Why, what, where and when
Why: We hope this blog will enable our friends and families to share our project/adventure through pictures, a few words and reflections on lessons learned.
In March 2022 our offer for the hovel was accepted. Finally, on 12th November we received 'the keys'. In reality there was only one key, and it didn't work. We went to the back of the house where all the doors were unlocked and walked into our new abode.
Numerous renovation podcasts and friends have said you must take lots of before and after pictures. We are at the beginning of the project and have estate agent pictures from when the house was inhabited. Shortly I will take take stark pictures of the empty house. Soon we will share the architectural software images of what we hope to do. One day, there will be 'after pictures' 🤞
What: The hovel is a four bedroom house (with a room in the attic). It was built in the early 1970's. It is totally out of character with the lovely older gritstone houses in the village. Planning records suggeest that a utility room, garage and proch were added in 1974.
Where: The hovel is in the village of Reeth (population 658, 2021 census), 11 miles (18 km) west of Richmond in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
The village has 3 pubs, a village shop and post office, two bakeries, a cafe, two hotels and a community centre where Kiki Dee appeared in 2022. Quiz question - "what was Elton John's first number one UK and US hit in 1976?"
Reeth is situated in the heart of Swaledale mid-way between Upper Swaledale and Richmond. Long ago the village was the centre of a vast lead mining industry. It is now a popular tourism centre with a National Park visitor centre and several craft shops and galleries.
Reeth has a large sloping village green with the main pubs, shops and houses situated on its fringes.
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When: Before Christmas . . . . . . .