Monday 23 June 2008

The Lovelys' adventure

My brother and sister-in-law are embarking on a major renovation and building project. They bought the lower flat in a large Gothic looking building in West London. The building had been a recording studio for years but was originally artists' studios in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It was, by all accounts, a rather spectacular place; with sunken baths and its own squash court. It is now a shadow of its former glory. For the last year my two teenage nephews have been partying in the basement and my brother and sister-in-law have been camping out in the former reception while they completed the design and attempted to get planning permission to turn it back into the place it was meant to be. This was finally granted at Easter and we went over at the weekend to remove a few fittings and fixtures that my be of use to us in France (a temporary shower, freezer, dishwasher etc!). There really is quite a mystery to uncover at each stage! Behind the walls of the old sound booth are the original porcelain slip tiles; the original drainage system is still there, the markings on the wall from the squash court.. It will be an adventure!

More details of the works and the progress can be found on their website.

4 comments:

Michael House said...

Wow, I looked at the website, your family is in the midst of exciting times.

Lovely's Blot said...

they have an appointment this week with a well known Channel 4 TV programme. If they like each other you may see them in a series soon!

Michael House said...

wow, will look out for that. Anything Grand?

Lovely's Blot said...

Maybe..haven't heard how it went!

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