The Sub-Basement

My darling husband (he paid me to say that LOL!) and our friend Greg worked on building the sub-basement for Pennethorne Manor yesterday.  They did a great job on the majority of it and today, Brian and I finished it.  It was a bit scary when Brian cut out the opening in the ceiling of the basement for the staircase, but he nailed it.  Then he cut a hole in the sub-basement to line up with the basement and voila', a staircase opening!

Keep in mind these two gents were busy all morning doing heavy farm work, so they look a bit bedraggled.  They're sweethearts for making this woman happy!

After a few measuring mishaps, we finally got it right and it went together beautifully.  I'm really happy with how it turned out and can't wait to get started on the decorating!

The sub-basement houses from left to right - the butler's pantry, stairwell, Reg's bedroom, a bathroom, cook's bedroom, and Aoife's bedroom.  There will be windows in each of the bedrooms.  We decided to wait until the windows arrive (on a slow boat from China - due September 21st - can you believe it?  But at half the cost the wait might be worth it) to cut out the holes so we get it right.

Here we cut out two windows that look into the scullery in the basement.  These windows sit just above ground level.

The stairwell opening from the basement to the sub-basement.

Poor 'ol stairwell/office area has been ransacked by the contractors.

  Left side of the basements.

Right side of the basements.  I had to put a brick on the kitchen tiles because they became unglued because of the humidity.

I'm waiting for the glue to dry and then I'll give it a coat of primer.  We'll likely bring the basements in the house later tonight or tomorrow depending on when I get the primer on.  Right now I'm feeling like it's a good idea to stay cool, watch a movie and eat some Cheetos . . .