We’re in rented accomodation at the moment, but I’m at the old house (built in 1690!) every day interfering with the work, and doing as much as I can myself. I am amazed at how possible it is to love bricks and mortar – almost illegal! And we’ve had some great finds – including two beautiful arches which had been walled in, and an old window that had been sealed off when window taxes came in, but which still has its – very rusty – clasps etc. When we go back, it will be our house in a way that it wouldn’t if we hadn’t have done the work, but there’s also something else – a real feeling that we’re only borrowing it for our lifetime. Probably sounds sappy, but it puts lots of things in perspective.