Wednesday 23 February 2011

Developments!!

It has been a long time coming, but we are now starting to see some real developments.
Barn Door, Enclosed


Still a long way to go, but it feels like its going in the right direction now.
The Snug

A weeks toil to dig it out - looking good now.




The last time we saw these rooms, the one on the below was so dark because of the exposed soil.  It absorbed all the light and I wondered what the house will be like to live in.  You can see from this picture though how the light is bouncing off the floor and reflecting on the back wall.  The builder has contacted us to say that we need to dig the ground behind the house out, as it will press on the walls.  I started to do this last May and Michel was helping, but when it began to rain at the end of May and pretty much for the next two weeks - the ground became too heavy and sticky as it is like clay.  If M. Mazeau can use a digger, he will have it sorted out in no time at all.  Shouldnt be too expensive, although it would be good excercise for Simon and I.  We have had the quote to put in the doors to the other side of the barn and that was in the region we expected, so it's all systems go.
Last year, we had a quote for Sheep Wool insulation which was rather expensive and whilst I would like to be as environmental as possible, as we don't live/work in France at the moment, we cannot get any of the grants which are available.  However, the supplier has been in touch again and we are looking at almost half the price now.  It needs some research on U's and R's (which I dont understand anyway).  Also, we have to pay 900 Euro for delivery.  This in its self is a little off putting, when the local Chez will deliver for only 33 Euro.  Every Little Helps, to quote a well known supermarket.

Tuesday 15 February 2011

More Good News!!

Can we take all this good news?  A neighbour, Michel, who has been helping us with work on the house, called us on the 2nd February to tell us that M. Mazeau was starting work on the insulated floor slab.  It was such good news and we must have been glowing for the last two weeks nearly.  We are receiving almost daily reports, thanks to Michel, who I think is an Angel in disguise.  Without his help both practical, physical and linguistically, this process would be even more difficult than it has been.

Of course, many people who decide to buy a house and live in France have all the money up front.  We do things the hard way and last year, was definitely a hard year for us and the progress on the house. 

The latest information is that the concrete was being poured towards the end of last week and we have asked M. Mazeau to quote for putting in the patio door to the barn, on the side which had the collapsing lintel. It is amazing that the barn, which was the area which looked the worst from the day we bought it, with mess and rubbish and broken tiles, will be the first area to look almost habitable.  It is hard to contain the feeling of happiness.  Thank you also the Bernard de Paris, who spoke with his Architect to find us a good builder (M. Mazeau.)  We call him Bernard de Paris, as there are so many people we know who are called Bernard, that it makes differentiation easier.  Bernard grew up in Naves but lives in Paris, weekending in his family home in Naves.  (think I explained this in a previous blog.)

However, there is some more good news.  From 21st May 2011, there will be direct flights from UK (Southampton) to Clermont Ferrand, which is only 45 minutes from us. Ticket prices at the moment look like just over £100 return including taxes per person.  :-)  See link to Flybe at the top of the page.

My resolution for this year was to achieve a functioning bathroom in its proper situation eg the first floor and that we might be able to spend Christmas 2011 in France.  Lets keep every thing crossed !

About us

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Simon works for Sainsbury's as a Department Manager has a multi-million pound turn over annually on his department and works all hours God sends. I am Events Monkey. I call myself that, as my actual title is unknown!! Just responsible for any event, function, conference, meeting etc.,etc., that happens on the campus where I work. I'd be better being called an Events Elephant, as I'm paid peanuts and expected to work all hours known to man. This is the tale of how we decided to take the massive step to living a totally different life. Selling our home in England and moving to a fantastic little village in the Auvergne, including some of our adventures along the way.