Everytime I open the door and head off with the dogs for a walk it snows. The very second we cross the threshold on our return it stops. This happens five times. Go figure the chances of that. It's all the more unusual because it is, for the most part, a bright but chilly day.
'The Font' is in Scotland. We've sold the flat in London to the enthusiastic Chinese family ( the cost of redecorating and the lunacy of Brexit were the clinchers ) and bought a very small house in Scotland which we'll let out for the next ten years. We briefly consider buying something in Stockholm but 'The Font' recognizes that you can take the boy out of Scotland but you can't take Scotland out of the boy. The estate agents particulars say the wee house is twelfth century but this is presumably meant in the sense of Theseus's boat. It was most recently rebuilt by a Danish couple who installed the kitchen and an AGA on the first floor. This is supported by enormous steel girders.
When 'The Font' gets there three Polish cleaning ladies are busily at work, the roofers are replacing pantiles and the decorators are busy painting. Long distance organization works. Around seven they go. Just as 'The Font' heads off for dinner the Swedish furniture van shows up and disgorges five very large and affable vikings who unload the furniture from the van, assemble what needs to be assembled and make sure everything is as it should be. All done in a well practised twenty minutes. Then they're off to catch the ferry back to Goteborg. They've not brought the beds or the sofas. They'll be ready next month. '' See you then " they intone cheerfully. ' The Font' cancels the dinner reservation, buys a fish supper, brings it home and sits at a bleached oak table in splendid isolation.
Today, the roofers, the cleaning ladies, and the decorator will be joined by the cabinet makers and the electricians. Despite the fact that everyone shows up when they're supposed to Angus is glad he's at home with Bob and Sophie.
Back in London this sculpture (?) has appeared in St.James's Piccadilly. https://twitter.com/SaraAfshar/status/957304262459117568
15 comments:
Very exciting, but aren't you worried about becoming bored in a place where everything happens exactly as planned and promised?
In a word - No ! There again Scotland has it's own peculiarities which I'm sure will keep everyone on their toes.
Bob must be thinking Good help is so hard to find. He is also thinking that you need to undertake some culinary courses. That wee house in Scotland is so cute. Whereabouts did you buy?
Hmm, a ferry? So the house is on an island, or just some inaccessible bit of Western Scotland? When I read pantiles my first thought was Fife. I've just been listening on the news about Scotland's dependence on EU workers (as if I didn't know that already). Let's hope Nicola gets her way with continued free movement. Or you might be short of a cleaning lady or three.
Cheers, Gail.
That "Sculpture" reminded me of the wonderful installation in the V&A by that amazing glass-blower .... but it misses the mark somehow., doesn't it. I should remember his name.
Is it sacrilege to suggest that you can buy "ready meals" in France? Just a thought to help raise the culinary standards at ROF whilst 'The Font' is away.
Love your wee house. Something like that, in a similar location, is at the back of my mind if Brexit leaves us ex-pats high and dry. But maybe I could always rent yours?
It does seem that five guys should be able to assemble quite a lot of furniture in 20 minutes.
Sounds like a multinational utopia there in Scotland.
Hari OM
I think the term is 'art installation'. In this case, 'statement' would also apply. Ferry into Newcastle maybe? Wouldn't be West Coast. 12th C housing would look rather castle-like I suspect. 18th C might be closer! YAM xx
Or maybe it's "12th century" in the way that US real estate people refer to "colonial". It covers a very broad range.
It looks like a lovely house, lots of the essentials -- light and bookshelves. I trust there's a yard big enough for dogs?
Oh wow, that's exactly what I was thinking! Chihuily.
Quite a change from France 😊. From the pictures I’ve seen, Scotland is such a beautiful place.. my husband and I are planning a trip someday.
My, quite a difference in the workers attitudes in Scotland. Must be a competitive market. Welcome back to the land of excellent single malts.
Bonnie, the wee Scottie
Seem to be lacking in Art Appreciation this morning....reminds me of laundry.
I hope all continues to go as scheduled for 'the Font' at your new rental. I hope the tenants won't insist on a Chinese style kitchen!
I like your new house in Scotland very much. It looks lite and cheerful. I feel sure your future renters will enjoy living there.
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