The Pennethorne's Visit

I was visited today by the Pennethorne family who were accompanied by their butler and maid.  They came to see the progress on the manor and they were not amused.  It seems their property in England has sold and they are anxious to have the manor complete so they can move in by the summer.  I explained that the project manager didn't order enough siding (they were not interested in excuses).  And then there's the change order they put in for an addition to the porch.  I did tell them however, that the copper roofing will be installed tomorrow and they seemed impressed by that.

I didn't have the nerve to tell them that the kitchen, butler's pantry, wine cellar and laundry won't be ready for most likely another year (or more depending on my schedule - LOL!).

They're headed back to England to start packing and they said ready or not, they'll be moving in on their return.  Oh . . . the lifestyles of the rich and famous!

Copper Roofing

Since I'm waiting on more siding and the porch is on hold for now, I decided to move on to the copper roofs on the side of the house and the front bay window.

I found this awesome tutorial by Laurie Heisler, using gold scrapbook paper and gel stain.  It looks just like real copper and is much less expensive!

I started by cutting templates and then using the gold scrapbook paper, cut out pieces for the flashing and roofing for both windows.

Flashing and roof for side window.

Flashing goes under the siding and roof.

Roof goes over the flashing.

Same for the front bay window.

Front bay window with copper roof.

Now I have to run out to the hardware store for the stain.  After I get back I'll stain the roofs and then glue them in.  Then it's just a matter of replacing the siding (of course I had to pull some off of the side because I got ahead of myself) and voila!  I can check copper roofing off my list!

Supply List:
Gold Chevron scrapbook paper
Scrap paper to make templates
Scissors
Minwax Mahogany Gel Stain
Rags
Glue
Matte Mod Podge

Rounding the Porch

Well, I ran out of siding, so I'm moving on to finishing other tasks on the exterior of the manor.  I just have the middle section left to side, so I feel like I'm making some headway.

The foam board I ordered yesterday came today (wow! that was fast!) so I was able to work on the rounded porch extension.  I taped the porch posts in to get an idea of how it would look.  They are different than the ones that came with the kit, but I think it adds another dimension.  After all, the Victorians were notorious for adding more and more trim!  I will add a railing between each of the posts on the round porch, leaving the openings on the main porch . . . maybe.

I'm also planning out the balcony alcove and have the pieces I need, except for the Victorian fret work, so it may be awhile before moving forward on this addition.  Since getting back into working on my dollhouse, I've broke the bank!

Fret work for the balcony alcove.

Here's what I've done so far . . .

I had to rip off the corbels (of course I glued them on SO WELL that I had to break them to get them off).

I cut the foam board to size and glued it in position - top and bottom.

Then I cut the posts to size and taped them in position.  I still have to side and paint this section of the manor, so I don't want anything to be permanent just yet.

What do you think?  Does it look okay?  It needs to be painted and prettied up of course, but does it look okay?

The porch isn't perfectly round because I was working within the space between the existing porch and the trim at the end of the house on this side.  I think it still gives me the effect I was looking for.  I'll install the railings and lots of decorative trim as soon as this section of siding is done.  I think I'll throw a party when the siding is wrapped up!  Or at least have a very large glass of wine . . .

This section of the manor was looking rather stark, so I added a climbing rose.  Now, I either need a pot or I need a decorative piece of fret work.  What do you think?

Before . . .

After . . .

. . . and the Siding goes on

Day 3 . . . or is it 4? . . . and I'm still siding the manor.  It's becoming very tedious.  I just want it to be done so I can move on to more exciting things . . . like building the new balcony alcove!  I shouldn't complain because the manor is looking quite slick with it's new wardrobe.  I've had to order more siding (I think I many have bought too much!) and am waiting for it to arrive.  I'm hoping to have this wrapped up in the next day or two.

My head is swimming with ideas for the balcony alcove and if I use up all my pieces of siding today, I may have time to start on it.  I'm really excited about it!  For now though, I'm going to trudge upstairs and get to work on the rest of the siding . . .

Top right of manor.

And here it is painted.

Bottom right of manor.  I left this to start fresh today.
There's a lot of fanagling around the windows.

Top left of manor.  The conservatory sits just below this window.

And here it is painted.

I also have to think about how to finish the front porch.  I thought of doing a covered gazebo at the end, but quite honestly, I just want the exterior hard scape to be done (meaning, I want to add all the decorative jewelry!).  Here is a picture I found for inspiration . . .

The rounded part would be added on to the existing porch to finish it off.

Inspiration!

Inspiration - aka I'm going mad!  Before I've even finished the manor, I'm already planning a renovation.  Look at the roof on the right side of this manor!!  Wouldn't a roof like that look lovely on each of the flat roofs on Pennethorne Manor?  I need to pull out my poster board!

Now, back to looking at foundation ideas . . .

But wait!  What about this for balcony inspiration?!

I found so much inspiration and far too many ideas to not share this website.  Me thinks I'll be working on Pennethorne Manor for years to come . . .

Siding the Manor

I've spent the last few days working on the siding for the manor.  It's a painstaking job, but someone has to do it.  I'm using the birch clapboard siding from Greenleaf.  It's pretty easy to cut and shape with scissors or a utility knife.  I'm using my glue gun to glue the boards on, after trying wood glue and crafter's glue which just made the boards warp.

I'm using Dutch Boy paint in "Curly Willow" for the siding and I think I might paint the medallions on the bay windows too.  But I'm still on the fence with that.

So today is more siding.  I'm hoping to get a good deal done today . . . before I go and walk the donkeys!

Left side with most of the siding done.  Just the space to the right of the window to do.

Siding done and first coat of paint.

I just love the bay window on this side of the manor.
I've ordered more corbels to finish off the trim to the left.

The right side.  The bottom and the space to the right of the window are done.
Just the top portion to do.  I'm debating whether to do it before or after I do the roof.

A view of the manor with the conservatory.

I love the view of the manor from this angle.  Still lots of work to do!

 

The manor sitting on the basement addition which has a long way to go to being finished.
It will house the kitchen, a butler's pantry, wine cellar, and laundry/sewing room.

I need inspiration . . .

I can't believe it's been nine months since I worked on Pennethorne Manor.  The poor old dear is sitting in my boudoir awaiting her wood siding and porch addition.  All of her beautiful accessories are piled in boxes because she was moved from our living room up a set of wonky farmhouse stairs and into my room.  She doesn't have a permanent home as I'm hoping to have a special alcove built into our new sun room, which sadly won't be built for another two years.  In the mean time I'm looking for inspiration to get me motivated to set up and continue working on her, lest she be naked for the rest of her life.

How are you all doing during this pandemic?  I must admit after almost a month of being at home, I'm going a little stir crazy.  I'm grateful though, that we live on a farm and I have plenty to keep me busy.  We adopted two donkeys whom I'm completely smitten with.  Their names are Ruth and Esther.  Esther is pregnant and is due in the next month or so.  I can't wait to welcome a new baby to the farm!

Ruth (right) and Esther (left)

Ruth

Esther

I hope you are well and that you and your loved ones are safe.  Please take care and "stay home" for everyone's health and safety.  And to all those who are working in essential services . . . thank you for making a difference.  You are appreciated!

The LORD bless you and keep you;

the Lord make his face shine on you

and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn his face toward you

and give you peace.

~ Numbers 6:24-26 ~