Old pictures of Warrior Square

Looking for info on Hastings & St Leonards past times. Post here!
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Richard
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Re: Old pictures of Warrior Square

Postby Richard » Thu Dec 31, 2020 10:36 pm

That is most unusual, typically the domestic Victorian banister spindles end in stair treads.
The only (somewhat extravagant) exception was the newel post display, which indicated a profound change in direction of the staircase in buildings designed for a more wealthy clientele.
For some reason, in this particular case, each spindle was treated as a newel post, perhaps to show an overtly flambouyant display of wealth, to impress paying guests.

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Richard
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Re: Old pictures of Warrior Square

Postby Richard » Sun Feb 14, 2021 11:18 am

UncleB,

Any more developments to report?
Probably the virus means a slow progress on all fronts.

Richard

UncleB
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Re: Old pictures of Warrior Square

Postby UncleB » Tue Feb 23, 2021 12:50 pm

Hello Richard, progress has been made as oddly enough the trademen (no tradeswomen though) have had spare time so have been available for work.

The flat was gutted (by me and my wife) back to bare floorboards and outer walls, new wiring and plumbing installed throughout (by tradespeople) and we have built walls , plasterboarded them and are working with a plastering team to finish all rooms by early next week.

Bathrooms are installed (some tiling still to do though) and everything fitted in them, and we are about to go into the final fix of electrics.

Big tasks ahead are kitchen installation (in about 3 weeks for me to do) and sanding the floors (subcontracted to another local flooring specialist) in all rooms and sourcing reclaimed victorian doors for the internal doors.

After that it will be decorating, cornice restoration, new (old look) skirting and once we hear back with out planning request to demolish the conservatory, tearing it down to replace with an open balcony with locally made, ornate cast iron railings to match the rest of the building.

We move into the flat in 3 weeks so the pressure is on to get it habitable.

I've been uploading videos weekly but they are just really for my family to keep tabs on things and offer advice. I plan to rework these to a more watchable format, editing to a bite sized clips with some voice over once we settle in and can catch our breath.

Then we should be getting into better weather so I want to start creating a load of video tours of the town, from what to see, how to get to some out of the way places (using the time lapse feature of the GoPro camera) and where to find good food around town.

Post covid I may also see if I can interview some locals with lots of knowledge of the town so I will probably ask a few regulars on here for input and hopefully to appear and share some of their knowledge with us.

It is nice to have something to look forward to that is becoming more tangible day by day :)

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Richard
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Re: Old pictures of Warrior Square

Postby Richard » Tue Feb 23, 2021 8:14 pm

UncleB,

It is challenging enough to manage to eventually buy a property here, let alone restore it.
Sellers are notoriously fickle and can (and do) pull out on any excuse, from my bitter experience.
I much prefer the Scottish system, the seller has a survey at their own expense and it is viewable by all bidders, the highest (sealed bid) bidder wins and the seller has to accept it.
Other ways here are to buy at auction and pay the premium if you are 'lucky' enough to win your bid. The seller cannot later withdraw.
Assuming you surmount the obstacles you then have to tackle planning issues and regulations, find reliable trades people and manage a budget with unforeseen expenses and a timescale that can be both challenging and stressful.
Deep pockets are needed and then, of course, you will attract resentment by locals jealous of outsiders with so-called 'easy' money, from places like London.
Locals commonly resent people they see as DFL's (Down from London).
Locals should instead welcome people willing to take on and restore buildings of historic importance.
Many simply do not.
I may be ever so slightly envious but not resentful at all, as we know it is a labour of love and often not appreciated.
I wish you the very best and think you deserve much praise for your endeavour.

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Richard
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Re: Old pictures of Warrior Square

Postby Richard » Sun Jun 06, 2021 7:53 pm

UncleB,

I notice your balcony is no more!

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seahermit
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Re: Old pictures of Warrior Square

Postby seahermit » Sun Jun 06, 2021 11:14 pm

I noticed that too - assuming that the building I have kept my eye on is the right one, on the corner by the main road? I walk past there most days and it's lovely to see changes slowly taking place.

On the first floor is a big room with a high ceiling, some impressive mouldings and a beautiful chandelier. Looks as if there were once two of them in opposite corners - any chance of that happening again?!

It is a very elegant building, let down a little by the main entrance. Would be nice if that could be smartened up.

UncleB
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Re: Old pictures of Warrior Square

Postby UncleB » Mon Jun 07, 2021 11:49 am

You have the right building - I managed to take it down from the inside with the help of my brother last Thursday - we managed to do it without any dramas or falling debris.

I have a few repairs to the render to do now and get the paintwork updated to match the rest of the building. Another 2 weeks and that will be done and we just have to wait for planning permission to add railings to the balcony to match the rest of the building / square.

The rest of the renovation is steadily completing - the internal carpentry is in its last 3 days and the painting following closely behind.

I'm really looking forward to hanging up my steel toecapped boots and enjoying the flat for a while before we come up with a new project for the winter (furniture renovation, classic car, house overseas or something equally challenging).

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Richard
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Re: Old pictures of Warrior Square

Postby Richard » Tue Jun 08, 2021 10:48 pm

UncleB, one can tackle renovation (restoration) of furniture and classic cars with relative ease.
A house overseas in the current virus climate would seem a different challenge altogether.

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seahermit
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Re: Old pictures of Warrior Square

Postby seahermit » Wed Jun 09, 2021 12:20 am

I admire greatly those people who inject new life into old buildings and preserve them - as being part of our tradition and our history. More admirable than the obsession of every new generation to ignore the past, rip down elegant and good architecture and replace it with often mediocre modern structures. Likewise fine arts/crafts, likewise classic cars! "Bangers and Cash" is one of the few programmes I switch a TV on for.

But really, wouldn't life be easier and simpler without actively seeking out "challenges" and just settling down comfortably in front of Coronation Street? I suspect that UncleB isn't that kind of person at all!

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Richard
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Re: Old pictures of Warrior Square

Postby Richard » Wed Jun 09, 2021 9:53 pm

There are rules in place for restoring buildings of historic importance.
The rules can sometimes be relaxed if a greater good is realised.
Not the case for classic cars or fine arts/crafts.
In that case there are no rules.


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