One Year In: A Busy Year of Progress at Home

A Whole Year Has Gone By

It is hard to believe that we have now been living here for over a year. In some ways, it feels like we only arrived recently, still surrounded by boxes, tools and a long list of jobs. In other ways, the place has changed so much that it is difficult to remember exactly how it looked when we first moved in.

It has been a busy year, with plenty of hard work, unexpected jobs and small victories along the way. We have not managed to finish absolutely everything, but the house and the surrounding land are beginning to feel much more like our own.

The House Is Nearly Finished

Inside the house, things are almost complete. There are still a few small jobs left to do, as there always seem to be with an older property, but the major work is now behind us. It is a great feeling to look around and see finished rooms rather than a constant stream of repairs and decorating.

Having a mostly completed interior has also made everyday life much easier. We can relax without immediately noticing another unfinished task, and we are finally able to enjoy the spaces we have spent so much time working on. There is still the occasional bit of painting, fitting or tidying to finish, but the end is definitely in sight.

Progress Outside

There has been plenty happening outside too. The sheep field is now fenced in, which was an important job and makes the land much more practical. It has also helped us start shaping the property around the way we want to use it in the future.

The shed and garage have both been re-roofed and are now usable again. That has made a huge difference, giving us much-needed storage and sheltered space for equipment. The workshop is watertight as well, which means we can use it properly without worrying about every spell of bad weather.

Growing Our Own Vegetables

One of the most enjoyable additions has been the polytunnel. It is now fully up and producing vegetables, which has been especially rewarding. There is something satisfying about planting seeds, watching them develop and eventually bringing fresh produce into the kitchen.

The polytunnel has already shown its value, and we are looking forward to making even more use of it next season. It has added another dimension to the garden and given us a reason to spend more time outside.

Plans for Next Year

There are still a few jobs on the list for next year. The outside of the house needs painting, we would like to create another small paddock for the sheep, and the garden needs a good tidy-up. None of these tasks should be quite as overwhelming as the work we have already completed, but they will still take time.

Overall, it has been a full and productive year. The property is safer, more practical and much more comfortable than it was when we arrived. There is always another job waiting, but for now, we are pleased with how far we have come.

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