Sunday, September 14, 2014

Ramsay prepares for fall colors and weather...

This past week has been cooler and more overcast, and Monday was rainy enough that none of the outdoor crews were able to work.  However, by the end of the day on Friday, much had been accomplished throughout the estate. On Saturday, some very dark clouds moved past just south of the property, creating some interesting skies and lighting.  We didn't receive any additional rain that afternoon, but areas south of us must have had torrents!

The Milton Grigg Barn west elevation

Dark clouds over Batesville!!

Having finished the renovation of the siding and trim of the main house about two weeks ago, Bobby and his crew returned this past week to re-install the storm windows, hang the reconditioned shutters, and install all new downspouts to the gutter system. Although the windows and treatments look pretty much the same, each one is a little different. Each storm window casing was custom cut and fitted when they were installed over six years ago. All the storm windows and shutters were labeled and cataloged upon removal over two months ago, then painstakingly replaced and fitted into their original locations this week. It was quite an operation!

At this point, John's painters have finished all of the exterior of the estate house.  Most of the new downspouts have been painted and installed, with only a few finishing touches to be done this week. Like the windows, each downspout system is uniquely fashioned for its location as well. The result of nearly two months' work by all these skilled craftsmen is a refreshed, stronger, beautiful and gleaming estate house, ready to withstand the elements for decades to come.

South elevation

South portico with eight new custom-made columns 

South elevation

North portico

Downspout final touches

Kevin and his helper, Isaiah, have almost completed the framework of the screened porch on the north side of the Guest Cottage. Extensive water-damaged material has been removed from behind the gutter and a new triple 2x10 beam--properly wrapped with metal flashing--adds renewed strength to the whole system. As evidenced in one the following pictures, each piece of the framework has been custom milled, exhibiting Kevin's exceptional carpentry skills!

Connie, Ramsay's gardener, was on site during the week, executing her usual cleaning, planting and weeding of the beds and borders. Connie has an unfortunate propensity for finding bees' nests! Last week she sat on a ground nest in the garden by the outdoor fireplace and left for home covered with stings from head-to-toe! This week she found a nest of yellow jackets in the wall of the studio, and Stephen summoned the exterminators who came and dealt with it on Friday.

Geo and Richard helped Connie and also continued several brush clearing projects and the ongoing watering of trees.  Sherri was here too, quietly going about her work as usual cleaning all the residences.  Stephen managed all the projects and procured supplies as well as completing the usual office work.  He was able to do some mowing in the fields in between rain showers.  The ever-demanding parterre garden and fish pond are both doing quite well.

This coming week, the hardwood floors in the Guest Cottage will get a face lift. On Friday the furniture in most of the first floor rooms was removed to be ready for the upcoming transformation.

Lady Irene's Bedroom

Living Room