Thursday, 2 May 2013

Spring and barn clearing

So April arrived and we drove over to clear the barn and house of anything worth saving.  Plus have final final discussions with Andrew on the plans and work timeline which is due to start on the 12th May!  Dinner in Le Donjon on the 1st night of course, after a productive few hours taming some of the vegetation near the back of the house (the ivy won with an easy knockout).

A late Sunday lunch with Andrew and Debbie (he can cook as well) and no wine forgetfulness on our part and it set us up for a day spent in the barn and attic.  Despite the previous owners' grandchildren having cleared the house there were still a few gems.  Mirrors, picture frames, china, all that has seen better days but I love the story they tell of the house, the people, the era. Even some old letters from 1958, when Grandfather, who was living in a house attached to the chateau, was accused of causing a motor accident and ordered to pay costs.  He appealed and fought a hard battle which he finally won, helped by a witness who remembered that he couldn't remember what had happened!

We also found some great doors which we hope Andrew can use, possibly in the new French door opening from the snug.