October Start Date

A few nights ago we enjoyed the satisfaction of discussing the start date for the restoration. The conversation was tres interessant; an all in French Skype conference with our architect, builder, and project manager on one side of the world, and 'me' slouching on the couch in my Peter Alexander's, with my husband in his favourite worn out airlines pj's (both of us trying to not accidentally push the live video call button!). Definitely not chic at midnight Perth time. 

Finally we are no longer gongoozlers. Issued with an official letter from the Historic Monuments we firmly have the green light. It is reassuring to receive this written confirmation. Placed on the fridge in view - read like a needy affirmation - daily with intent.

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So the start date is the first week of October. After waiting for almost twelve months, our Spanish builder has agreed to swiftly charge into the renovation arena and commence our 'country chateau rescue'. 

Oh, if you would like to view some Chateau de Gudanes video footage I took last visit, here is the link http://youtu.be/_gieQh0oPd0

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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!