If you read the last post, you've seen the before shots. So, what was it like to renovate a farmhouse in a foreign country, clueless and with poor language skills? (they're better now, happily).
First of all, being so close to a 14th century church, we were in a historically protected area. That meant an architect was required, and it meant nearly a year of planning and approvals. Our realtor recommended a local married couple who worked together: she (German) was an architect, he (Greek) was an engineer. They spoke multiple languages and they were our saving grace. They were willing to work with us in a flexible way, because we wanted to do some of the work ourselves.
After that, there was lots of hard work and many sub-contractors on site. In our experience, almost all were very professional and well-trained. It was difficult, it was fun, and it was for sure an education.
So see what you think about the outcome, below.
A POSTCRIPT: We've lived in this house, happily, for 15 years. Now we're getting older, and we decided on one more small adventure. We are down-sizing, leaving the country life for the city life in a nearby town–still close to our friends, but more urban. If we are able to sell our beloved house, which goes on the market this spring. If you know anyone interested, I've got tons more pictures, and can be contacted at lmcbride@southernfriedfrench.com. Stay tuned for the next adventure!
In the COMMENTS: Thanks for all the fun comments on our renovation, and we hope you like the afters. Loved the comments about my “hammer drill face”. Debbie, I wasn’t saying "Come on punk, make my day!”, though it sort of looks like that. More likely it was, “Is this frickin’ job EVER going to be finished?”. And readers, you must not miss the hilarious quote Martin shared from the book C'est La Folie. I immediately ordered a copy!
Favorite READS: Want to contribute to the Hurricane Florence relief fund? Then you might want to buy Stephen Colberts book, Whose Boat is this Boat?, with all proceeds from the sale going to the fund. They've raised 2 million so far! It's a very short and very funny little book, and all the quotes actually came from Trump, on his visit to the disaster site. (you can check out the book on most e-library sites too). If you like this kind of satire, as I do, you'll also want to check out the childrens book which Mrs. Pence and her daughter wrote about their pet bunny: Marlon Bundo's Day in the Life of the Vice-President. John Oliver followed up the book with his own version, called A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo, in which the bunny reveals he is gay (the Pence family believe homosexuality, and any religion other than their own, are evil). Oliver's book has vastly outsold the original, spent a great deal of time on best seller lists, and 100% of the proceeds go to AIDS research.
*Kitchen and bath photos by Gordon Beall, courtesy of Meredith Publishing.
19 thoughts on “We Renovate a French Farmhouse, Part II”
Oh, Lynn, it is gorgeous!! I know it must be difficult for you to leave this beautiful home, but I’m sure the next one will be just as wonderful with your eye for tasteful decorating. I had looked forward to this post very much and I am definitely not disappointed. Thanks for sharing!! I wish the best for you in your next home.
Amazing! I had no idea it was so lovely. Fantastic job you have done inside and out in the garden plus a wonderful view😊
Selling that lovely house? No! What are you guys, 90? I don’t get this downsizing thing, I’m 75 and its not happening here! Seriously, you did a beautiful job on the property, it is full of charm and looks very convenient as well for living. I’m sure your new property will be great, but still …..
bonnie in provence
Chapeau, c’est magnifique!
You did such a fabulous job on the transformation of this gorgeous home Lynn. Even though we’ve never met,I can see this home is definitely you. It’s charming & so homey and those views are out of this world. This has to be somewhat of a heart breaker to sell this but I do understand the downsizing as I’ve done that. Best wishes for a smooth as silk sale.
I’m so envious. I would have loved to have a village house like this. I dream big every time I wind along the back roads in Burgundy. We may have even driven right past your house last summer because that landscape is so familiar from our weekend last summer driving all around the Charolles and Brionnais towns around there. Alas, we are not in France enough time in a year to take care of a house. We have to settle for an apartment. I like my place, but it is small, so it doesn’t give me enough space to go out shopping for French antiques. And my husband likes the minimalist vibe it has. Good luck on your city hunt.
I can’t imagine you’ll have any trouble finding a buyer quickly – such a lovely haven you’ve made! Best wishes on your new adventure! We’re finally making strides on dream – have set a date for moving to our much-loved Aix home rather than just short visits! Now to really make it happen!
Absolutely gorgeous. A feast for the eyes and some great decorating ideas! Thank you so much for sharing with us Lynn. 🙂
Dear Lynn,
One word for your home: SPECTACULAR!!
My gosh,I am exhausted even thinking about how much work it was!
But 15 years of joyful life there,surrounded by your beautiful furnishings,
is nothing short of a very deserved gift.
You do so well with challenges,Lynn, that for certain, your next place will be gorgeous and warm.
Moving,especially down sizing,is anything but a walk in the park.(during the process,we sometimes questioned our sanity!)
But the end result is so worth it,and makes the next stage of life really wonderful.
Your home is beyond stunning—as you must already know. I would love to buy it but our dreams of a home in France (our best friends live in the Poitou and we have friends all over the Hexagon.) disappeared when our California based son started a family. Our trips to Europe are still on but living there will never happen—grandchildren come first with us. That said, we are also downsizing from our 3,000 sq. Ft. Mid century modern. We love our house but with, 3 floors and no elevator, it’s probably not the best living situation for us.
Good luck.
Paula
I agree with Bonnie! Don’t go!!
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! If we were of an age to consider a move to France, your beautiful place would be the one to tempt me to do it! All the best as you make this big change in your lives. (P.S. I’ve made your “gateaux minute” to universal praise as well as the chocolate/coconut macaroons. Also a hit with ALL who tried them. Merci beaucoup!)
I love your book recommendations.
Your house is extraordinarily beautiful. The brick wall? Absolutely worth every broken nail. (Easy for me to say, I wasn’t doing it.) The view is enough to swoon over. I cannot imagine you’ll have the slightest problem selling this place for whatever you ask. I imagine it will be difficult to leave; but judging by what I know of you, this move to town will just be another adventure.
I am so happy to see all of your photos and know that we were lucky enough to enjoy some time there with you. If I was designing my own home there it would look exactly like this! I absolutely could move right in! We wish you good luck in your new adventure and will look forward to seeing the new place on our next visit.
Love to you both,
Connie
Lyn
Having been to your home I know how lovely it is!
Remember we met when we were staying with Pierre and Nicole in 2012?
I can’t imagine leaving it after all your work and memories.
I am in the process of trying to convince my partner to at least entertain the idea.
Can I please have more details?
Hi Lyn, long time we haven’t spoken. What pleasure to see this stunning home I have heard so much about. What a gorgeous job. I guess I’m not surprised as I knew you had done something amazing. This is exquisite. How nice that you enjoyed 15 years. I look forward to seeing your next project.
WOWSER!!! Where did you find the cassoulet casseroles? I’ve been looking for one to make my cassoulet and have to borrow from my neighbors.
You did a BANG-UP job…beautiful.
Fe-li-ci-ta-tions!
Wow!Your home is fantastic, and the view is spectacular. Congratulations!
What a beautiful place, Lynn! It must hard to let it go, but I wish you luck in the next adventure. An apartment in town will be nice, too, I am sure, and hopefully the cat will agree. No?