Someone asked me recently does Melv have a plan - well I think so - he just seems to know, it is what he does. He has been itching to get started on one of our favourite bits - the Dovecote - so start we did.
As with much of the stone work the dovecote it is in need of a bit of TLC and repair - which can always look a bit drastic - but again omelette and eggs springs to mind as Melv started to take part of the back corner down. It was soon rebuilt, and much stronger - he had found evidence of an old drain underneath that had caused it to sink.
Next it was a bit of attention to the front, to replace the sleeper above the door with an oak beam, rebuild the top left hand section and repair one of the entrances.
When we dismantled the entrance to Melv's delight he found it was an old staddle stone - so there was an easy solution - turn it round.
How magic is that...
And of course it fits...
As good as new.
Once all the weak points were stable it was time for raking out the joints, to replace the old mortar with new and put in strengthen bars where they are needed.
It is a dusty job and one that takes a while, but extremely satisfying once its done.
Doesn't it look smart.
But there were several holes and loose bits - Melv soon sorted those
This is followed by re-pointing using lime - which is a challenge in its own right - more on that later.
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