December Update
The past weeks have been a joy, not just the spirit of Christmas approaching, with snow covered fir trees, noël village markets, magical window displays but also the good cheer and progress at the chateau.
And the big news is - we have lights. After 30 years of being in darkness the chateau has powered up.
Today I was driving down from the summit of Plateau de Beille at dusk and as I approached the driveway for a quick glimpse I noticed a light shining bright. I couldn't believe it. I'm wondering what the locals think!
Electricity hasn't been switched on since the chateau hosted school vacation camps between 1960 and 1980.
The builder and his 12 hour a day team were still working hard. Earlier in the morning, massive, heavy solid beams were carefully hauled from high ceilings. Some can be retained using metal sleeves to anchor into thick stone walls. And those no longer able to do their supporting job will be used perhaps as bathroom benches or even in the kitchen as chopping boards.
I'm forever scrounging and looking for anything of interest to recycle. I can't help it.
November Progress Report
It's extraordinary how much work six men can achieve in a couple of weeks. Consolidation of the chateau is in full swing. A real building site: hard hats, wheelbarrows, strong GQ magazine cover Spanish men. The internal implosion of destruction and debris is now rapidly making its way outside. Everyday the rubble pile escalates as well as fueling an 'open fire.' Today one of the workers patiently plied 300 year old hand forged nails from rotting wood and placed them in a metal bucket for safe keeping. Maybe one day they will sit in a glass jar on an open shelf, admired.
Our desire to retain and upcycle is proving more difficult than anticipated. Installing concrete, steel reinforced flooring has meant that all tiles must be removed and 'hopefully' reinstalled where possible. This component of the reconstruction is disappointing. However the enormous weight currently in existence on the first floor has to be addressed from a safety aspect. At the moment 3cm solid handmade tiles sit on a layer of lime/talc, then two layers of timber and finally another timber floor. The original construction was engineered to last and if the roof/water damage hadn't occurred perhaps it would have remained intact for another 300 years. I can understand why brocantes ( french secondhand stores) always have crates of tiles at giveaway prices.
The front facade cleanout is almost complete. The builder is now concentrating on the back section. Lengthy metal ramps provide a helping hand in the removal of backbreaking, hefty tiles and debris from upstairs to the ground floor. Safety harnesse's separate the men from plunging below. And once crisp white, but now grubby grey face masks are don. Dust fills each room like a pea-souper fog: thick, dense, finally settling on every surface and in every crevise.
And the workers toil from dawn to dark, few words are spoken. Just 'Hola'. It's just too cold. Minus 9 hurts. And wearying, working, laden with layers and layer and layers of woolens.
Winter Wonderland
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.
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
Revised October Start Date!
A Picture Tells a Thousand Words
