Cluny Projects Awaiting Manifestation


I know that some guests who visit us are curious to know what plans or ideas we have for Cluny in the coming years...here are a few of them. Some perhaps are rather more "sexy" than others, but all will add to the beauty and smooth functioning of this magnificent old building. The way such enhancements usually come about is through a combination of money budgetted annually by the Findhorn Foundation for the upkeep of the buildings, specific fund raising appeals, grants (where available), and through the generosity of guests or community members who feel inspired to support a particular idea or project.


Removing the old swimming pool and creating a covered area for bus maintenance -
We have a swimming pool at the back of the car park.  It has been out of use for at least 10 years, is now just stagnant water, and has had to be fenced off. We'd like to fill the pool and build a covered area where our buses can be cleaned and have their paint work cared for.  This will enable us to do so without having to worry about rain, snow etc. We estimate this project will cost around £7,000.


Asphalting the top of the drive -
Most of the drive leading up to Cluny was resurfaced 7 or 8 years ago. The area in front of the house is in urgent need of a new top layer, ideally with a tarmac'ed roadway going all the way around to the back of the building.This will cost in the region of £10,000.


Removing the oil storage tanks -
We have 2 very old oil storage tanks at the rear of the building, in an ugly concrete block that was added onto the house - a real eye-sore!  We plan to remove these and use the freed-up area, which gets a lot of sun and a nice breeze,  for extra drying rails.  We've been quoted in the region of £3,000 for this.


Install solar panels -
The roof of the annex is a suitable site for a very large solar panel of about 24m2. This would cut our gas consumption by around 25%. It will cost £30,000. We are hoping that during 2005 we might be able to get some grant funding for up to 80% of the cost, which will leave us in the region of £6,000 to manifest.


Get the lift working again ! -
Our lift was installed in 1947 and is currently out of action because it no longer meets health and safety regulations. Refurbishing the lift will cost in the region of £37,000 and we hope we can get some grant funding for this, as a functioning lift is essential for anyone in a wheelchair.  It will save much effort currently expended in getting heavy cases upstairs!


Building a conservatory on top of the dining room -
This would provide a wonderful space for year round use, with fabulous views across the golf course. We have received a quote for a 80m2 conservatory with hardwood frame, double glazing and underfloor heating for a competitive £107,000.  

 
Building a conservatory along the front of the house -
Another lovely idea is to build a conservatory covering about 80m2 running from Reception as far as the Education Offices - this again would provide a wonderful space for us to enjoy all year round and which, being south-facing, would also provide passive solar gain for heating the building in winter. Price tag: £65,000.


If you have any interest in finding out more about any of these projects, please contact our asset manager, Patrick Lewington, who lives in Cluny.