Relearning Simplicity and Renovating Sympathetically

We have been living down here in the South of France for almost 3 months now and, as with most great love affairs, we have gradually and joyfully realised how attached we are becoming to this beautiful house, though we knew at the start we loved it. It takes a little time to get under the skin of a property like this, to give full rein to its grandeur, to breathe life back into its thick walls. Ideas abound for the use of all the rooms (not least the huge cellar with its own well). Its position, right opposite the 14th century Church of St. Julien, makes one feel almost humble.

From the top floor, where we have 5 or 6 rooms yet to be tackled, we can see the Corbieres Mountains and on a crisp clear day (of which there are many), the snowcapped peaks of the Pyrenees in the distance. Long views afford one good perspective: inspiration comes when the eyes can widen across the countryside.

I never cease to marvel at the colours and patterns of our tiled floors and we count ourselves lucky only to have to renew the kitchen floor which will be in wood; the rest of the floors are tiled and are intact, practically perfect. The Fleur de Lys symbol has long been associated with the French monarchy and is shown on many French postage stamps. It graces our small drawing room.



Mr. Fix It has almost finished his pipe runs for our 2 ensuites and I also marvel at his natural knowledge about all things plumbing: water pressure is far stronger in France and now that the basics are done, it will not be long until the ceramic shower trays are in and I can start looking for snazzy soap dishes, soft towels and the like (that’s my contribution…).

We still await permission to take down our tower and enlarge our balcony but with so many other pressing jobs, somehow this does not matter. And anyway, accepting the French way is paramount to a successful life in France and we have come to enjoy the slower pace and laid back attitude of this village. People look out for each other and young and old mix happily. We feel spoilt to be living in such a strong, safe community, knowing that we are surrounded by several stunning towns such as Carcassonne, Narbonne, Montpellier and Narbonne if ever we need a city fix.

I cannot remember which one of us coined the phrase “relearning simplicity” but somehow it has come to mean so much to us both in our middle years. Nowhere is this more relevant than here in rural France. It is hard to put into words but those moments of simple happiness, enjoying the sun, watching someone buying chicken feed in the local supermarket (!) or witnessing the same view that others must have done centuries before us, give us a feeling of peace as well as excitement somehow at how good life can be. We sat outside the stunning 13th century Cathedral of St. Just and St. Pasteur in Narbonne one lunchtime this week and Mr. Fix It turned to me and said: “Do you know, I have never been happier.” I have to confess to mentally taking some credit for this feeling of his but in truth it was one of those moments when we both knew the real meaning: we were surrounded by smiling people, the sun was shining, we were together with our 2 spaniels lying at our feet and no more words needed to be said.

In a little over a month we welcome more friends for a visit so for now we are cracking on with the work, watching this house become our home, whilst never forgetting to take time out to look around us.

There is an intangible feeling of joy here in the simple things of life; no-one appears to be chasing their tail, not even Eddie & Alfie.




Alexis
http://www.francebuyingguide.com/