At last! The work is over, the spending has slowed down, and the results of all our efforts can be clearly seen and appreciated.

In some respects, there is an element of anti-climax about it all.

As we neared the final stages of completing the ‘Cuvage’ renovation we, of course, could see all the elements of both interior and exterior renovation and conversion becoming a reality, and all our design and previous project control decisions working together as a whole.

Le Cuvage had eventually become a sum greater than its parts.

It was wonderful to walk up to the building and enter its doors to reveal the magnificent interior, and be pretty pleased with all our efforts.

It was a delight to spend our first holiday break within its four walls – to test out the showers for the first time, to christen the kitchen, to wake up with the newness all around us, and the sound of the Roannais countryside surrounding us.

Our first family occupation took place at Easter 2006, after myself and my good friend, Dale, had moved all furniture and houshold items into Le Cuvage during a very wintry and snowy February, a month or so before.

We had, typically, done a ‘white van’ trip from England, and had also ‘stripped’ our previous holiday home (‘The Stables’) located in the  original chateau grounds, and only a minutes walk away from our new residence.

We had prepared our interior furnishings pretty well, and would of course add to these over time. To be fair, we needed to ‘live’ in the place for a while to get a good ‘feel’ of how everything worked, and how the layout suited us.

Generally, it was all that we we wanted from our French ‘Dream House’, and more!

Yes, of course, there are always improvements and changes that one realises could be made – a wall here, access here, electric points repositioned, additional or less lighting, extra storage, But generally, we were very happy with the two dwellings we had created out of this huge wine-making barn.

Having previously owned a holiday home in the same enclave for 12 years, we were, of course, very familiar with our surroundings, and the region.

Whenever we arrived for a holiday  we immediately felt ‘at home’. So, although the newness of ‘Le Cuvage’ was a little strange, and we had to get to grips with a new home living experience, we did not have to contend with the need to discover  a new locality, and relate to new people, and find new friends. All this was already there!

There was no doubt that the attention to detail we had maintained, and the quality of internal and external installation and fixturing had all paid off.

We, of course, still had plenty to occupy us, and although internally it was really a matter of moving and positioning furniture to maximum effect, outside was a totally different matter.

I was keen to get into the garden, and commence the ‘tidying up’ work prior to the planting of trees and shrubbery.

Our new pool, too, and along with its surrounding area, required more attention to bring it to a decent holiday standard.

So, all-in-all, we still had more work cut out, but we were determined to enjoy it, and breathe in all that fresh French air!

Le Cuvage is definitely not a ‘holiday home’ in the normal sense of the term, and was never really intended to be such. It was designed for purpose – a ‘principal’ home ready for our eventual, and intended permanent commitment to living in France.

I hope that this ‘renovation diary’ has been of of interest to the many readers who are looking to for a property in France, whether for a holiday home or permanent residence.

Each person’s project, of course, is individual to themselves, but  seeing the results and hearing of the experience of others helps to see what can be achieved, and the potential benefits that the French way of life has to offer.

I also hope that the stage-by-stage images of our project, which have been featured in each issue during the last 7 months, have  demonstrated to varying extent what is possible with a renovation project like this.

In our view, France is a brilliant place to buy and develop a property, and there are still many opportunities and bargains to be had in many regions.

The French way of life is a great experience for couples, families, and, particularly children learning a new language, and discovering another culture.

‘Le Cuvage’ has been an incredible experience for us, and it is still continuing in so many different ways.

We look forward to many years of appreciating all it has to offer, both as a home, and as a place that gives us access to a beautiful part of France.

Take a look at the full series of articles featured during the last few months at  www.thisfrenchlife.com

The latest article can be seen at: Looking back and lessons learnt, of “Le Cuvage Project”

Brian and Lucy’s Roannais website:  www.purefrancenow.com

TOP TIPS – When buying and renovating in France

1. Spend plenty of time planning your electrics. You will rarelyl ever get it perfect (certainly before you start living and using your new place!). This includes positioning of all electrical sockets, radiators, and particularly lighting. Economy and coverage of light  is a delicate balance.

2. Plan all your rooms well, and try to avoid large areas of wasted, unuseable space. Make sure you maximise on bedrooms (you always need them when friends stay!).

3. Ensure your kitchen is a good size (the most important room in the house!). A good ‘Buanderie’ (storage/utility area) and you have plenty of other storage around the house (you’ll always need it!).

4. Externally, make sure you position your terrasse/patio areas in the best place for the sun, and access from the house. Ideally, if possible, ensure there is a covered area to get away from the heat of the day, and include a convenient barbeque space for all that outside entertaining!

5. If you are having a swimming pool, try and make sure it is as private and  as wind-protected as possible. Follow the French legal and security requirements for private and rental use.

www.purefrancenow.com

Before we moved a single lump of earth or hacked into any structure, we commissioned a comprehensive build programme assessment, and cost estimate by a specialist building economiste. He organised devis (quotations) from a minimum of three different companies before making any recommendations and final selections.

The companies were assessed on experience, quality, reputation and approach, as well as price.

This pre-estimate and budget confirmation covered all the key areas of build including structural works, carpentry, windows and doors, heating and electrics, plumbing, partitioning, plastering, and roofing, etc. The final document was very detailed and professionally put together – in fact, a veritable tombe!

Once decisions were made and contractors chosen, a full critical path was developed for all the different stages of construction and installation.

This was then monitored and reported on every week, along with price control checks which measured contractor invoices against actual production and original quotations.

Any variations or additional work required would be assessed accordingly and quoted for approval by us before any work was commenced.

The initial cost projections for our share of the main works, including architect’s fees and agreed joint external works (but not kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, tiling, painting and decorating, and any other special requirements) was approximately £260,000 for our two dwellings (two-thirds of le Cuvage.

Once all the final plans, along with these initial estimates, were fully agreed between all parties then our project was started with a vengeance!

Read the full editorial plus all the previous ones at  thisfrenchlife.com – Le Cuvage Story

www.purefrancenow.com

Over the Autumn in 2005 our ‘Grand Design’ project in the Roannais continued apace. Incredibly, all the work progressed like clockwork.

Even we were amazed at how smoothly things went. Our previous renovation and conversion of The Stables at the Château des Cresses was, to be honest, fraught with various beginner’s problems, mostly due to communication difficulties, although despite being messed about a bit, the result was a success – and we were happy with that.

We expected some difficulties with our first project in France – it went with the territory of taking on a renovation job in a foreign country, relatively far from our base in the `UK. So, when it came to ‘Le Cuvage’, we were more experienced and aware of the many problems likely to occur.

As it was a much bigger and more involved project our approach was, of course, more detailed and professional. We were determined to get this one right form the start!

However, because of our past experiences we could not help being a little apprehensive, constantly expecting a phone call, letter, or e-mail revealing some terrible and fundamental problem which was insurmountable, and, therefore, to be reflected in huge additional costs. This was a big investment for all of us, so some fear and trepidation was to be expected.

I am glad to say, these fears were never realised. Luckily we did not encounter any big problems. And there is no doubt that we were both surprised and refreshed by the professionalism and organisation of the team we had chosen to organise the renovation and conversion of ‘Le Cuvage’. In retrospect, this was thanks to a number of salient factors:

1) It was a joint project with French friends of long-standing, who we could trust and who were on the ground at all times.

2) We employed a highly-regarded, local French architect with a reputation at stake.

3) We selected and used recommended, reliable builders and contractors after detailed assessment, seeking several competitive quotations for every element of the work.

4) We all approached the project with shared aims, care, intelligence, experience, and with quality always in mind.

5) We also had the money, more or less, readily available to invest at all stages, and in line with pre-agreed budgets. Any extras had to be contended with as they occurred.

6) There was a genuine communal approach to the whole project by all involved, as though we were creating something very special together. A team spirit was evident throughout. It was a great feeling. It was a joy!

Read the full article at:  This French Life -  ‘Topping Off’ a ‘Grand Design’ building project in the Roannais!

www.purefrancenow.com

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Brian Franklin continues his story of how he and his wife, Lucy, slowly and sympathetically renovated a collection of outbuildings found in the grounds of the Chateau des Cresses, near the medieval hill village of Perreux.

Visit:  This French Life  – It’s a serious business building in the Roannais, Rhône-Alpes.

“As time moved on, and building progressed, all our earlier plans and decisions were now coming to fruition.

We could start to see the fundamental structures and layout taking identifiable shape.

It was an exciting time as there were always new things happening and new stages to see….”

www.purefrancenow.com

Following on from our new discovery in the Roannais, Rhône-Alpes, and our eventual purchase of ‘The Stables’ there is, of course, much more to tell.

We paid around £12,000 for this building which needed a complete renovation job. Some of this money was also part of a contribution to the communal courtyard and pool.

Basically we had bought into a small ‘co-propriété’ (joint ownership of communal grounds) of about 10 other dwellings which formed part of the original courtyard of the Chateau des Cresses (an ornate, gothic-style pile built around 1908)

The courtyard – ‘Cour Rossignol’ – made up the ‘servicing’ complex of the chateau.(with Bakery, Winery, Butler’s Pantry, Barn, and, of course, our Stable block)

The other building which formed this courtyard was, in fact, the stylish ‘Pavillon de Chasse’, an 18^thcentury hunting lodge and salon, built around the time of the French Revolution, and oozing ‘old French Empire’. This was the original and only building on the site before the chateau was constructed clumsily around it.

It was a picturesque location, however, with great potential. Our excitement and eager anticipation at developing our ‘ruin’ in this wonderful location was immense. Our uncertainty substantial!

However, we made our decision to apply a clean, contemporary approach, and involved one of our architect friends in England to create an outline interior concept that was simple, stylish, and which maximised on utilising the potential living space available to us. How smart!

It was sharpen pencil time! There was no shortage of ideas. We were creative, that was our job in England – interior design, image-building, photographic concepts for kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and living rooms. In fact, totally in our realm! France here we come!!

I’m not going to turn all this into some ‘Grand Design’ type saga (It was not big enough for that, of course! That will come a few years  later.), but it could turn into a saga all the same. A different type of saga. A saga of intrigue, and the ‘mentally’ insane. Of the’ ups and downs’ that occur when you take a ‘runner’ – a risk. A small risk it maybe, but a risk all the same, entwined with heartfelt dreams of a new home, and a new life experience.

Yes, we got ‘ripped off’ a bit.

Although, it is said of the French: ‘they see us Brits coming’ , maybe it is  because they see an easy ‘kill’, an easy ‘euro’ or two (it was actually the famous French Franc, then), because our brains were still, temporarily at least , resting, sloppily, on the dockside at Dover!

Our many dealings with the French have been incredibly rewarding, and in our relationships with artisans, shopkeepers, neighbours, and with those that have become great friends, we have found all of them to be incredibly generous, exceptionally friendly, honest, and personable people).

Yes, there are always ‘rogue traders’ about (so you have to watch out!), and you are never far away from diabolical experiences, whether from individuals or from the famous meanderings of the over-developed (and often over zealous) French bureacracy and legal sytems.

We bought into a 10-dwelling co-propriété, and our experience of this was certainly not an ideal one.

It is difficult to get all people to agree, and conflicts occur. These type of co-ownership organisations may work for apartment buildings, or well-organised holiday complexes in places like Spain, but my suggestion would be to avoid getting involved in this type of property arrangement despite some of the price advantages, and shared communal costs for items such as pool maintenance, gardening, insurances, etc.

They are often troublesome, and your several neighbours can be just a little too close! However, at the same time, all the negatives and positives of this experience were thoroughly stirred into a pot-pourri, a melange of wonderful discovery, fun, and friendships.

We had, in fact, a brilliant time planning and designing The Stables.

Our, discovery, too, of Lyon – France’s second city – was also a fantastic experience, and Lyon is now a place which we regularly re-visit.

The local Roannais region, also, was, and is, brilliant and has so much to offer, from medieval villages and chateaux to picturesque wine-growing countryside, mountain vistas and some of the best food in France.

To be fair,  in the early days, and the early year or so, things moved on pleasantly, albeit very slowly.

We finally signed for our ‘ruin’ and full payment was duly made (some of it, I might add, siphoned off to some unknown destination and bank account in England! You have to watch out for this sort of thing, because any money paid outside the transaction is not recorded, so you are likely to pay more capital gains tax on any profit later further down the line if/when you re-sell your property)

Our real fun and adventure with France could now continue with a vengeance! For a while the distance actually helped between England and France.

Yes, the communication and project control aspects were difficult and frustrating at times. French language problems were always an initial hindrance, and part of the equation to solve. But, we were tenacious.

It was something we had to accept as part of the ‘risk’ of buying  and renovating in France from a distance. We had to put it all down to experience – ‘The French Experience’

The Stables moved gradually on, and started taking internal shape. It was beginning to look like a home on the cusp of habitability. We made decisions, we flew over as regularly as we could, and thoroughly enjoyed ‘The French life’ as we found it.

We also continued to throw more money at the project!

And gradually, bit by bit, over 2 years or so (It wasn’t rapid!), we turned the place from a ruin into a home.

‘The Stables’ ended up as a delightful 2 –bedroom dwelling (with retained French character on the outside and a contemporary, clean ‘look’ on the inside!). We were very pleased with the results: Good-sized kitchen and dining, separate lounge with wood-burning stove and exposed chimney. Feature stairway and landing to two large double bedrooms, and bathroom with bath and shower.

The countryside and woodland views of the original chateau grounds were superb, and a great setting for our own new piece of France .

And our new French way of life!

www.thisfrenchlife.com

www.purefrancenow.com

For this month’s newsletter article on ‘Discovering the Roannais’ visit thisfrenchlife.com

www.purefrancenow.com

Go no further ! If you want a great family holiday in an unspoilt, typical French region with great food, beautiful scenery, incredible chateaux, medieval villages, and plenty of fun activities for all the family to enjoy, then come to the Roannais. It has much to offer.

Nestling between Burgundy, the Massif Central and the Lyon area, the main township of Roanne and the Roannais has forged its identity at the junction of these various influences and today offers the best of them for your next break.

The Roannais region has a surprising wealth of contrasting landscapes and offers an immediate answer to your need to get away from it all and enjoy some superb open-air activities.

Take a look at the dedicated regional website for more information on what is available:  www.leroannais.com

Visit our Purefrancenow website which has plenty of photos, information, and news on all aspects of the Roannais region: www.purefrancenow.com

Our Blog, News, and Reviews is also well worth scrolling through, too: Purefrancenow Blog, News, and Reviews

Have a great holiday and stay in high quality luxury at  Le Cuvage, in the original grounds of the Chateau des Cresses, Perreux

Purefrancenow Monthly Newsletter

www.purefrancenow.com

The new Perreux magazine has been launched again full of useful information for the community, including all forthcoming events to be held in the ensuing months.

Visit our previous editorial on this beautiful, ancient village, only  5 minutes away from Le Cuvage (a superb luxury holiday gite with pool – available for rent throughout the year.)

Wonderful Perreux !

More on Perreux in the Roannais

www.perreux.fr

www.purefrancenow.com

The pictures say more than words here.

Snowtime in the Roannais is pure fun with plenty of opportunities for winter sport, including ski-ing in the local Monts de la Madeleine.

We are just 45 minutes from the slopes of Loges des Gardes and Chalmazel – two excellent alpine stations for all the family.

Le Cuvage in the Snow, Roannais, Rhône-Alpes

www.purefrancenow.com

Even the swimming pool has awoken from its winter slumbers, and was a wonderful 25 degrees last week. The outside temperature went up to 30 degrees plus. This of course meant that our 9 year old son, Ellis turned back into a frog again, and had a great time in the bath-like waters!

We hope this summer will be as hot and sunny as last year’s, which, of course, was much appreciated by all our holiday guests who had a great time here in the Roannais. In fact, several have became good friends, and are returning again for a second year!

Le Cuvage is a great place, and ideal for a very comfortable base for exploring all that the beautiful Roannais region has got to offer, and there’s alot!

Take a look at our dedicated website: www.purefrancenow, and also have a read through a few of our blogs and news reports for more information and a personal perspective on all aspects of the locale – activities, villages, restaurants, food, wine, cheese, entertainment, chateaux, lakes  and country scenery, plus nearby towns and cities to visit.

www.purefrancenow.com

Purefrancenow Blogs, News, and Reviews

Purefrancenow Monthly Newsletters

Le Cuvage Deux – in the Roannais