Beach Cottage as it has been the few years we have own it...after 2 years of drawing, planning, thinking, spending, discussing and all over again a few times we have started at last! Maybe I should have started writing about this project from the beginning of trying to gain planning permission, but it has been so frustrating that we couldn't have spent more time agonizing over it.
So, here we are.
John and I removed (carefully) the asbestos (thankfully a few bags full only) and after obtaining a special permit (free! - the first free bit of paper we have received so far...) deposited it at the dump.
Demolition today under the very capable management of Louis, but still a couple of conditions from Planning, some clarifications from Building Control and the wretched Party Wall Award to be given before excavations can begin.
We are now back from our very cold 10 days in Zermatt, average -20 degrees C!! Magnificent scenery, fantastic snow and lovely people.. Back on the island weather is very changeable, yesterday 5 degrees in cabin when we got up, today sunny and warm. Lots of things happening: Anna moving flat (very stressful weekend), Patrick moving to London and to a new (voluntary) job (he is very happy), John still improving his swimming and having trouble with his bikes: he wrote the last one off at the weekend when he cycled into pedestrian (!) in the dark, both people unharmed thank goodness, I am back to my routine of reflexology and indian head massage clients, Cruse work, reading, Zumba, yoga... 
Back safe and sound on Isle of Wight, now for..more than a week? This marvellous adventure is now finished but it is good to be back and be with our people. Back to the grindstone, cleaning, varnishing, tarring, and of course Zumba and West Bay!
