealed.

4.bath during

The laundry became a blank canvas once the lino was removed.

The new window and floor in the bathroom

8.bath during

were soon followed by internal walls and the bath.

9.bath during10.bath during

The laundry was progressing at the same time

11.laundry during

and the laying of tiles hinted that the end was nigh.

12.bath during13.bath during14.laundry during

We inherited an old Blackwood vanity unit that had been abandoned in the garage of a house bought by a friend. We were sure we could use it somewhere.

15.laundry bench before

A local joiner restored the timber, created a new top and replaced the cupboard inserts with reclaimed mini-orb. With a new ceramic sink and some knobs I found on the internet, the old vanity was given a new life. A floor to ceiling corner cupboard completed the picture.

16.laundry after17.laundry after

We wanted a rustic solid timber vanity unit for the bathroom which we soon realised we weren’t going to find in a shop. We bought a sturdy Blackwood slab and our joiner created a unique masterpiece.

18.bath after

Our beautiful new bathroom was complete.

19.bath after20.bath after

Spring splendour

Spring is marching on and the bulbs are just a memory. Despite the driest and warmest October on record, there are many new faces in the garden. The crocuses (or croci) pop up in surprising places

The California poppies and Oriental poppies feel free to wander

The fairy irises are scattered around the garden and flower though spring and summer

5.fairy iris

The rhododendron orbs add splashes of colour

The Geraldton Wax and Banksia do a great job of disguising the rainwater tank

11.Geraldton Wax12.banksia

I’m pleased to say the snowball tree has survived a severe pruning

13.snowball tree1

After much searching, I managed to identify the Pieris (lily of the valley shrub)

The yellow Waratah is a late bloomer

17.yellow waratah

as is the port wine Magnolia

18.magnolia2

A cosy nest has served it’s purpose

19.nest1

There are a few annuals I haven’t been able to identify

We are hoping for a fine crop of berries this year – the Sylvanberry blossoms are promising

24.sylvanberry blossom

Our very handsome North Wind Man keeps a protective eye on his domain

25.north wind man

stunning Stanley

One of our favourite places in Tasmania is the small fishing village of Stanley on the northwest coast. Only an hours drive away, it is a must to show off to visitors. The iconic landmark, The Nut, becomes visible from the highway

1.nut from road

and as you get nearer, you can see the township snuggled in at the base. The Nut is an old volcanic plug, first named Circular Head when discovered in 1826.

2.nut from road2

Highfield House is a fine example of a home from the Regency period. Built over three years from 1832 to 1835 it is set on a hillside with magnificent views across Stanley and Bass Strait. Visit historic-highfield.com.au

3.highfield1

The house has been beautifully restored and maintained.

4.highfield2

A wander through the house and grounds connects you with the fascinating history of the area.

5.highfield36.highfield4

Convict labour was used at the estate and the remnants of the convict barracks can be found close by.

7.barracks18.barracks29.barracks3

The old post and rail fencing has so much character.

10.barracks fence111.barracks fence212.barracks fence3

A stroll along Godfrey’s Beach rewards with impressive scenery and a different perspective of The Nut.

13.beach414.nut from beach15.beach6

21.beach8

A walk around the flat top of The Nut is the best way to view Stanley and surrounds.

22.close nut1

There is a zig-zag walking path to the top but with a 143 metre climb, the chairlift ride up and walk down is an appealing option.

23.from nut124.from nut225.from nut426.from nut527.from nut3

The town is very quaint, the terraced streets and heritage buildings have changed little since the first Europeans arrived in 1826.

28.town429.town5

Most of the buildings are now home to interesting shops, accommodation and cafés.

Spoilt for choice when it comes to meals, I don’t think you can do better than the Stanley Hotel.

If you are lucky, you will catch a rainbow at East Inlet on the way home.

37.east inlet

Last year, Hollywood came to Stanley for the filming of “The Light Between the Oceans”. The streets were filled with gravel and the town was transformed to 1926. The movie will be released next year…..and maybe Stanley will become famous.

renovation ruminations: part 1

The house we have now is quite different from the one we bought six and a half years ago. The transformation has been gradual and we’ve had a lot of fun along the way. The first thing to go was the lino (why cover polished Tasmanian Oak flooring with lino?) and the pink walls

followed closely by light fittings, curtains and pelmets.

3.lino dining4.dining finished

The eastern end of the house had a large decked area that we would never use as we had plenty of other outdoor areas.

5.deck

We thought an office and second bathroom would be a much better option. The framework soon went up

6.office during7.office during

and it wasn’t long before the plumbing was in.

8.plumbing

Next came the sisalation

9.sisalation

and the sliding door was relocated to the front of the house.

11.sliding door

Everyday was a surprise as the inside began to take shape.

12.inside12a.surprise213.inside13a.drinkies114.inside14a.drinkies215.inside

The decking had to be cunningly re-laid.

16.deck

While the cedar cladding was fixed to the outside

17.cladding

the tiling was underway in the bathroom

18.tiling

followed closely by the shower installation.

19.shower

Once the builders had finished, the painters added the finishing touches.

20.painting21.painting23.painting24.painting

The end result was exactly as we had envisaged.

29.ensuite28.after27.after25.outside after26.outside after