RECONSTRUCTION On this page, you will find a pictorial history of the reconstruction of the building. In September 2002, it was decided to convert the workshop into a 3 apartment cottage for self-catering holidays. Its unique rural location, its close proximity to the capital city of Edinburgh and the fact that no other facility like this exists in the area, made what had been only an idea for some time, start to become reality. A chronological timetable of events follows. |
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September 2002
The decision to proceed with the conversion was made and several
builders were approached. One in particular stood out due to his
specialised experience in steading and barn conversions, and we
were impressed with a steading development he had just completed
nearby. He was interested in quoting for the job and he
instructed his architect to contact us.
October 2002
The architect visited and carried out a full survey and
measurement of the property. After discussing our requirements
and exchanging some ideas, he started work on preliminary plans.
December 2002
The architect brought his plans for our inspection. We were most
impressed by the design and by the way maximum use had been made
of the available space, while still creating a spacious-looking
interior. We requested one change to be made - that a bath with
shower over it should be fitted in the shower room, and not just
a shower alone - essential for people staying with babies or
young children. This, apparently, would be no problem. On our
agreement, the architect starts work on full detailed plans for
submission to the Planning Department.
February 2003
Full detailed plans are completed and meet with our
approval. Plans are submitted to the City of Edinburgh Council
for Planning Permission and Building Warrant.
July 2003
Full planning permission is finally granted by the Planning
Department on 4th July. The builder is now costing the job for
our approval, after which, if satisfactory, work can commence.
September 2003
After reviewing the quotes received, the original
builder we had selected was chosen for the job after receiving
his quote. Now awaiting a start date which should, hopefully, be
by mid-October, and an estimated completion date.
October 2003
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| On 20th
October, scaffolding was delivered to the site ready for
the job to commence. This picture was taken on 21st October and is the last picture of the building taken in its present form |
This is the
rear of the building taken on the same day. The scaffolding can be seen stacked at the side ready for assembly. |
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| On Saturday 25th October, work commenced with the removal of the slates and roof timbers. | This is the rear view showing the roof partly removed. The timbers were so badly rotted that they were crumbling as they were touched. |
November 2003
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Sunday 2nd November, and the roof has been completely removed. |
Rear view with the roof completely removed. |
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Floor now being excavated. Fireplace will be turned into a feature. |
Another view of the interior looking towards the front. |
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Saturday 22nd November, the walls have been raised to the new height and the roof trusses have been hoisted up ready for positioning. Ducts have been installed for water and electricity and preliminary drainage work commenced. The new back door aperture has been broken through (right) and the new front door has been broken through. Will this mess ever turn out to be a nice house? Watch this space! |
December 2003
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| Saturday 6th December, this front view shows the new roof in place almost ready for slating. | The rear view showing the dormer window apertures in place and a start made on the staircase gable. Somewhere under this lot is the garden! |
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Top left -
interior shot showing the floor concreted, ducts in place
for drains, water and electricity, looking at what will
be the kitchen and kitchen window. Top right - looking the other way showing what will be the lounge and old doorway being bricked up to form lounge windows. Left - at the rear, a start has been made on the patio where steps will lead up to the garden (when we have one again!) |
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| 13th December, and most of the noticible progress is at the rear with the roof, dormer windows and gable now well and truly in place. | Saturday 20th December, and the brickwork is finished, sills fitted and windows and front door in place. |
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| Sunday 21st December after a fall of snow during the night. | The roof has now all been sheeted, the back door is in place and the brickwork is almost finished on the gable. |
January 2004
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| Sunday, 11th January. After the festive holidays, a lot of internal work has been taking place - strapping walls, cutting out staircase aperture etc. Also a deep trench has been dug in the road to take the new drain. | The trench will take the new drain to the nearest connection point in the village drain which, unfortunately, is quite a distance from the cottage. Also the hole kept filling up with water so the contractors had to run a pump to keep it dry when working. |
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| Tuesday 13th January. The new drain in place at its connection point to the main drain. | The new inspection chamber where the new drain leaves the cottage and turns 90 degrees along the trench to the main connection point. |
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Sunday 18th January. Top left - The slates have started to be fitted to the roof at the front. These are the best of the original Scotch slates, dressed and ready for fitting. The rear of the roof will be fitted with new Spanish slates - the nearest you can get to the originals. Top right - at the rear, the brickwork on the gable has been completed and the dormer windows have now been installed. Left - the drains being finished off at the side. |
February 2004
Sunday 8 February. The roof is now finished and the guttering is being fitted. |
Rear view of
the finished roof. |
Wednesday 11th February, and the first view of the interior shows the lounge area looking towards the front door. |
Looking into the lounge from the kitchen. All the walls have now been taped and plastered ready for rubbing down and painting. The feature fireplace is finished. |
Upstairs, this is bedroom 2, with the hot water cylinder (combi) waiting to be installed in the landing cupboard. |
 Bedroom 1 looking
towards the dormer window. |
March 2004
 Thursday 18th March. Lots of internal work has been progressing, and now the walls have been prepared ready for the final coat of harling. The barrier is round the hole for the water connection. |
 Rear view showing the coated walls ready for harling. All the external woodwork has now been treated. |
 End gable ready for final harling. |
 The new water connection made. Funny how every time you dig a hole it fills up with leaves - even in March! |
April 2004
Tuursday, 29th April. The finished job (front view). Monoblock driveway has been layed, and new gates made out of the old fence. |
Rear view
showing the steps down to the patio, and path leading to
the steps. |
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A view of the end gable. The whole job has been a complete success, and has transformed a run-down old building into a beautiful, picturesque, cosy cottage. The interior is also finished with all floor coverings layed, and the cottage has been fully furnished. Interior views are at www.theendplace.com |
