It’s been a couple of weeks since my last entry – with good reason. We’re working ’round the clock with packing, renovations, completing a punch list at our current home, and drawing up plans for Oak Cottage. We close on our current home December 4th (the third contract was finally the charm), and we’ve scheduled movers for next Friday, one week from today.
We’ve got way too many irons in the fire and having only 3-4 hours in the DARK evenings makes for slow completion. We’re also limited by contractors who are currently available to us only on rainy days (they’re finishing up another project and must be at the other site on sunny days). So, we’re at Mother Nature’s mercy to finish the Acorn – namely the new ceilings.
About the new ceilings….while the finishers have done a fabulous job, we’re a bit bummed, quite frankly. Finishing the ceilings, which meant covering the exposed rafters, was completely necessary for energy efficiency. But both rooms, especially the barn room, have suffered a loss in charm. We’re installing a ductless heating and air system so new ceilings and insulation will put less stress (and less $ in energy costs) on the system. The ceilings, new doors, new windows, and extra insulation, combined with the heat and air will make a tremendous difference in the climate and moisture control of the little cottage. It took us weeks to eradicate the mold and mildew and consequent musty smells. We will now have a functioning, comfortable little cottage year round, not just one suited for fair weather. Future plans are to offer the Acorn for vacation rental – passive income for our retirement.
Still to do before move-in:
- Contractors to finish mudding and sanding ceilings
- Paint ceilings
- Finish bath: install bead board, corrugated galvanized ceiling, new flooring
- Trim out ceilings
- Finish Entrance Deck
- Install 5 replacement windows and trim
- Stain and restore floors
- Have driveways and parking leveled and rock delivered and spread (we’re dealing with a muddy construction mess at the moment)
Ain’t.Gonna.Happen.
There is so much happening at the moment I don’t know where or how to start to record it all. I’m too overwhelmed. I’ve been meeting with kitchen consultants, drawing up bathroom plans and the new additions. We’re also a little stressed about our reno budget, so much so we’ve decided to sell a little rental home we own. On top of everything else, it will go on the market next Monday – aye yi yi.
While life is stressful, things could be so much worse! We are enjoying one of the most mild late falls I can ever recall. We’ve yet to experience our first hard frost and there are summer annuals still flourishing. We’ve had ideal temperatures for working and for that I am extremely grateful.
I am also grateful and filled with an overwhelming joy each and every time I pull up to this magnificent property. My soul has never felt more at home. The approach to the cottage is a magical visual only topped by the sounds of the rushing creeks, and the glorious poignant fragrance of a thriving but all the while lushly decaying rain forest. In every sensory perception we are living in the heart of the mountains. I’ve never been more tired or fulfilled.
I tried some color choices yesterday on the Acorn. The darker paint, “Mined Coal” by Behr is a color we’re choosing for both cottages. The color choice is a bit out of our wheel house, but I’m digging it. The fun blue, “Glass Sapphire” by Behr, is just that – FUN and will only be used on this one door. The white trim shown was original – and will probably be more creamy. The entrance deck is started, but needs fastening, new steps, and a railing. The railing will be made from hog panels (a nod to owning a pig). The entry deck build is mainly so Shucks will have an easy access into the cottage this winter. This spring he will be moved to his own accommodations. You can peek inside to see the new, unfinished ceiling. Pictures before move-in are forthcoming.