Bundy Mini Break - Monday, Day 6

Jan had to work today, although it was a short day, so she didn't have as long to spend on the Tuscan Villa (as yet to be named).  A couple more walls spackled, templates fitted for brickwork and doors ready to be stained when the stain pens arrive - we have been eagerly awaiting the mail each day, but so far they are conspicuous by their absence!  Way, way overdue.  And the lack of them is holding things up, which is frustrating. 

In spite of this  the Villa is certainly looking good!  Here is a birds'-eye view of the court-yard. 

Those sweeping stairs are exactly the same as some we saw in a photo of an actual villa in Italy on the internet today.  You can also see the three small niches clearly, on the wall beside the stairs.  They will look really super with greenery and bright flowers tumbling out of containers set in there.

On the left wall of the courtyard you can see the large alcove that will house the fountain.  And of course the whole courtyard will be paved with tiles.

Now let's have a look from the front.  This gives a better view of the entrance archway.

The wall is so nicely textured, and extra interest to a lot of the walls is given with the sand sprinkled over the spackle.  The white paint that will go over the top of it all will show the texture up really well.

And here are some views from the rear, showing the rooms of the house.  First, the ground floor with the dividng wall in place.

This provides a separate kitchen and living area.

Next here is Jan holding the 1st floor with its diving wall, temporarily in place to show how it will fit when the time comes.  This provides for a bathroom on the right and a bedroom on the left.

Jan is doing more searching tonight for tiles, and is making a bath to her own specifications.  Clever lady!  She had lots of tiles saved on her old computer, which is in for repair - isn't that always the way?  And the sites can rately be found again.

Miss Emmaline came to see what was happening and exclaimed 'Tuscan Villa?: What Tuscan Villa? There's no Tuscan Villa around here in Ferny Creek!'

'No, Miss Emmaline, it's in Tuscany, Italy.'

'Ah, Italy.  I love Italy!'  A soft, dreamy, far away look came into  her eyes and I wondered what secrets lay there.  'But if it's in Italy, how can Jan be working on it here with you?'

'That's the magic of miniatures, Miss Emmaline, I smiled.

She gave me a long, considering look over her glasses, then disappeared while I put another coat of paint on the cottage. 

It wasn't long before she was back though, beaming with approval and pleasure. 

'Why, my dear, it looks lovely!' she exclaimed 'So much better to show off my pretty garden!'

She gave a nod of approval for the new colour and hurried off happily to deliver a cake to the ladies in Toadstool Cottage.  Chocolate, judging from the delicious smell wafting from her basket.  My tummy rumbled.

Time to get working!  There were windows to finish installing:

a garden bench to construct

as well as the birdhouse

and the birdbath.

And of course the yard to lay out

The grass to lay and the planting to begin, and the roof to prepare for shingling.

Well, the day goes quickly when one is busy, and dear Miss Emmaline is a pleasure to work for.  Tomorrow is the big day -I will be shingling the roof..