Friday the 13th Fantastic News?

I hope you are sitting down to read this!

Yes we have the building permit. 

And Friday the 13th didn't take the edge off my joy this morning. As I checked my inbox and scrolled down and saw the long awaited email, it was only a split second I felt any superstition. Supposedly an unlucky day to begin a new project. But no one buys a run down uninhabitable chateau in Cathar Country, add a frustrating historical listing and then gives focus  to bad luck. I thought about it some more just incase and really it's one of those relative concepts. Trust me I have been to the torture museum in Carcassonne. All sorts of devices engineered to make sure some unfortunate Cathar person suffered more than just bad luck. In this museum the french show each piece even to the point where I could feel the chastity belt clasped tightly as I walked past the metal two holed cage. A husband made his  wife wear the harness when he took off on battle.  Oh and I should point out - this museum beats the Tower of London  Museum hands down. When England acknowledged the real torturous things that happened in history, one could see the devices jammed packed everywhere at the tower. Truly you were tripping over them and trying hard not to lose a body part on the tower tour. Last visit all I found was a sign stating that only 20 unfortunate Brits were tortured. Denial can be somewhat comforting at times.

By  the way  I didnt fail to notice that Friday the 13th eviction notice bad luck was thrust upon Kevin Rudd this morning (wondering if he has to turn off the gas and  leave the keys under the mat)?

Back to the permit. We are so happy but truly  grateful for everyone's input in preparing all the paperwork, lodgement to all the french authorities and follow up. And humbled by the support we have been shown so warmly by people we know well and others we have never met.

The project began in July 2011 and now we can finally begin to make real progress. Champagne has been nervously waiting on ice for some time.  But I'm afraid the celebration will have to wait a few more days. A serious bout of laryngitis/tonsillitis caught me this week. Completely out of action for 4 days - that was some bad luck! 

Looking forward to sharing the plans and start date. 

July - Still No Permit But 12 Pistachio Green Chairs!

Last month I travelled to France trying to secure the permit for the restoration. It wasn't easy. Just what you hear - don't buy a renovation project.......especially a historic monument. 

In brief, the dossier which explains in detail the work to be undertaken, is currently at the headquarters in Toulouse. I met with the joint directors responsible for authorising the building permit. And they understood the urgency of the works and the need to start before winter sets in. Nevertheless,  it is still a waiting game. Plus another French August holiday season is looming!

But in an effort to remain positive, I have now focused my frustration on the garden. In particular the re-establishment of the jardin à la française. After some research I now acknowledge the concept of the french garden and the ordering of nature.

Harmony and balance and the use of terms such as parterres are inspirational and now have me thinking.

My first line of attack will be on the orchard. Over the past 300 years the orchard and other areas in 'le parc' have had their allée or promenades destroyed. A few missing trees here and there spoil the balance or symmetry of what was originally intended. So it's out with the old decayed tree stumps and in with the new. It might be some time before nature is back in order but it's a start!

Oh, I almost forgot. Naturally there is a vision for a petite champagne terrace. The idea fell into place quite simply. Recently I visited my friends, Catherine and her mother Marie in Blaye just north of Bordeaux. Now Catherine Tanvier might be an ex No 1 French tennis player but not much of a champagne drinker. But Marie introduced me to some boutique champagne houses and opened my world beyond LVMH. A few days later I finally discovered a brocante and succumbed to the purchase of too many pistachio green terrace chairs. I can imagine one day lazing, relaxing, sipping a piercing glass of champagne, enjoying the vista. I just need 11 friends to join me.....any volunteers!

June

I had decided to post only when I had some good news. However another month has passed by and the question still remains - What is happening with the building permit?  The short answer is 'not much.' The architect from the Historic Monuments has our dossier and still it is a waiting game.

Naturally this is disappointing. The chateau continues to deteriorate as well as our Aussie dollar!!! 

i have just arrived in France today. Will keep you posted....

Four Seasons At The Château

Two days ago I received this photo of the orchard at the Chateau. It has only been seven weeks since I was at the property strolling through 'le parc', imagining the colours of the trees in spring and the promise of one day picking apples. And in such a short time a change has taken place, the beauty of nature exploding in a mass of colour - it's like a dream!  In a strange way the photo reminds me of the movie with Robin Williams, What Dreams May Come. Not the sadness but the colours - soft, radiant, angelic.

I then went back through my photo album and found a few more to share, le quatre saisons.  Starting with spring just seemed the natural choice.

A light exists in spring 
Not present on the year 
At any other period. 
When March is scarcely here

A color stands abroad 
On solitary hills 
That science cannot overtake, 
But human nature feels.

Emily Dickinson 

In July apple blossom breaks through and the orchard is a mass of white and pink. It's about two months too early for apple picking and perhaps the prospect of bottling some cider. As I wandered about I soon discovered pears! Can I just say it was the first time I had ever seen a pear on a pear tree. Incroyable!

By December winter is everywhere. Just light snow but enough to orchestrate the landscape with a different perspective of nature's beauty. I can't think of a prettier hue of colour opposites. Fluffy white snow, grey knobby bark, gentle pink golden sunlight blended at dawn on a cold morning. Nature's own colour wheel. And the finale to the cycle of seasons.

I think of what is ahead and consider Shelley's last line of Ode to the West Wind, "If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?"

What To Do In Les Cabannes – A Two Minute Walk From The Front Gate!

First stop - the boulangerie.

I recommend the macaroons (quite different than macarons) - sensational just like my mum use to make in the 1970's hot out the oven, coconut, crisp and slightly brown on the outside but a soft flavoursome centre.

Go with the 6 for 2 euros.

There are several small supermarkets selling all sorts of produce from local cheese to good quality ski gloves. And just incase, there is even a heart defibrillator in the main street right next to the library!

Top 10 for Les Cabannes

  1. Le Boulangerie.......

  2. Dinner at A La Montanha ( recommend booking).

  3. Wander to the cemetery for a history lesson.

  4. Have a go at trout fishing at the organic trout farm or the Aston River.

  5. Buy a bottle of local wine and stock up on local cheese, ham and condiments from La Ferme Du Quie Les Cabannes.

  6. Try a beer in the local pub but avoid the taxidermied animals especially the wolf on the bar counter!

  7. Stroll through the Sunday Market.

  8. In summer its the place to kayak, hike, horse-ride.

  9. In winter hire some ski gear from either of the hire places in the village,

  10. And head up the top of Plateau de Beille - unbelievable snow, skiing, dog sleighing and igloo building........