The Wall

Almost finished. We just need to put on a protective sealant and we are done. The old oven space will be used as a shelf for cookbooks.

More destruction

Another shute has been demolished in the 'old' kitchen. It's now created a much more usable space and will, in time, be a lovely bedroom! Just a small matter of how to get the old marble sink out. It is extremely large and very heavy. It would be ideal for using in the garden - if we can get it out in one, or even two, pieces. However, the likelihood of getting it out without having to smash it to pieces is remote.

Kitchen work

Work has started in what will be the new kitchen, plus some demolition in what was the original kitchen in the house.

Framing for new plasterboard on one wall and the ceiling is now up. These will be insulated, boarded then plastered. They should be done by the beginning of next week. It will take 10 weeks for the kitchen 'furniture' to arrive so the plan is have everything done; painting, tiling etc by the time that arrives.

At the far end of the house was the original kitchen with the remains of a cooking range. That has now been demolished, as has the shute to the right in the photo below. The shute was used for moving hay from the grenier (attic) to the manger on the cave (garage). Opening up the shute meant we had an easy way to get rid of all the rubble into the cave. This room will be an en-suite guest room … eventually.

Winter in the south of France

It's tough - sunshine and blue sky every day. Since mid-December we've had no rain - which means having to water the garden - with ideal winter weather; chilly but sunny. Perfect for getting out on the bikes. Yesterday we went on the mountain bikes for a off-road jaunt through the vineyards. Pruning of the grape vines is in full flow at the moment, at least the vignerons are having good weather for a hard job.