Just got an answer from Barholm:


I am in a bit of a dilemma - you will remember that I am in the throes of
acquiring funding to refurbish the house, I need £200,000 and I have
successfully acquired £180,000, but the deadline is that the work commences
before the end of the year. The work is going out to tender as I write this,
but by the time the tenders come back and the grantors agree it, it will
probably mean a November start, and it is estimated that it will take 12
weeks to complete (I am closing the house down during this period). I
cannot guarantee that it will be re-opened by the time that you all wish to
come over.

On the other hand if the tenders do not come in under budget the work will
not get done, and I would be able to put you up in February.

Now you see my dilemma. Do you wish to wait and see what the tenders bring
in, of is there any chance you can change the dates until March. That way
you could probably be my first guests in a brand new refurbished house.

Let know your thoughts.