Wednesday, October 21, 2009

An t-Earrach 2008





A picture in an early post showed the big garage (barn) in the background. These shots provide a better view of the structure from several sides. Basically a post-and-pole construction, the structure is supported on four corners by large upright beams with granite boulder foundations. And, yes, it is pretty darn close to the neighboring property buildings. The topmost picture shows the bridge truss that supported the sliding barn doors.


Sunday, October 11, 2009

An Geimhreadh 2007-2008



Nearing the end of my pre-move-in date pictures. One relatively unique feature of this house is the attached garage. These two views show the carriage doors and a close-up view of the garage interior. All four double-hung windows are finished out with the same style fir casings as the interior of the house. The interior walls are finished cement, with a rough stucco texture and a rich ochre yellow paint. Over the years, the paint job has suffered a bit, but eventually we'll repaint and try to match the original color. There are two coal shoots in the garage that originally accommodated the dual heating systems when the house was a two-unit dwelling. A heat vent also opens into the garage.
Cars in the early 1920s were pretty narrow compared to new models. My VW fits, if you only need to open the doors on one side. Pulling forward until the front wind screen contacts the tennis ball on a string apparatus ensures the door will close. One slightly sad sacrifice was replacing the old carriage doors with an overhead garage door and opener. Years of pushing those old doors outward into the Montana snows took their toll.

Monday, October 05, 2009

An Fómhar 2007


After a long absence, it's time to post or pull the plug. I'll post, no matter how pitiful the content. The one remaining picture in my second-floor tour shows the upper and lower cabinet (new construction) used to prop up the replacement vintage sink. It's not a bad match to the existing built-ins and woodwork. But that new pine never really duplicates the look of old Doug fir.