Monday 25 April 2011

Improved Kitchen

When we installed the dishwasher last year, we took out a 600mm width cupboard which was used for the crockery.  The only place to store the crockery then was in the dresser at the other end of the dining room, which was a bit of a hassle.  As a result, we went to Bordeaux and bought a new double wall unit to go above the draining board.

This now houses mugs and cups as well as all the plates and bowls - perfectly placed near the dishwasher!  There is also now more space for the glasses, having moved the mugs across.

Unfortunately no photo as yet, but as I will be going out soon, I will take a photo to upload.

Sunday 24 April 2011

The Entrance Hall

One thing we had been planning was curtains for the large windows at the front of the house.  We had curtains made with thermal linings, so it will be good insulation both summer and winter.  Together with a relocated sofa, the area now looks like a proper room, and is a great space to chill - perhaps with a glass of wine and a good book?

Saturday 23 April 2011

What a Great Week!

We've just come back from a week out at La Matha, and the weather was gorgeous!  Early 20's every day, except the day we were heading for Bordeaux airport!  Pip even went swimming (this time next year when we have the heater working, I will join her!).  As well as the weather, we enjoyed the usual good wine, we went to Duras and Eymet markets, had some good meals, and had drinks with the neighbours.

More importantly, we completed a number of improvements.  Firstly, and most importantly, the shower room is now virtually complete.  Just one small thing to rectify, which I hope to do when I go out in a couple of weeks.  Here are some photos:


Compare this to before we started:

Saturday 2 April 2011

Wine - again!

Taking a van down to the house with furniture and stuff means that there is the opportunity to bring some wine back.  Bill and I did a bit of shopping - I say a bit: we bought about 700  bottles.  They are not all for us - some friends had placed orders - but I need to work out how to store it all!

We bought so much from the Co-operative shop Univits in Les Lèvès that the man gave me 18 bottles of a nice red wine, 6 of white, 12 of crémant, and three bottles of St Emilion!

Here is the van loaded up:

Improvements Carried Out

These are the things which have been done this last week:
  • Skirting board fitted on the landing
  • New wooden trim at the top of the stairs
  • New wood covering all of the beam next to the stairs
  • All the "junk" (decorating etc stuff) has been moved from the boiler room
  • The workshop, a private room at the back, is now used to store the decorating stuff
  • The "lean-to" at the back has been cleared and the wood tidied up
  • Two bikes (one adult, one kid) now kept in the wood store
  • Kitchen cupboard between the cooker and fridge now fixed to the wall
  • New shutters built for the bunk bedroom
  • Table tennis table delivered
  • All beds now have decent pillows
  • There are now warm spring duvets for all the beds
  • Additional crockery and cutlery bought (necessary with the dishwasher!)
  • Additional serving plates bought
  • Another sofa - we now have a sofa by the large doors: perfect for lounging on with a book!
There is still more to do (there always is!), but I am happy that the house is getting better and better each year.

Finally, a very big thank you to Bill who accompanied me on my trip and helped with a lot of the work.

Back Safely - Bathroom Update

Lots of things done whilst out there - many of them small things that I've been meaning to do for ages.  Will list them later, but firstly, here are photos of the work in progress on the bathroom.



Chris the builder had faithfully promised to have the bathroom finished by the time I went there (which was going to be difficult as I was delivering the shower).  However, he had a bad hand the week before, and was struggling with a joint in the central heating, which caused delays.  Now estimated time for completion is next Friday, 8th.  Anyway, it is looking so good, and when painted will be impressive.