The replacement window frames will have to have the same profile as the originals. They don't have to be made of steel. They will probably use aluminium, but it has to look the same once finished.

One change from the original design that has been approved is the addition of balconies. They are pretty much essential on modern Hotels, and the Governing Body has allowed them to be included in the renovation work. They have also allowed lifts to be added.

Note the angled chimney. There could be many explanations for this. Andronikos thought it might be because they are within a stone wall, so they don't want to weaken it by going straight up. They must be a pain to clean, but the chimneys have all been tested and are working.

The hotel will be heated with fireplaces, under floor heating and air conditioning. A modern hotel would power this with photovoltaic panels on the roof. They are not allowed to use them here though, because it would change the appearance too much.

They had to remove the original roof. They start work on the new one in November. The rubble you see on the floor is not just taken to a skip and removed. They save it to use in restoration work so they can use as much original material as possible.

Ever since I was a child I have been interested in exploring old buildings and collecting historical nicknacks. So I am familiar with a lot of folklore surrounding ruins. In the UK it is not uncommon to find tiny good luck charms embedded in old walls, that have been left by builders. Shoes were commonly used for this purpose.

I asked Andronikos if they had found anything like that. He said they hadn't, but that the contractor had discovered a letter in a wall, which was from the original owner Kokkalos. It was written in Italian. It will be interesting to see what it says once translated.

They hope to finish the building structurally by the beginning of next summer. After that, it will take about another two years before opening. The main issues bbf has are down to permits. Currently they have one to do the repair work. They are waiting on the Planning and Building Permits which will allow them to continue and finish the project. In the words of Androlikos, "we are almost there", but Cyprus has its red tape, just like any other country.