Walk-in pantry. A strange thing to get excited about I know, but it really is the most amazing storage space. The walls and shelves are now glistening white and the concrete floor is a serious black. After a lot of fiddling we have refitted the blind, installed the wine rack and a crate for vegetables. So far only the plastic containers and lids have found a home in the pantry, but on our next visit we shall move in food supplies etc. The wine rack is looking rather empty (1 red and 1 white) but next visit we shall take down our 50th anniversary party left over bottles which should fill it nicely!
New sofa. We have bought a modest grey two seater sofa for the living room and moved the sofa bed up into Peter's study which will, on occasion, become another spare room. The old sofa left behind by the previous owner, Mrs. Wilmshurst, has been moved to the other side of the room where it continues to be useful rather than beautiful. We also found room for an old pine chest that Simon and Tania don't need anymore. It used to be the boys' toy box in our North Norfolk cottage many years ago and now it can serve as a toy box for the grandsons.
Tree. We bought a silver birch (Betula Utilis Jacquemontii) and had it delivered this morning. We have placed it in its new position and stared at it from every angle to make sure it's in the right place. We will actually dig a hole and plant it on our next visit. Completely forgot to take a picture of it! It's going to look splendid!
