Today I ventured out after days, rather cautiously as afraid of causing the feet to flare up again. The feet actually stayed fine and, oddly, it was my hands which objected.
In any case, we went first to the flat where I got to see all the changes. The windows have arrived and are being installed, as are the doors, and suddenly it is looking like an actual liveable place. The before and after photos will be quite something, a shame I can’t put them here.
I also had an excellent idea for the study/guestroom/dining room, which is to paint it all dark blue-green with dark wooden furniture. I am not sure there is enough space or good enough lighting for what I have in mind, but I will go back one of these days and take some measurements.