Even the intervention of swallows, giant moths and snakes can't hinder the rapid pace of work at Culford
Even the intervention of swallows, giant moths and snakes can't hinder the rapid pace of work at Culford
At Culford, the former water tower transformation is ahead of schedule. Mark Williamson started work on the tower early in the year and his aim is to be in their new home by Christmas Day.
The fine weather has allowed all aspects of the project to progress well; though the wildlife can produce delays.
He said: “We are ahead of schedule though I have now got more work coming in, so I think it will slow down a little bit. “Everything is going well. The budget is spot on. We still aim to be in for Christmas.”
Work ground to a halt on the extension when a pair of swallows decided to nest in the apex of the vaulted ceiling. Mark said: “My suggestion of a stick to knock it down was scorned upon. The male even landed on Carly’s arm for a brief stop, as they became the adopted family.
“We had a visit from a grass snake and a 4cm long moth with the most amazing wing pattern I have ever seen!
“Rabbits have now decided, as they can’t burrow under the buried chicken wire on the perimeter fence, to hop over the top and help themselves to cabbages and anything green in our vegetable plot.”
The tower is beginning to look like a home. “The purpose-made windows, over five metres high, are now fitted and glazed and have transformed the tower, it now looks feasible it could become a house.”
It is a real family affair and Mark’s daugher Carly has been helping him manage the project. His partner Paula, and her sons Liam, Ben and Ashley have also been involved restoring the cast iron tank, which was made by H Young & Co Engineers of Pimlico, who also made the sphinxes at Cleopatra’s Needle in London.
The tank has been given six coats of paint and primer including a final dark red coat. The tower and extension are now roofed with tiles and finials to match the existing tower roof. “Scaffold is starting to come down, which is always a rewarding time when the hard work is starting to be revealed.
“Most of the plumbing and electrics have been built in ready for the exciting finishing work to commence. Paula’s thoughts are already turning to colour schemes and trying to find local curtain makers to assist with the all important furnishings.”
A feature of the main living will be the Ergofocus woodburner, being purpose-built in France, which will be suspended four metres below the water tower and can be rotated to face different parts of the room.
Meanwhile in Scotland a cast aluminium spiral staircase is being manufactured, the height of three “normal” stair-runs, in the Victorian style, which will arrive in long tubes and be assembled on site.
