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!
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?
ReplyDeleteLake district for us until circumstances change. Less than an hour away. Not France but a good second.
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.
DeleteThis is not true. French love old stones. old cottages and restore places in a very nice way.
DeleteIf 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.
DeleteNo 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 !
DeleteOh 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.
DeleteI lived more than a year in Fumel which is not far away from Loubéjac. Have some good friends there and If I go there in August I will come to see you.
DeleteI do my weekly shopping at Leclerc in Fumel. We could wave to each other. How did you know I lived in Loubéjac ?
DeleteBecause I know your real name . Will keep it secret. Pst.
DeleteThat's cheating !
DeleteIf you want I can tell !our name here , as well for your son Kimbo..
DeleteDo we know each other?
DeleteI'm not sure , but maybe I saw you in Leclerc or in a restaurant.
DeleteDo not sell it. You would regret it the rest of your life!
ReplyDeleteMy 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.
DeleteWhat a wonderful achievement Cro (+Lady M). You are by nature an artist but in my opinion this was your finest canvas.
ReplyDeleteWhat 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.
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.
DeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteThe 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.
DeletePS. Your main room looks delightfully cosy.
ReplyDeleteRustic and cosy. Perfect for a country cottage.
DeleteShock 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.
ReplyDeleteCoppa's Girl
They are crazy. No way would I ever have covered over those beautiful old stones!
DeleteIt'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.
ReplyDeleteI was horrified when I saw that they insisted that I render over the beautiful 300 year old stonework. You can imagine what I said under my breath !!!
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI hope the same. It's lovely being there, even if it is now only for 3 months a year.
DeleteI am Jo not anonymous by the way.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately there are so many people who sign themselves as 'Anonymous', that we can't tell who is who.
DeleteGood work, it is good for another 300 years.
ReplyDeleteI do hope so. It was about to fall down when I bought it.
DeleteYour little abode looks quite big in the photo and cozy too. Glad that it will be kept in the family, it’s a treasure. Gigi
ReplyDeleteIt's not much bigger than our small home here in Brighton, but it does have the 'tower', a covered terrace, and the pool. It also has a small amount of land.
DeleteIt is a delightful cottage. And I particularly like the old wooden beamed cieling.
ReplyDeleteI only wish I could stay in Cornwall for 3 months every Summer. But at £750 a week, well that's just too much.
And when looking for a rented property I always go for a traditional country seaside cottage look, which strangely seem cheaper to rent compared to some of the white walled minimalist properties that have no character at all.
I have always hankered after a small Cornish 'fisherman's cottage', with a close view of the sea, and a nearby pub. Too late now I fear!
DeleteSome homes are like a warm hug. If walls could talk I believe your little cottage would whisper, "Thank you."
ReplyDeleteSomeone did tell me that there'd been a family with several children living there before it was abandoned. There had been just one room, and a barn (which had fallen down). Amazing.
DeleteI really like reading about your french cottage, how it came to be, how it was and how it is. It's a fascinating and satisfying tale. You put your heart and soul into it. It must be calling to you now to return and what an enjoyable few months await
ReplyDeleteI can hardly wait. I shall be very happy to actually arrive. Kimbo goes out for a short trip a week or so before us, so everything should be ship-shape when we arrive. We'll have to open the pool, but otherwise it should all be ready for us.
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