Summer's almost over

We've had the last swim in the pool for this year - the water a lovely, 'refreshing' 20C - always quite a sad moment realising summer is definitely over. Packed away the sun umbrella, deck chairs and sun loungers. 

Today we put on the winter pool cover and cleaned the terrace tiles - mainly because we are about to go away for a few weeks. Temperatures have still been in the mid-high 20C so still warm enough for swimming. Washed all the pool towels before they get packed away for winter too.

Also,

Oh I forgot to mention; the large radiator right next to the fire will be removed too. A bit superfluous now. It will be put at the other end of the room as when we don't have a fire in winter, we'll still need some heat in the lounge.

Fireplace almost done ...

The chimney has been plastered, the original mantelpiece and surrounds reused and new tiles fitted around the wood burner. Which means all there is left to do is some painting, grouting the tiles and finding some slate to put in front of the wood burner. And then we can start on the kitchen. 

Fireplace progress

Fireproof surround of wood burner and chimney now in place. We can re-use the marble mantlepiece and facade pieces. Just ordered some nice tiles for the front too, so we are getting there.

Back to dust, rubble and noise ...

Work has started on moving the wood burner from what is currently our office - and will become the kitchen - into the main lounge. A sure sign that summer is nearly over.

We've moved as much as possible out of the office and lounge to protect them from the inevitable dust. Here's how it did look:
Office side. The mantel piece has fortunately been removed in complete pieces without any damage so will be reused on the other side.

Lounge side. The dresser has been emptied and moved to another wall, as that is where the wood burner will go. The radiator to the right will be moved also.

Here's where we're at so far:

Late summer activity

Our summer is still going strong and is actually hotter than in August. Merv is home for a couple of weeks before heading off for the last two weeks of cycling trips for this season. In the meantime we had walking clients here for a long weekend - so no break for him - and this week some self-guided walkers staying in the gite. We've been sorting out winter cycling training routes in glorious sunshine. Also, stopping for the occasional 'grand creme' and croissant while we watch all the activity happening for the grape harvest.

Summer

Well it's been some time since I last put up a post. This summer has been very busy - Gîte Magnolia has been fully booked since June and continues to be busy into October. Merv has been away a lot with Marmot Tours cycling trips. He's mainly been in the Alps, plus trips in the Dolomites and Corsica. Soon it will all be over! In the meantime I will put up some retrospective posts on activities over the past few months. Over summer we don't do any renovation work a) because it's too hot; b) we don't want to disturb our guests and c) we need a break from it. 

The garden has grown beautifully, if we do say so ourselves. We wanted it to be a 'wow' factor for guests and it has been. The magnolia tree is more densely leafy in the middle since its radical tree surgery and provides wonderful shade. The pool is a big success and we wonder how we ever thought we wouldn't need one!