And work stops.......

Well, a lot has happened since last last blog, nearly a month ago. It only took two weeks for James to remove the tile from the old roof and as you can see, the rafters leave a little to be desired! In addition to this, the walls and gable ends need work and we've had an additional quote for this. The price was where we anticipated it would be and not too painful, when you consider that we will have a really solid and strong roof. The beams in the picture which run from one end of the building towards you and across the A-frame are good, as is the A-frame.

However, this is where the fun began. The day after work began, the Mayor of Naves wrote to Simon and I asking what we were doing, did we know it was a listed building, what type of tiles were we going to use etc., enclosing a form to be completed to request permission from the Batiments de France. The letter was very nice really and ended with 'We send you our warmest greetings.'

I filled in the form as best as I'm able, with the aid of iGoogles' on

line translation tool. Also emailed a copy to James and Manuela for them to supply the information about the roof tiles. Unfortunately, all the information I supplied did not 'do the trick' and I had to ask James and Manuela to go and see the Mairie urgently, or we might be in trouble. They're good as gold - made an appointment and went to see the Mairie. Then I had to supply pictures of how the roof was prior to them removing the tiles. As said before, I have always wanted us to use the old fashioned tiles, as I want to maintain the integrity of the building where ever possible. Manuela thinks that we have nothing to worry about, but work has had to stop for a week, whilst we get this sorted out. We certainly don't want to offend the Mayor at this stage.......!

Peter, our Architect has finished the drawing both for the inside and the outside and it just looks so fantastic, that when it's finished, the only problem we might have is that it will look too good/new! I'm sure it will all mellow in and as long as we use the right products, like lime mortar, then it should all work out ok. It will be strange for Dominique and the old chap though, having looked out on a building falling down for however long, (at least 15 years) to suddenly having a property which looks good.

Unfortunately, dont appear to be able to upload them.....