| The self-build solution |
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| Written by Woman's World, 2008 | |
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Page 2 of 2 Living the dreamSusan Draper and her husband Garry waited until their older children left home before, in 2006, taking the big step of putting their house on the market - "selling up lock, stock and barrel to fulfil our lifelong dream of living on a narrowboat.We bought a 60ft boat for us and a smaller 45ft one for our son who then had his own space - but more to the point, we had ours!" said Susan. "Now we get a lot of fresh air, don't bother about time very much and live a lovely life. It is a dream come true. "We still both work a bit which means we haven't travelled very far yet - I write poetry and do crafts such as card-making and needlework. I joined Rufford WI about three years ago and really enjoy it." A piece of historyTwo members of Cobham and Luddesdown WI, Kent, live in flats in the Grade I listed New College of Cobham whose buildings date back to 1362 when they were commissioned by Sir John de Cobham to house priests whose job was to pray for the family. On the death of the 8th Lord Cobham, the college was converted into almshouses.Kathleen Jeeves, one of the members living there today, writes: "In 1824 the Countess of Darnley provided a pump in the quadrangle for water - before that the residents had to walk to the village pump to collect water at 2d a bucket and carry it back up a hill. The bell in the quadrangle was rung weekly calling the illiterate residents to prayers and to listen to the rules read out to them. Today the quadrangle is often likened to a mini Oxford college quad. "Each flat is different: my kitchen window has a sill 31in deep and has to be opened and closed by a winder on the wall. In 1979 the whole place was refurbished and 13 self-contained flats were provided, although since then 16 more flats have been built on adjacent ground. The 29 flats are administered by a private trust." House of good vibrations"Betley Court, where my husband Patrick and I live, has influenced many lives," writes Marina Jones. "It is an historic house set in 10 acres on the Staffordshire-Cheshire border.The house with its formal lawns and wild woodland area was built in the 18th century with one section dating back to the 1600s. It was saved from dilapidation by the present owner who fell in love with the place when he drove by over 30 years ago and converted it into flats. "I came here in 2002 thinking that my stay would be temporary, but like many others I was struck by the serenity and solace here and knew immediately that I would have to stay for some while. "I met my husband here and after our marriage service we held a reception on the Betley Court lawns with 1930s music echoing through the grounds and the woodland lit by torches and lanterns in trees. Many people commented on its magical quality, and during some very difficult times since I'm sure positive vibrations have been sent back from the Court to sustain and inspire me. "In April 2007 the Court grounds were open to the public for a 'Bluebell Walk'. Many discovered for the first time what lay behind the graceful historic gates. Now, building on this idea we have decided to restore the gardens, to hold artistic and educational projects in the grounds and provide a resource for the local community. It will be good the see the Court playing a more central role again in village life. Its energy and creative force is at work once more. It prompted me to join the local WI and here I am, hoping to interest others in my unusual home at Betley Court." |
