When we viewed the Farm it was by torch light on the ground floor, as it had been completely boarded up, so it was a bit of a leap of faith to purchase knowing that the building could throw up as sorts of problems. Well we found the problems, woodworm in the staircases and door frames some of the roof joists, and floor joists, damp, dry rot and movement in the building.

We have now checked and dealt with all the foundations, ripped out the woodworm staircases and door frames, we have installed concrete lintels over the door frames which were held up by the old oak frames and ordered new staircases. We have decided on Georgian sash windows for the front of the house (although we believe the Georgian frontage was added to an older building) so we are making great progress!

Much of the progress I have to say is down to the fantastic team we have taken on board. We have the Mayer Brothers from Coventry who are all skilled and talented tradesmen, and between them and Tom there is nothing that they cannot turn their hand to.We are hoping that the fine weather continues as although two large sections of roof have been replaced there is a section at the back which needs to come off and be replaced, we know that it is also covering some dubious brickwork so again that needs to come down and be rebuilt. Although I know great progress has been made there are no photographs to add, as the building ends up looking worse before it gets better. We have named her Maud for the time being but she will get a pretty name once all the restoration work has been completed and she has all her new finery, she is up for the full works, face lift liposuction botox the lot!!

We are still debating whether to see if we can change the name of the Farm as we have traded under Sykes Barns  for so long, to add the B&B side and eventually we hope to convert the barns to holiday cottages if we continued that name it would be easy to add to our existing website. I think thats one we shall mull over for a little while. I am certain that the B&B will take off as the footpath on the Eastern side of our property gets you straight onto the Arden Trail which is wonderful for walkers and with the acreage we have on the farm fantastic for a Country Break in beautiful North Warwickshire!