Our New Old Barn.

The one thing we've always lacked at the cottage is storage space. So to kill several birds with the same stone, we've bought an old Tobacco Drying Barn, a bit of Surrounding Land, and, most importantly, PRIVACY (more about this anon). That huge tree on the edge of the land (which is right behind the cottage) is a magnificent Oak, and will certainly, in time, become home to a TREE HOUSE.

The barn itself is not the best in the world, but it's spacious, well built, and Termite free. On the two long sides, just above the stone walls, there are swivelling flaps that open to allow air to circulate. We have no plans for the barn (or for the land), but no doubt in time it will dictate its own use. For the moment I shall replace any missing boards, give it a coat of something black (it should be black), erect a couple of exterior Barn Owl boxes, install some guttering, and maybe bung in a concrete floor.

Maybe I'll grow some maize, or, I suppose, I ought to grow Tobacco! Any not-too-time-consuming suggestions would be extremely welcome.

The reason for the dodgy pictures is that I took them at 6.30 am when it was still not properly light. Don't ask; I was simply impatient!