A six-month-ish update.
Progress remains slow but it's not hampering life to any meaningful extent
This week saw my third piece of furniture scored; the first from a local charity shop. An Ekornes Stressless Mayfair recliner in brown leather (sadly without the footstool) for a fraction of its eye-watering new price (and still a good deal relative to what a quick bit of research suggested they typically go for used).
Further research revealed it to be a "small" size which on paper isn't ideal, however it's not uncomfortable and can always be moved on in future if necessary. For now it's brought new functionality to the living room and I'm currently sat typing this while I watch the world go by through the big front windows in the glorious autumn sun
I think I have a bit more of a handle on how I'd like to furnish the living room, however finding suitable furniture remains a challenge. I did spot a pretty decent West Elm sofa in the charity shop (an expensive brand that's probably not great value new but stylish, sturdy enough and usually a lot less used). I liked the shape but it was blue and I'm resolute in my commitments to low-contrast earth-tones... Unfortunately it seems that brown sofas aren't particularly favourable currently, judging by what's about on the used market.
The universe gifted me a drainage rack recently which was much appreciated; although it's really too large so I'll probably return it to the ether for someone else to enjoy once I've found a more suitable replacement.
I think I've nailed down a large herringbone jute rug to go in front of the doors to the outside as a transitional area to save the carpet, although I don't think these like damp so will aim to find something more waterproof to go on top / infront of the door that gets used most / where the fuji currently resides.
The residential situation continues to be in a state of flux; sadly my closest neighbour whom I used to get on with has now gone, replaced by an unknown quanitity who by appearance at least doesn't look like someone I'd share much in common with. A new couple have moved in upstairs who I've not spoken to yet but appear decent enough, while I've chatted to my upstairs neighbour who seems like a decent bloke and also owns his flat; which is reassuring in terms of stability, community and care of the property.
I also spoke to another of the couples who live upstairs who seem nice enough; and apparently wanted to buy my flat when it was on the market - glad that didn't happen! As it happens while I've been typing this they've arrived home from work and are now out the front indulging one of the neighbourhood cats that frequently shows up for attention (and probably the rats the bins likely attract). I've had no contact with any of the other three ground-floor occupants and my opposite number continue to ignore me..
I'm still really enjoying being in the area and the novelty of both easy access to the city and the lovely walks / rides I have on my doorstep is yet to wear off - especially given the shades of autumn starting to adorn the trees.
After six months the costs attached to the property have become more known and are so far mercifully manageable. It seems very frugal in terms of energy usage with a monthly bill of about £50; the bulk of my gas cost somewhat irritatingly being the standing charge. I'm aware this will doubtless go up over the winter however I'm yet to bother the heating and the thermostat suggests the flat's been maintaining about 19 degrees for the past month or so - having dropped to about 18.5 degrees today and it's been noticeably cooler outside.
Regardless this is still warmer than the daily highs suggested for the outside - I assume the result of sunlight through the big windows, warmth from the flat above and residual heat from the shower and cooker; in whatever proportions..
It's not all been perfect but probably about as good as I could have hoped and I'm still really happy to be here
Progress remains slow but it's not hampering life to any meaningful extent
This week saw my third piece of furniture scored; the first from a local charity shop. An Ekornes Stressless Mayfair recliner in brown leather (sadly without the footstool) for a fraction of its eye-watering new price (and still a good deal relative to what a quick bit of research suggested they typically go for used).
Further research revealed it to be a "small" size which on paper isn't ideal, however it's not uncomfortable and can always be moved on in future if necessary. For now it's brought new functionality to the living room and I'm currently sat typing this while I watch the world go by through the big front windows in the glorious autumn sun
I think I have a bit more of a handle on how I'd like to furnish the living room, however finding suitable furniture remains a challenge. I did spot a pretty decent West Elm sofa in the charity shop (an expensive brand that's probably not great value new but stylish, sturdy enough and usually a lot less used). I liked the shape but it was blue and I'm resolute in my commitments to low-contrast earth-tones... Unfortunately it seems that brown sofas aren't particularly favourable currently, judging by what's about on the used market.
The universe gifted me a drainage rack recently which was much appreciated; although it's really too large so I'll probably return it to the ether for someone else to enjoy once I've found a more suitable replacement.
I think I've nailed down a large herringbone jute rug to go in front of the doors to the outside as a transitional area to save the carpet, although I don't think these like damp so will aim to find something more waterproof to go on top / infront of the door that gets used most / where the fuji currently resides.
The residential situation continues to be in a state of flux; sadly my closest neighbour whom I used to get on with has now gone, replaced by an unknown quanitity who by appearance at least doesn't look like someone I'd share much in common with. A new couple have moved in upstairs who I've not spoken to yet but appear decent enough, while I've chatted to my upstairs neighbour who seems like a decent bloke and also owns his flat; which is reassuring in terms of stability, community and care of the property.
I also spoke to another of the couples who live upstairs who seem nice enough; and apparently wanted to buy my flat when it was on the market - glad that didn't happen! As it happens while I've been typing this they've arrived home from work and are now out the front indulging one of the neighbourhood cats that frequently shows up for attention (and probably the rats the bins likely attract). I've had no contact with any of the other three ground-floor occupants and my opposite number continue to ignore me..
I'm still really enjoying being in the area and the novelty of both easy access to the city and the lovely walks / rides I have on my doorstep is yet to wear off - especially given the shades of autumn starting to adorn the trees.
After six months the costs attached to the property have become more known and are so far mercifully manageable. It seems very frugal in terms of energy usage with a monthly bill of about £50; the bulk of my gas cost somewhat irritatingly being the standing charge. I'm aware this will doubtless go up over the winter however I'm yet to bother the heating and the thermostat suggests the flat's been maintaining about 19 degrees for the past month or so - having dropped to about 18.5 degrees today and it's been noticeably cooler outside.
Regardless this is still warmer than the daily highs suggested for the outside - I assume the result of sunlight through the big windows, warmth from the flat above and residual heat from the shower and cooker; in whatever proportions..
It's not all been perfect but probably about as good as I could have hoped and I'm still really happy to be here
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