Restoring/rescuing a 100+ year old shed. Am I nuts?

[sumi]

Wow, Sumi! What a difference! I didn't realize before how big your yard is. I think the shed idea sounds wonderful. I love the idea of a living roof, especially since it will still be solid when you're inside, and you wouldn't have anything living coming down on your head. With the stone walls and concrete roof, you'll have to find a way to incorporate some ventilation in there for chickens.
Do you have many predators there that would be looking for a chicken dinner?

That yard looks amazing even apart from the shed. From the many years of neglect, you've brought out a large, clean workable area, and found not only a slide, and a shed, but a good deal of grit and perseverance too. It really has been fun to watch the entire process. Maybe someday the landlord will consider just selling the place to you. You've put a lot of yourself into this place to make it truly a home rather than just a rental.

It's a huge backyard I posted some pics of it here: https://www.sufficientself.com/threads/a-little-backyard-homestead-project.15332/

I like the idea of a living roof too and I am thinking about ventilation… Apart from the window there are some small holes in the wall here and there that we can leave and use for that I guess lol

Predator wise we have way too many foxes here and the odd dog. Mink is a problem across Ireland, but I thankfully haven't seen one yet.

Much as I like this place, when I buy a property I'd go for something bigger and outside a village or city. I'm enjoying this place though and will probably stay here awhile. Especially since I put so much effort into the backyard now! I need to get back out there and pull some more weeds today. Ugh.

 

[sumi]

I found a pic of the corner, pre-shed discovery. What a difference!

Before: https://www.sufficientself.com/attachments/img_20170924_101615-jpg.4853/

Now: https://www.sufficientself.com/attachments/img_1975-jpg.7660/

 

[frustratedearthmother]

That truly is amazing...the difference between those two pics is hours and hours of nothing but hard work on your part. You've got a lot to be proud of!

 

[sumi]

Well, it was bound to happen at some point! Landlord came over to talk the plumber through the drain issues, which they are getting sorted out completely now. With the shed visible from the backdoor now… He was curious and a bit surprised to see it again after all those years of it being overgrown and hidden out there. He went and inspected the progress and said he knows a guy that can remove the tree trunk with some heavy machinery, coming over the back wall. He is going to talk with him this weekend.

He is thrilled with the work done and the transformation of the backyard, the new lawn, flower bed, veggie patch etc I told him I was hoping he won't come before it was all done, so it's an even bigger surprise for him! He liked that.

Them bones… He said there used to be a small abattoir very close by years ago and it's possible that the bones came from there. He laughed when I told him about my more startling discoveries like the bag of bones and the goat skull under the tree. I didn't mention the ghost

So, for now work is clearing the dirt etc around the shed, so we can access the door from the OUTside and not have to climb through the window all the time to get in there. Roof will go up as soon as the tree is gone. I mentioned the need for a window and door… And stones for the footpath I want to lay between the lawn and gardens and to the chicken area. I didn't mention my plans for painting the shed and BLUE window and door Got to leave them some surprises! lol

 

[baymule]

It's great that he not only supports your efforts, but wants to help also. A lot of landlords could care less, you got a good one!

 

[milkmansdaughter]

Could those tree roots be part of the problem with the drainage issues you've been having? How nice to have heavy equipment to help you get that stump out! It'll really be interesting to see the bottom of that thing and see what else is brought up in that thing. I hope you get pictures! I bet he was surprised to see the changes, and really thankful that he has a good tenant.

Sumi, what is an abattoir?

 

[NH Homesteader]

OK so glad I'm not the only one that has no clue what an abattoir is!

Sounds fantastic, he stopped by at a good time! He must think you're the best tenant ever!

 

[milkmansdaughter]

@NH Homesteader, I just googled it. An abattoir is a slaughterhouse.

 

[NH Homesteader]

Ah, makes sense. I figured it was something like that. Hey, that's a lot less creepy than some of the other possible explanations for all the bones!

 

[sumi]

It's great that he not only supports your efforts, but wants to help also. A lot of landlords could care less, you got a good one!

I do He's lovely, he really is. He's so happy that I'm doing all this work here and I'm happy to do it, so it's a win-win.