Nuclear Bunker & Indoor Pool @ The Stag and Huntsman?

The hole in what was the garden of The Stag and Huntsman is sparking a lot of debate by all accounts. According to one of the hard working builders (on-site on a Saturday), rumours abound as to the purpose of the near 20 foot deep excavation. Nucelar bunker for the village? Fitness pool for the farm boys?  Both have been put forward as suggestions.

While both have their benefits, the answer is perhaps unsurprising. The new cellar, for that is what it will be (no s**t Sherlock) will contain a plant room and a bank full of fridges and freezers for what we presume will be the new gastro element of the pub.

What is certain is that the builders are getting a move on. Work seems to be taking place seven days a week which suggest The Culden Faw Estate wants to meet the six month build window they have been talking about. And rather encouragingly, word from the builders suggests that the character of The Stag and Huntsman is going to be retained. But judging by the work going on, we'll see some dramatic changes over the next few weeks running toward Christmas.

Who is Robin Hartley?

So the builders behind the renovation of The Stag and Huntsman, Hambleden are Robin Hartley & Company, a local Henley builder by all accounts.

For obvious reasons, it would be good to see examples of their work and to see the quality of the end product they build. So it's rather strange that they don't seem to have website. I would have though that any builder commissioned to renovate a building with such history, character and reputation would be able to show a strong track record.

I guess this is another example of the trust we are all placing in The Culden Faw Estate and Mr Schwarzenbach's advisers and staff. With luck, Robin Hartley and Company will build to a design that will win awards and win over the doubters such as yours truly. But the fact that they seem to not be of any great repute judging by their online profile, is going to be of concern.  Again, only time will tell.

The Stag and Huntsman Digs Deep

There's no sign of a let up in the digging around the back of The Stag and Huntsman. Check out the hole as it stands this weekend. Has to be +20ft in depth.  All we can say is that it's a good job the water table is so low otherwise the contractors would have a major pumping job on their hands

Also of interest is the façade of the old drinks store / laundry alongside the lane. Does this mean the new Stag and Huntsman will look as it did before - at least from the front? This begs the question of what else the National Trust and the planners have requested are preserved. Just a shame the atmosphere cannot be placed under a preservation order.