Cheers to Little Briar's new kitchen, patio and other recent additions
Doggy Patio: So, Fraser and I had one of our regular "continuous improvement" board meetings during lock down. Our ambitious action plan included a new patio, kitchen, plus other fixtures and fittings at Little Briar pet friendly cottage.
 Pet patio with secure fence, gates and awning at Little Briar |  New gated patio with secure fence and lighting |
Upgraded lounge furniture and curtains The results? Stone paving has replaced the old slippy wooden deck for starters.
As much as Fraser loves a project, we decided to enlist the help and expertise of Thistle Landscapes to achieve this.
Fraser and I set to work lifting the old timbers which we managed to recycle locally in October 2022
The paving, fence building, gate construction and framework for the poly-carbonate awning, was left to Gareth. The awning provides partial shelter, leaving the other half of the patio exposed for fair weather days in Lochearnhead.
A table and four chairs with cushions, 2 dog bowls and toys completed the outdoor patio area. A new barbecue in the extended garden, outside the secure gate, sits near the chiminea and other garden furniture.
Moving inside, we lifted the old laminate flooring, then employed Bennan Flooring from Crieff, to replace the lounge carpet and fit a non slip vinyl covering in the kitchen dining area.
The sofa and leather chair were also upgraded. A new cabinet was built (by yours truly) to hold the TV and house leaflets and DVDs. I would love to claim the skills of a cabinet maker, however I simply have the patience to follow DIY instructions.
Curtains were replaced throughout. Night light torches were added to the bedrooms and a new fire blanket replaced the old one. This phase was completed in March 2021
As much as Fraser loves a project, we decided to enlist the help and expertise of Thistle Landscapes to achieve this.
Fraser and I set to work lifting the old timbers which we managed to recycle locally in October 2022
The paving, fence building, gate construction and framework for the poly-carbonate awning, was left to Gareth. The awning provides partial shelter, leaving the other half of the patio exposed for fair weather days in Lochearnhead.
A table and four chairs with cushions, 2 dog bowls and toys completed the outdoor patio area. A new barbecue in the extended garden, outside the secure gate, sits near the chiminea and other garden furniture.
Moving inside, we lifted the old laminate flooring, then employed Bennan Flooring from Crieff, to replace the lounge carpet and fit a non slip vinyl covering in the kitchen dining area.
The sofa and leather chair were also upgraded. A new cabinet was built (by yours truly) to hold the TV and house leaflets and DVDs. I would love to claim the skills of a cabinet maker, however I simply have the patience to follow DIY instructions.
Curtains were replaced throughout. Night light torches were added to the bedrooms and a new fire blanket replaced the old one. This phase was completed in March 2021
Kitchen to Lounge
New Kitchen: Our next job was to rip out the old kitchen in November 2021 and smash the tiles off leaving a blank canvas to work on.
We employed the skills of a local joiner and electrician who set to and built our new shiny kitchen with modern appliances.
We added a mini dishwasher. The old under counter fridge is now replaced by a full 50:50 integrated fridge freezer. The built-under Hotpoint double oven has a digital ceramic hob on top and a cooker hood that extracts steam and odours to the outside. The original wee microwave on a shelf was exchanged for an integrated version.
The old ceiling fan and lights are superseded by a modern chrome bar with 4 LED spotlights. New tiles and under counter lighting complete the look.
We ensured that modern linked heat and smoke alarms were added ahead of the Scottish Government's new law and deadline for all properties by February 2022. Our Fire Risk Assessment has been updated and a new fire blanket is in situ. The Guest Quick Guide has been amended too, so we are good to go, safely. January 29th 2022
We employed the skills of a local joiner and electrician who set to and built our new shiny kitchen with modern appliances.
We added a mini dishwasher. The old under counter fridge is now replaced by a full 50:50 integrated fridge freezer. The built-under Hotpoint double oven has a digital ceramic hob on top and a cooker hood that extracts steam and odours to the outside. The original wee microwave on a shelf was exchanged for an integrated version.
The old ceiling fan and lights are superseded by a modern chrome bar with 4 LED spotlights. New tiles and under counter lighting complete the look.
We ensured that modern linked heat and smoke alarms were added ahead of the Scottish Government's new law and deadline for all properties by February 2022. Our Fire Risk Assessment has been updated and a new fire blanket is in situ. The Guest Quick Guide has been amended too, so we are good to go, safely. January 29th 2022
Spot Edinample Castle and Loch Earn in the microwave reflection
New kitchen and appliances
Eternal Laughter: Oh, and look out for the laughing Buddha on the way up the short driveway to the cottages. Fraser's idea not mine! He is growing on me - the Buddha that is :) - and guests are reporting that he brings a smile to their day.
Apparently if you rub his tummy - still talking about laughing Buddha not Fraser - , he will bring you good luck, happiness and prosperity.
Worth a shot in these strange times don't you think?
Please get in touch if you would like to book any dates left at Little Briar Cottage in 2022. Little Briar sleeps 3 guests and 1-2 pets.
Who will be the first to experience the new kitchen? Valentine's week is currently available - see www.stayatbriar.co.uk/little-briar-pets.html
#YS2022 Year of Stories 2022 #TalesOfScotland
Laughing Buddha welcomes you on arrival
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