Reception development : steel frame installed.

As can be seen in the photo above, the scale of the new reception development is now here for all to see. The roofline for the building will be at a height of 6.5 metres (20 feet in the old money!), which will give the building a grand and imposing presence.

To the left is the entrance to the Steakhouse, which will remain a separate building from the new construction, in order to to retain its unique ambience and charm. Guests will in future make a grand entrance through the new reception and Piano Bar, before entering the Steakhouse.

Let there be light!

It's now two weeks away before the first block of 6 suites will be open, and there's still a fair bit to do!

The photo above shows a imperious 6 metre high lamp that will be the centre piece of the car park area at the rear of the rooms. Not only is it very attractive, but it sheds plenty of light to assist those arriving in darkness.

Huge 42 inch TVs have been installed in the first 6 suites, as well as the joinery. Bathrooms are almost complete and the carpet will be laid on Wednesday. After that it's a case of installing all of the fixtures and fittings and landscaping around the block of 6, including laying all of the paving. So really it will be a walk in the park to have the rooms ready!

.....and the winners are...

Drum roll please....we've now after a little bit of toing and froing settled on the names for our new rooms adjacent to reception.

The Piano Bar
Tipping our hat at the musical heritage of the Cleve's family, the cosy lounge will feature a grand piano. Hopefully we'll be able to entice Dale to tickle the ivories from time to time.

The Oak Tree Room
The new conference/function room will be known henceforth as The Oak Tree Room, recognising the highly regarded gardens that surround the property. More specifically guests will look out onto a magnificent, stately and very rare Algerian oak tree, that is one of the hallmarks of The Barn's garden.

The things that you don't see!

This is Andrew and new recruit George working on the new accommodation's storm water, just in time for another deluge.

An elaborate maze of trenches have been dug to carry rainwater to the large tanks that will store over 300,000 litres of precious rainwater for our guests to use. There's nothing like the smell and feel of fresh rainwater to wash with!

These trenches will also house the electrical, TV, internet and phone networks. We're installing the latest Voice over internet protocol (VOIP) telephone network, which will provide for many great features for our guests. It costs a little more, but it's the little touches which turn an overnight stay into a memorable visit.

In a few weeks when the rooms are complete and the landscaping commences, you won't see the trenches, but what has gone into them will help make the property function seamlessly. We hope that you appreciate George and Andrew's efforts in the future.

It's the little things that you don't see that matter!