It’s crazy to think that just eight weeks ago, we were waking with a mild panic about how we’d fit the contents of our London home into a van and get them down to Devon. So much seems to have happened – both with lockdown easing and subsequent restrictions playing havoc with our visitor schedules; and the changes we’ve made to the site itself – albeit we seemingly still have an alarming number of half-finished jobs!
In the spirit of celebrating what we’ve achieved, and not worrying about what’s still to do, we looked back over the last eight weeks:
- 20 visitors have come to see us, helping us with work and inspiring us with ideas (two of them twice, and four fewer than expected as a result of Covid self-isolating);
- We’ve met 15 of our lovely neighbours and have been gifted with vegetables, quiche, eggs, fish and cake;
- We’ve installed the first 47m of fencing;
- We’ve started prepping two rooms for painting (but not finished either);
- We’ve baked 19 cakes / puddings and successfully tested them with our neighbours and friends;
- We’ve filled 17 boxes of firewood, now drying for the wood burner next year;
- We’ve made 9 jars of jam (our first ever, some of which can only be described as “an experiment”!);
- We’ve infused 4.7l of various alcohols with fruit from the orchard, and have now stored them in random places around the house;
- We’ve seen bats, rabbits, butterflies; hornets (now gone); and birds around the garden and barn;
- We’ve supported our local pub 8 times (as well as two others in the area);
- We’ve had more than 50 parcels delivered with various house/garden/DIY items that we can’t get locally;
- We’ve seen 56 (well near enough) sunrises – all of which seem to show the valley in a different light (or mist!), and remind us just how lucky we are to have finally made it here.
And the thing that’s surprised us the most? (other than the never-ending job list!!). The incredible difference in the night sky between London and Devon. We clearly knew that London suffered from significant nightly light pollution, but the absolute darkness in the Blackdown Hills means we can see an incredible number of stars – and even the Milky Way once your eyes have adjusted – it never gets boring.
In other renovation-related news, we had our first proper meeting with our architect and planning consultant yesterday, to agree the scope and phasing of our project – SERIOUSLY exciting to have the makings of a plan :-) . And I knew we made the right decision with our architect when she said she’d set up a Pinterest mood for us board – finally I can put all those hours of browsing to good use!!
Ley Farm Cottages 
Enjoyed reading your superb summary of your first 8 weeks living at Ley Farm and all that has been achieved in that time. Look forward to your next update!
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