Spring

Spring germinated in the Ariege: just like that. The rain stopped, the sun woke up and it was a kiss goodbye to hibernation.  Everyday is a ray of sunshine and warmth. And these photos I took in the chateau cellar are proof. They look photoshopped-enhanced but are the real deal. I went exploring into the deep depths underground and found this wonderful prism of light emitting from the cellar window. 

And the whole region is suddenly a burst with blossom. Snow is still covering the mountain peaks providing ample opportunity for skiing. The past three weeks have been school holidays, and each of the three zones in France has a week, on rotation, to ski in the Pyrenees. So it has been flat out here. Every man, woman, child and dog! The local village has transformed from sleepy town status to hot spot. Every restaurant and cafe is'complet'. Can't even buy a baguette!

The consolidation of the chateau continues to progress. I have explored nearly every nook and cranny. And true to form, it has unveiled itself with more surprises and intricate detail. Painted beams and flooring, large open attic spaces, windows with wrought iron detail and decorative fireplaces are a delight to discover. 

The large hole in the ground is yet to be fully excavated and looking forward to sharing 'anything of interest' with you soon, a bientot!

Saint Valentin

I can't think of a better day, Valentines Day, to share some treasures found at the chateau.

Sometimes it's hard to spot these 'treasures' amongst the dirt and debris. But a love heart embedded into a marble fireplace and external iron gates embellished with rosebud pink flowers are everlasting reminders of the craftsmanship and love that went into their making, almost 300 years ago. 

February 2014 - 8 Weeks Later

Eight weeks ago, the work at the chateau started... and it hasn't stopped. In fact, it's go go go 'tout le temps." Renovating a property in France conjures an image of constant delays, unfinished work and tireless supervision. This month I read about a couple renovating a chateau in the Loire Valley and the antics of drunken Polish workers doing 'burnouts' in a beat up old van around the chateau grounds. Apparently the workmanship is good but only if they keep off the plonk!  And another couple battling with a disappointing project manager somewhere in the Lot.  But for us, so far so good. 

At the moment we are back in Australia looking after our home and garden in the hot blazing sun, two teenagers returning to university, two poodles…. and a cat. We will be back onsite at the beginning of March. And I have to say we rely on a team effort to move forward with the project on the other side of the world. Over the past three weeks we have been receiving photos and skype calls keeping us informed of what is happening on an almost daily basis.

And here is the proof! Not that long ago this salon was a mess of crumbled, green mouldy walls and collapsed flagstones. Now the room is just waiting for its final consolidation: concrete poured into the steel corrugations, infloor heating and the reinstallation of the stones. The first of 94 rooms.

For more photos of this weeks discoveries have a look at 'Restoration.'

Hopefully my enthusiasm will last 94 rooms!

2014: We Are Ready

Work has recommenced at the chateau this week.

Look forward to sharing the progress, process and hopefully not too much panic, renovating a property in France. And here is a New Years January To Do List for starters:

1. Apply for grant from Historic Monuments. 
2. Apply for french bank loan - becoming urgent, nothing more needed to be said!
3. Complete electricity/plumbing/infloor heating plan. 
4. Finish dossier for funding from  Chamber of Commerce in Foix.
5. Decide on lengths of wood to be milled collected from chateau parc.
6. Sort out my photos, I need Lightroom asap.
7. Book airfare and rental car.
8. Buy some Australian paraphenalia to take with me next trip - the French love boomerangs, koalas t-towels, rugby caps and stuffed toy kangaroos...
9. Send a thank-you to Janine, editor of The Good Life France for writing article and genuine encouragement.
10. And a thank-you to Carla Loves Photography for kindly photographing the chateau before the restoration.

At The Chateau Today

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.