Three years. Three long years from buying the house and getting first planning permission, and then the builder’s licence. One day the memory of the endless meetings and phone calls (and sometimes confrontations) with lawyers, architects, various council officials and builder will dim and we’ll feel it’s all been worth it. Not to mention of course the endless documents and forms to fill in and sign. Now we have the updated quote (another 25%, please) and the builder’s agreement to sign and then work, at very long last, should start on the house. Should.

So our new blog will follow this journey from ruin to home. We have no idea how long it will take but we do hope that it will not be too difficult and the destination a happy one. We are, however, already living in the area. Our temporary accommodation, a stone’s throw from the River Lima, is a short drive to the house which is very convenient. (The best recommendation for anyone in the same situation is to visit the building site as often as possible. Any absence will not only result in delays but decisions being made that you may not approve of. Be there).

We are also going to cover our travels in the area. No longer having a little farm with animals (I still have a little start at dusk and worry if the chickens have been put away…) or crops to fuss over, we can take longer to explore the region. We want to share what North Portugal can offer: the wildlife, the culture, the places to visit and things to do. We hope that you will follow us along the way.