Kitchen Dressers.....

If you're looking for a focal point for your newly designed kitchen, then have you considered an antique dresser?
These practical pieces of freestanding furniture were once a must have in most Country homes and consisted of a simple sideboard or table on which food could be prepared and meat 'dressed'.
Features often included cupboards and drawers beneath and a plate rack above, which would either be panelled at the back or open so as to view the wall against which it was stood. Other design elements found could be a run of small 'spice drawers' or an open hutch or 'dog kennel' between the bottom cupboards in which to store larger pans and Kitchenalia. Whatever the size or style of these dressers, they would always show the ability of the Craftsmen that produced them and have a good degree of character. This is what holds their appeal for the modern day purchaser, with both Welsh and Irish examples being particularly sought after.
Although being the epitome of traditional Country style, such dressers definitely have their place within Kitchen design today. They can be introduced to either a Kitchen or dining area to be used as a functional piece of storage for crockery and linen or as a decorative display area for colourful collections of plates and glassware; you may even wish to paint them in order to blend in with a chosen colour scheme.
Take a look below at some of the fine examples of dressers that we currently have in stock at Winchcombe Reclamation:

An unusual pine dresser with carved freize offering a deep counter and shelving.
Open fronted storage beneath three drawers with brass pull handles.

A beautiful Irish pine dresser. 
Double opening cupboards upon original sledge feet.

A slightly more modern pine dresser offering plenty of storage including glass fronted cupboards with shelves within.






You can find more Kitchen furniture including Dresser bases and Farmhouse tables on our website here.
Alternatively, we have found an interesting Houzz article about how to create a stylish dresser display which may inspire you further.........

Shepherds Hut - Restored!

These traditional huts were once essential shelter for shepherds who were tending to there flock in remote locations. As the use of these dwindled, redundant huts were moved out of the way: to the edge of a field or into woodland, maybe to be used by Gamekeepers for a short while before being abandoned. They would soon fall into disrepair and, those that weren't dismantled for firewood, became forgotten about and overgrown.












This time last year, we rescued such a hut from its secluded standing point in local woodland and, at great effort, brought it back to the yard with the intention of fully restoring it......

A quick once-over revealed that this was in need of a fair amount of attention. Although the corrugated iron used to clad the roof and walls seemed relatively sound, the original elm boarding beneath had rotted to the point of being unsalvageable. A discussion was had with our joiner, Johnny, to decide how best to approach the restoration sensitively; whilst retaining the character and charm of the hut.
The first step was to take the existing structure apart to reveal the full extent of what needed to be done. It was carefully dismantled right down to the base and, although we had to lose the original steps and door due to their disrepair, the wheels and axle frame were conserved.
Johnny then began the process of rebuilding the hut. The base was repaired and the structure was rebuilt using oak timbers and traditional framing techniques. It was then clad with reclaimed pine boards both inside and out - even adding an insulated membrane for a little modern day luxury!

 A reclaimed stained glass window was added to let in some natural light, a stable door was fitted and the original corrugated roof was reinstated.
Traditionally, these huts would be fitted with just the basics that a shepherd would require - a small wood burning stove for heat, a simple bed and table and maybe a cage or 'lamb rack' for tending to needy or injured newborns during lambing season.
Nowadays though, with a spate of publicity and a growth in popularity, these small spaces are decked out far more comfortably and are used for everything from garden offices and art studios to guest accommodation.
This hut has already found a new home and is set to be a young girls garden retreat. We just need to get it moved safely to its new location for it to start this next chapter...... Watch this space......!

Planning ahead for outdoor spaces:

The weather forecasts may still be a little bleak, but it really won't be too long before we can enjoy relaxing outside. The above image depicts an inspirational Country garden and outdoor living space which can easily be achieved by focusing on a few key elements......

Outdoor Seating

Natural Flagstones

Building materials and exterior finishes

Natural flagstones - We have a number of different types of reclaimed flagstones available for external paving. These can be laid either coursed or in a more random fashion and are ideal for covering large patio areas. For smaller courtyards and pathways we also have a selection of cobbles, pavers, setts and edgings which may be of interest. These can be viewed on our website here.
Outdoor seating - Whether you are looking to create a large area for entertaining outside or are just looking for some seating to be tucked away in a sunny corner, you can find a number of options here.
Building materials and external finishes - Attention to detail really enhances an outdoor space so planting and decorating ideas should be considered carefully. Take a look at this section of the website for some inspiration.
Hopefully this has sparked some ideas for potential landscaping projects and, being considered this early in the year, there is plenty of time to get planning, get the work done and have it all up together ready to enjoy once the 'Al Fresco' season arrives.
Remember to continue to check our website for Seasonal new items arriving into stock. Alternatively, you can follow us on pinterest or houzz for further ideas...................

Welcome back to 2015.......

All set up and ready for what the New Year has to offer!
We are constantly being complemented on being one of the tidiest reclamation yards known, being well organized with everything stored safely and displayed in a logical manner; meaning that our customers can easily find what they need. It also helps us to keep track of the large quantities of materials we have available!
Before Christmas, the yard was given a thorough 'tidy up' with stock being sorted and put away, the showroom getting a bit of a face-lift and everything being cleaned up ready for the New Year.
Here are just some of the changes made:
* Our large 'stone heap' has been moved away to create some additional car parking - it is now stored at one of our other sites, along with stone cropping facilities and a new masonry saw
* A new racking system has been put up to display our vast stock of roof fittings
* The upstairs showroom has been cleared out to provide a new display area for our reclaimed fire surrounds and furniture

We have continued to buy new stock over the Winter months and pride ourselves on being able to offer high quality reclaimed building materials in bulk quantities. Some of our current stock levels include:
* Over 500mSq of reclaimed York stone flags
* Extensive stocks of reclaimed Cotswold building and walling stone
* Various large batches of reclaimed bricks including both handmades and pressed bricks
* Healthy stocks of reclaimed stone tiles - but please be aware that orders are already in place for this year so we need as much notice for these as possible.....!
* Reclaimed floor boards including over 125Msq of Original oak flooring and over 100Msq of Victorian pine floorboards

* Numerous batches of reclaimed roof tiles and fittings, including a batch of over 20,000 machinemade tiles from a single job

Christmas Opening Times 2014:

After what has been an incredibly busy year, you will find us closed for two weeks over Christmas.
The last day the yard will be open will be Friday December the 19th and we shall return to work Monday 5th January.
Orders are already being placed for next Year so, if you have confirmed jobs requiring reclaimed materials for 2015, we recommend that you contact us as soon as possible......
We would like to wish all of our customers a very Happy Christmas and best wishes for a prosperous New Year!!

Our top 5 buys for Winter

1: Large Pine Farmhouse Table

2: Reclaimed Pine Cabinets

3: Mirrors with reclaimed wooden frames

4: Metal hooks with numbered enamel inserts

5: Terracotta 'Long Tom' Pots

1:Large Pine Farmhouse Table - This Farmhouse table will comfortably seat eight - ideal if it's your turn to hold a family gathering this Christmas
2: Reclaimed Pine Cabinets - These unique cabinets are made using pine reclaimed from an old mill building. The perfect place to clear away this years clutter.....
3: Mirrors with reclaimed wooden frames - We have a collection of these mirrors available in many different sizes. These make lovely gifts and would look stunning draped with holly & ivy over the festive season
4: Metal hooks with numbered enamel inserts - These sets of hooks would make a good little stocking filler, alternatively use them to hang up your Christmas stockings.....
5: Terracotta 'Long Tom' pots - It is easy to overlook the garden at this time of year but these stylish pots will look good all year round. Made from a special frost-proof material they would look fantastic either side of your front door to welcome any visitors.....

Our top 5 buys for Autumn:

1: Reclaimed Timber Beams

2: Industrial Anglepoise Lamps

3: Pine Pew

4: Welsh Slates

5: Engineered Flooring

      


1: Reclaimed Timber Beams Spruce up your fireplace with the addition of a reclaimed timber lintel - it will add instant character
2: Anglepoise Lamps Get ready for those darker evening with these stylish industrial anglepoise floor lamps
3: Pine Pew Great for sitting and taking off those boots after an Autumnal walk. Alternatively, scatter with fluffy cushions and place in a warm spot......
4: Welsh Slates Now's the time to check your roof for any broken or damaged tiles. We have a large selection of roofing materials in stock including traditional Welsh slates and fittings
5: Engineered Flooring We have a range of engineered flooring available in different finishes and widths. It has the advantage of being able to be used with underfloor heating