Mill Cottage - Renovation Phase 2.

The sun shone intensely in January 2020 and after the initial access site clearance we made an application to the council to have a telegraph pole removed from our land and be re placed elsewhere. We were assured this would be dealt with in two weeks time and indeed it was. 

We had a delivery of hard core to the front area to allow us suitable access for working on site with small JCB diggers.  

The mill was originally built into a rock face so in March 2020 we began excavating the old mill and tower with a hydraulic hammer, to build a new retaining stone wall and entrance wall.

   

The tower was full of carrier bags, tin cans, rotting old clothes, used insulin bottles and discarded  needles. Not a pleasant task. Incredibly, among this and perfectly intact were two beautiful glass bottles.

During the excavation period we were fairly relaxed, deciding what to build in place of the mill. The stone-men were working hard and the neighbours were intrigued and supplying Greek coffee. 

No sooner had we started, the unthinkable happened........we were all plunged into 'lockdown' due to Covid 19 virus, preventing any continuation of works.

Once restrictions were lifted the stone-men resumed work with enthusiasm. Much of the original stone was preserved and re used where possible.  A very thick membrane was inserted behind the stone walls preventing any possible moisture penetrating the internal stone.

With little outdoor space for working and storing materials, the excavation and building was completed in stages. Delivery of stone, sand and cement were logistically challenging but the suppliers took this in their stride reversing through the village, using a hiab from a truck on a lower track up to the mill. Our Greek neighbours were so accommodating allowing us to use their drive to store building materials too.  

The mills natural supply of spring water (essential for the villages garden irrigation) was diverted around the property by inserting an underground pipe. 

By the time the retaining walls were completed we had decided to continue with building a traditional stone cottage with small windows in keeping with the surrounding village houses. The floor was reinforced with rebar and cemented 40 cm thick, with pipes laid for the toilet outlet. This work was completed by four men and one cement mixer. One day for preparation and one day for concreting. Incredible work.

 

The remaining two stone walls were then completed. The walls were joined together with a ring beam of reinforced iron and concrete ready for the new tile roof.

All the cornerstones, lintels and window stones were handcrafted one morning by just two men.


 

The roofer is a master of his craft, having expert knowledge of joining a roof to a flat stone wall.

All the wood was treated with a chemical to prevent woodworm. Fully insulated beneath the terracotta tiles the cottage roof keeps the inside cool in summer and warm in winter.

The roof was given extra support using galvanised steel and wooden upright supports. It gives the cottage some traditional internal character.

The exterior wood has been stained with an oak satin finish and UVA, protecting the wood from rain and sunshine.

The exposed interior roof was then spray painted white. Making a very arduous job much simpler. The feeling inside is now fresh, light and airy.

The aluminium windows were made and fitted by a Greek carpenter. We visited his workshop high in the mountains and were very impressed by his skills. Electrically powder coated in a pale olive green colour, with tilt and turn openings and internal mosquito screens, they look amazing. 

 

An immense amount of rock was removed from the site by the small JCB as it leveled the garden area and dug down for the vothros. The patio areas were then reinforced and concreted ready for plaka. Mains water was then piped inside.

 

Down spouting from the guttering was inserted under the plaka into drainage pipes. The plaka was made with a slight drain away into a second drainage grill to prevent any flooding during downpours of rain water. Two relaxing/dining/BBQ areas have been created with the most amazing green mountain views fit for an alpine movie scene.

 

 We also created a parking area for one car.

Now work was moving with such pace we began to get excited about planning the interior and ordering materials.

BUT........

Maverick fell 2 meters from a ladder and broke his wrist in two places. 

 

Placed in a half cast only, he was determined to continue with as much work as possible. The inevitable happened.... the break did not heal and Maverick now has a full cast on for a further 5 weeks.

FOR SALE

 Once completed Mill cottage will be priced at 165,000 €.

All sensible offers will be considered. 

For a viewing please contact Tina Hastie on +0030 6982115958.