Take a peek at some of our fine French features

Mr. Fix It has been beavering away this week preparing for our kitchen floor: no mean feat since the foundations must take in his electrical plan as well as being solid enough to take the wood which will eventually go right through this large room with its quirky corner fireplace. Almost exactly a year ago we walked through the door of our house, feeling a mixture of amazement, trepidation and excitement at what we were taking on. I still remember this kitchen as it was: 2 rather grim rooms with a makeshift shower and WC at one end, scarcely big enough to accommodate a mouse, and a dull mud coloured sink at the other, long long past its sell by date. Mr. Fix It can be justifiably proud of his achievements to date.

Meanwhile I continue to revel in the features of our house, many in built, some left to us by the Church from whom we bought it. The floors, for example, are beautiful and in perfect condition, giving us inspiration for future wall colours. Our larger living room, with its square proportions, easily takes this pretty pattern.


I have always taken the view that it is vital not to take things for granted in life and to remain grateful and admiring of all the good things which come our way. A year on and this house continues to inspire me: the style is extraordinary and even now there seem to be new features to discover here and there. Each marble fireplace has its own style and colour. Look closely at these and imagine how the fine and intricate detail was created long ago.

We had a visit from “Monsieur le Cure” the other day (the priest). A smiling, friendly chap with a humorous twinkle in his eye, he looked up from our entrance hall, across to the kitchen and over to St. Francois, the statue which remains in a niche and seems to look over us. “A house like this must be treated in the same way as a beautiful woman,” he said with the assured air of someone happy in their own skin. “With loving care and attention.” With a sideways glance at Mr. Fix It, I think all three of us knew he was speaking to the converted.

Every now and again I venture to our top floor, waiting patiently for the Mr. Fix It touch, and discover something new. This picture, buried beneath various Catholic missives, came to light and we vowed to find a special place for it in due course.


Descending our grey marble staircase I always pause on the landing where our massive stained glass window panel allows in the morning sunlight. This feature is one of the loveliest here and can be seen as soon as one enters the front door.



So many details of this house are stunning in their own right but when looked at as an ensemble, they give it an air of grandeur and importance. The key to renovating it with flair is to emphasise the features and build on them to make our house into an impressive but comfortable home. We strive to look at both the finer detail and the bigger picture with that goal in mind.


Alexis

The Overseas Guides Company

http://www.francebuyingguide.com/