Autumn in France.

Kimbo, Susie, and a friend, are at the cottage for a very short break. Kimbo loves it there almost as much as I do. He was raised in France, went to school there, and speaks the lingo. He loves the rustic lifestyle, as well as the excellent food and drink.

Susie is returning home today, but Kimbo will remain there to 'work from home' until mid-week.

Seeing the fire lit, the candles burning, and no electric lights on, makes me very envious. This is how I often spent my evenings in Winter; just as had the previous residents over the past 300 years.

When I originally bought the cottage (ruin), it was just this one room, with a loft above. We lived about 300 yards away at the time in a big old farmstead. However, even in the state it was in at the time, I knew it would make the most wonderful home. It's situation was ideal, it had never really been touched, and all the original features were intact.

There had been no water or electricity, no floor in the room (above), and the roof was falling in. It needed EVERTHING doing to it.

My original intention for the cottage was to make an eco-hideaway (Garconniere) for the future Kimbo. I'd imagined Gas/Wood only for cooking, light, and hot water. And the water supply itself coming from the roof. Sadly over the years we realised that our needs were greater, and all sorts of mod-cons were added; including our beautiful pool (which is currently closed down). Basic modern luxuries cannot be avoided.

It's as if Kimbo knew he was going to love the house. Given the opportunity he would fly out at least once a month to unwind. When you close your eyes and imagine that perfect little cottage in the French countryside; this is it.

Well, we think so anyway!