Allerton House Studios- The Journey

So, let us continue with the story of Allerton House... Let me explain how layers and layers were chipped away. Gradually, and with much effort, revealing the history of the house; bit by bit, chip by chip. Let me explain how we stripped away decaying materials, crumbling stones and blown plaster, working late into the night and fighting with the dust to reach the house's very core. Apparently, seven rolls were once been needed to cover some walls, but soon they had all been removed. Soon, seven rolls and no less than nine layers of wall paper were gone. What had once been used as decoration (and even insulation) was no more! The walls were stripped bare piece by piece, first upstairs, then downstairs. Slowly, Allerton House began to be transformed. But, as with all old houses, there are secrets.

But, first let me tell you a little about who we are. I am Susan and, Neil, is my husband. We have been married for over thirty years and we are completely in love with each other. We have two wonderful daughters, who are all grown up now and have flown the nest to have adventures of their own. I was born and grew up in South Africa, and Neil and I met there, far away under the hot African sun where the soil is red and mountain streams rush by, tumbling and cascading over hard granite rocks. We have many fond memories of all the places where we lived and all the things that we experienced there: fiery-red sunsets and raging thunder storms; the sudden stir of life at isolated waterholes where elephants and lion freely roam; the lure of pine forests on steep mountain slopes cloaked in mist or the market stalls of fresh fruit and nuts along the various country roads. All these place and experiences, and many, many more will always be held dear to us; always be treasured in our hearts. The...

 The first tasks began. Layers and layers of wall papers were laboriously removed, each revealing a different moment in time. Some were hand printed, all were tattered and torn. Larger pieces would be kept. We had a project for these - a particularly special one! You will just have to wait and see what we created! Beneath all the layers of paper, were many fascinating surprises: wattle and daub plastering, complete with horse hair all evidence of much older methods of building. Some even from previous centuries!  In fact, over the next few months, we were to find out so much more about Allerton House. We were about to make some amazing discoveries!

 The key turned in the lock and, just like that, our new life began. The house was old, very old! Layers of faded wallpaper clung to the crumbling walls and the sunshine fought its way through dusty, cobwebbed windows. Floorboards creaked and dust hung in the air, suspended in time- eddying silently, restless. This was not a renovation project for the fainthearted. This was a project for professionals and that dear reader, we were NOT! But before the day was out, the glass of wine had been drunk and our first journey inside celebrated. The end of Day One.

 How exciting it is to have a new beginning; a moment where we can start a new adventure and see where it takes us.  That first step into a new way of life takes courage- plenty of it. No one knows what lies ahead of them. No one knows exactly what to expect. Unlocking the door of Allerton House, in Cumbria was the start of our grand adventure!