I got the phone call almost two weeks ago from my lawyer’s office; my French home closing will be on October 24th. That is, as of now, just under 5 weeks away. The contractor was notified and probably can’t start work until December. In a way that is likely an okay thing; it gives me a chance to make some decisions on layout and options. In another way I am like “Oh my heavens, suddenly every article I have ever read on living through, in the midst of, a reno seems now far less romantic and exciting and more like what the heck have I got myself into??” There is not a single room that will be untouched- my bedroom is probably the least needy but even still needs wallpaper removed, painting, new flooring, light fixtures, window coverings. So you can imagine then what that means in terms of work for some other rooms….. floors replaced, walls torn down, the list is long. And oh yes, I also intend to order a new kitchen, and have it installed in a different room than it is in now. And a pantry built off the backroom. A pantry/laundry room that will be accessed through the sunroom which is ugly and probably not that steady (though watch, when we go to tear it off we will probably find it has strong tentacles firmly attached to the house).
Let’s throw in the fact that I will keep most of the treasures I have boxed up to spare them from reno dust and debris. And that I have no furniture. Ok, I exaggerate. The current owner is leaving her (small) couch and coffee table (neither of which is to my taste, but beggars can’t be choosers), a 20 year old mini clothes washer that will probably hold one pair of jeans at a time and nothing else, a bed (hurray!), and a beautiful little secretary desk (which you just know I can’t wait to paint). And a GIANT armoire that is tucked in a back storage room; it was hers as a little girl and I don’t even know how you would get it off the property without a crane. And I will have no fridge but don’t want to buy one until a kitchen plan has been decided on and fridge size established, nor do I want a new fridge living in a construction zone, so I will be buying a mini fridge so I can get by. And living without a microwave (is that possible??) also until the kitchen is being installed (spring??). Yes there is an existing kitchen with an oven and stove top built in so I am not totally roughing it.
I get a little antsy too thinking that, when Francois isn’t available, I will have to navigate many conversations with the contractor and suppliers in French (hello google translate!) which will not exactly make for smooth and easy discussions as I convey my romantic notions of the finished product (thanks heavens for inspo photos that can be shared) And all the trips to the hardware stores to make various selections. And not going anywhere without a measuring tape in my purse so I can make decisions on fit. Oh la la, what a journey this is going to be. I am so happy I have you for company/support! 😊
After closing we have a meeting with a private architect (Oct 30th) to sign off on things (again, do not think that hiring an architect means I have bought some beauty of a house. I have not. It is a requirement for some of the work I want done. And then on the 31stan onsite meeting with the Govt architect to weigh in on external items. As quickly as possible I want to get a heating plan organized (I have frozen every winter in France and looks like this one might be similar but after we get the heat sorted I hope I will be snug and cozy every cold season hereafter) and a soft water conditioner ordered and installed. The water is SO hard here that not only does it play havoc with your hair but with all of your appliances. Only makes sense to me that we protect all the new faucets, drains etc from unnecessary and excessive build up as much as possible. (True story, dishwashers here come with a compartment for salt to be added to minimize the negative impact of the calcium in the water.)
And over everything, there is the challenge of moving money here for the purchase (which I think, fingers crossed, will all be sorted by end of next week).
That is this week’s download. I just had a head swirling with thoughts so decided to do a blog post to keep you current. This Old French House truly is the biggest project I have undertaken to date (always was a bit of a late bloomer) and I am excited and nervous to really get things going. 😊
Even with all the caos you will have an amazing journey with your new home and all the dreams that come with it. Can you wait til my next trip to visit and see everything – even in the midst of construction it will be amazing.
You are living your french dream and your best life!!!
So optimistic!
You’re very brave. And I’m envious of your exciting adventures. Have fun.
Thank you Sheila! Appreciate your enthusiasm!
Wow, it’s not me doing this project ( thank goodness) , but still feeling overwhelmed. On another note, seeing this through from start to finish would definitely make me very proud. I know you’ve got this.
I know I’ll be so proud at the end (though is there ever really an end when you own a home?) and am going to keep documenting the journey….
This sounds like a movie. I am looking forward following your journey 😀
A comedy? Def not a rom com. Maybe a little drama. And hopefully not a horror film. 😂
It sounds like a movie to me as well. It was called “under the Tuscan Sun” starring Diane Lane. It was a great movie. Michelle, you are definitely adventurous or brave. Actually it sounds like fun. I wish I was there to help you. I would love a project like this. It will give you something to do when you’re not babysitting your “adorable” grandchildren. Have fun and enjoy every moment. You’re creating your new 🏠 home. Enjoy!
Saw that movie. Except I don’t think I have her gorgeous neighbour. Or was he the contractor? Anyway, that would be my current landlord…😂😂
Excited for you and to follow the progress!
Wow Michelle. There is a very busy fall/winter/spring ahead for you but I just know it will be so worth all the twists and turns and overall craziness in the end. You have such good taste and creative ideas. I can’t wait to see it come together for you.
Thanks for the vote of confidence; I will have to be patient, patient, patient…..
Thanks Joy, I’m happy to have you supporting!!
The calcium and minerals that from the ground that make the water hard on appliances ,
On the other hand contributes to beautiful wine🤔😉❤️
Good way to position it!
We lived through a reno and although it was not pleasant, we got through it. The dust is the worst. What about getting an air fryer? You can cook anything in that!
I can’t wait to see the different stages of this huge reno. Lots of before and after photos please 😃
For sure lots of photos Wendy! Even for me, I’ll want to look back and see how far it all came. And I’ll have a stove and oven though I don’t own any pots..😂
I have faith in you and your design skills. So much fun to start from the ground up. Your home will be colorful and cozy!!
Yes the colorful and cozy is my aspiration; getting there is my challenge. 😂
I am so excited just reading this! Sounds like the beginning of a fairy tale 🧚 🏡
À Little tiny house fairy tale….
I think it’s amazing that you are doing this so exciting. It. Will be a challenging task at times but so worth it. Doug and I have been renovating a old house since spring of 2021 it’s been quite a task at times but so rewarding. I’m very excited to follow your Reno project.
Have you been living in it while doing the Reno? How’s that been?
Michele, I am so excited for you. Can’t wait to follow you on your journey and see the results of your own little french chateau 🥰
Hahahahhaha. Chateau. Not even what I’d call a pied a terre. But home!
Wow! Sounds like quite a challenge, but if anyone can tackle it, it’s YOU! So looking forward to following along on this project and cheering you on! You amaze me!! All the best xo