I've been high up on ladders for the last few mornings (it's been too bloody hot in the afternoons). The window openings are now all in, and all the surrounding boards replaced and given a coat of special paint.
Monsieur G, our window man, has been to measure-up, and has given us a date for the fittings (mid-October).
I am now a bit stuck for something to do. I'm waiting for delivery of the new transverse beams, waiting for the plumber, and waiting for the electrician.
The only person who is consistently prompt is the building inspector who made a surprise visit yesterday morning. He was very happy with everything. Even the slight alterations I've made to the original planning application design, plus the new roof which I hadn't mentioned at all, were given a hearty 'thumbs up'. I gave him a new expected finish date of 2016.
I'm pleased to add that he was very impressed by my insistence on keeping the old tobacco barn looking like an old tobacco barn, so many people would take an old barn and try to convert it into a modern bungalow. We are trying to keep the exterior looking much as it was.
Generally, it's only the English and the Dutch who really care about preserving France's domestic architectural heritage. Some of the 'local' restoration jobs around here make me cringe.It's heartening to know that there is at least one inspector who realises the extent to which some of us will go to preserve THEIR heritage.
It is looking great.
ReplyDeleteGoodness the window man must be very busy if you are having to wait till October! Great that your inspectors has given the thumbs up - that's reassuring. It really is going to look splendid when it is finished . You could come over to me if you are looking for something to do - I have plenty of jobs you could be getting on with. Enjoy the weekend.
ReplyDeleteCro this is a fine photo of the broad side of a barn and I am most impressed. Following your progress so far has been fascinating and instructive, but this picture gives me a better idea of the immensity of your project. You have undertaken a great restoration and accomplished much! My compliments and admiration.
ReplyDeleteOccasionally we wonder if we didn't take on TOO much.
Delete"The only person who is consistently prompt is the building inspector "
ReplyDeleteAin't that the truth...
Ah, you know him too!
Deletei wish we had your planning authority in our village Cro.
ReplyDeleteSome of the things they have passed are real eyesores.
I love how you can be so patient with the workmen and their schedule. I do not think mine could last till 2016.
ReplyDeleteWe're not really that patient, it's just that we have no alternative..... even with France's unemployment at its highest ever!
DeleteI watch Grand Designs sometimes and simply hate what they do to some of the old barns.
ReplyDeleteBriony
x
Lovely Cro!
ReplyDelete19 years ago when we moved to this farm my husband and son tore down a 100 year old barn (most of it totally collapsed) He then took 90 % of that old wood and rebuilt a new barn. So the inside is all thick beams and history and the outside is new steel. We were not able to "save" the old barn but my hubbie did give it new life. Love what you are doing to this one.
I find the clapboarding seams all on one post a bit unusual. I never seen it done that way. But I suppose if they have no structural sheathing under them they can't really stagger the seams. Seems like the results might be a bit drafty that way. But being a tobacco barn I imagine that was not an issue.
ReplyDeleteThere are much smaller cross pieces to which the boards are also nailed, but basically it's to the main structure.
DeleteHow cool to have the windows nestled into the raw wood like that. From a distance it really would look like a typical barn, but then inside it's all done up. Love that idea. I bet it's fun to be in there on a rainy or snowy day.
ReplyDeleteIt's warm too.
Delete2016....time must feel as though it's standing still.
ReplyDelete