It seems a very long time ago since I bought this cottage (1978-ish?). At the time it was just a one room, derelict, roofless, floorless, ancient stone built cottage, in need of TOTAL restoration.
It's about 300 years old, and looks-out over perfectly tranquil agricultural land, and untroubled woods. When I first looked inside, I discovered a lovely old fireplace and a carved stone sink, I knew I had to have it. The first family to have lived there, would have done so under the reign of Louis XV.
We lived about 300 metres away, at the time, in a big old farmhouse, and the tiny ruin was owned by my next door neighbours. We had a chat over a glass of Pastis, and a deal was done.
It didn't cost me a lot, but since then I'd hate to think how much I've spent on bringing it to the comfortable state it's in today. If you close your eyes and picture an ideal French country cottage, this is probably what it would look like.
I've lived in big houses, tiny broom-cupboard-sized flats, and that extensive French farmstead, but nothing has been as pleasant to live-in as this little cottage. It has a warm, friendly, atmosphere, that cannot be created or 'designed'. As soon as we step inside, it gives us a huge hug!
Since buying the house we have added-on at one end, brought-in water and electricity, built our 'tower', installed the pool, bought more land, built a covered terrace, planted fruit trees, established Haddock's (our now-no-longer-used veg' garden), and made the house comfortable, whilst keeping its rusticity. This (below) is our sitting/dining room.
Almost everything we've done to the cottage has involved local craftsmen, and artisans. Hand made floor-tiles in the house and tower, timber cut specially at a local sawmill for most of our building work, and beautiful hand-made peg-tiles for the tower roof. As much as possible I've tried to make the cottage feel as it would have centuries ago (other than the water and electricity).
This year I intend to put a hand-rail on the stairs (I'm getting doddery), and plant a few more Peach trees. After that I think I'll leave it to others; I feel that I've done my bit!
19 comments:
Absolutely beautiful. We used to visit France ever year up until my 93 year old father became ill. How I miss it. I honestly feel as though I'm returning home when i go. We have stayed in some lovely old cottages and more modern Gites. The old cottages have a certain ambience, don't they?
Lake district for us until circumstances change. Less than an hour away. Not France but a good second.
Do not sell it. You would regret it the rest of your life!
What a wonderful achievement Cro (+Lady M). You are by nature an artist but in my opinion this was your finest canvas.
What a very sensible idea to fit a handrail - hopefully one that looks right too. Falls on stairs in Great Britain are a major public health issue with around 250,000 connected A&E visits each year and well over 500 deaths too.
Sadly, most French like to modernise their old cottages, and they end-up looking like modern bungalows. They take out everything that makes them look 'old'. The old ones, out in the countryside, are perfect for holidays. I do like 'The Lakes' too.
My oldest, who is the only one who lives in Europe, is very keen on keeping it in the family. I know he'll look after it.
I did fall down the stairs (the bottom four steps) a couple of years ago. Last year I constructed something that doesn't work, so this year I'll do it properly. It's no longer worth taking the risk.
I imagine that the stairs are probably a bit uneven, if the rest of the cottage is anything to go by, so I hope that you get a sturdy rail up before you damage yourself ( or Lady M). We have rails both sides of our perfectly normal stairs since before my hip operation last year , and they were very helpful at the time!
PS. Your main room looks delightfully cosy.
The stairs are more of a chunky ladder than normal stairs; all a question of space. Putting the rail in place will be my first priority.
Rustic and cosy. Perfect for a country cottage.
This is not true. French love old stones. old cottages and restore places in a very nice way.
If only! When I first got planning permission to restore the cottage, I was told I would have to cement-render the whole exterior. I ignored them of course. They are architectural assassins.
No no and no. You can only speak of your particular experience.Where did you go in France to get this opinion ? I know France like my pocket. Lived 55 years there and travelled all around and never saw an old cottage transformed into a bungalow.
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I too have lived in France for over 50 years. Come and visit me and I'll show you hundreds of French-owned properties that have been ruined. The only people who really care about their true vernacular architecture are the Dutch and the Brits. And don't argue with me !
Shock horror at the thought of a cement render over those beautiful old stones! Your cottage is perfect, so glad that Kimbo wants to continue the tradition.
Coppa's Girl
It's just lovely Cro, I love old cottages and that cottagey look. Much better than all this steel, glass and stark white walls and white ceramic flooring that's all the rage these days which makes everyone's home look like a hotel foyer.
I love your blog and tune in every day. Your cottage is the stuff of dreams. Long may you and your family enjoy its peace and beauty.
I am Jo not anonymous by the way.
Oh dear for sure the Brits with the rose and blue china cups. Yes you lived in France but I-m sure that you didn"t travel a lot. So in my eyes your view and opinion sre limited. Anyway your cottage looks cosy. The British style.
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