Kids, it is official as delivered by un huissier de justice this morning, we are getting kicked out.
Now, we have known that there was a “situation” at hand for some months. The owners, who had inherited the building from their Great-Aunt, had decided to put it up for sale.
When we first moved in, two and a half years ago, the apartment was in dreadful shape. Truly. But we believed in its potential from the get go and so decided to put some work into renovating it, despite it only being a rental. For many of you, this is a new story so if you would like to see or rediscover the “transformation” please take a look here:
And while the final product really suits us, there are several aspects of life in this building that truly do not, namely the ever present street noise and the lack of an exterior space (for honestly, what is the point in living in Provence if you don’t have the sun?). For those reasons, we had no interest in making an offer on this apartment. However, the grenier or attic, now that is another story entirely…
What an incredible opportunity. Yes, even though the space hadn’t been inhabited since the last World War. Would you like to explore it? We spent many hours in the planning. Très bien, on y va…
The attic occupies the final floor of this 17th century hôtel particulier. The entry for the apartment would start on the landing above what is now our apartment. The stairway is filled with light and gorgeous ironwork.
At the top of the stairs are several options. To the left, if we enter the doorway, we come into what could be a very large open kitchen and living room area.
Ah, I warned you that it hadn’t been inhabited for quite some time now, didn’t I? So the important news is that the roof has already been redone and done well. Now, take down the pigeon-poop-covered partition and open up the window upper left, that leaves four windows for this half of the space. A fireplace would be inserted in the middle of the far wall.
Looking back from that far wall, there is another partition to be taken down on the left, where the kitchen counters, including a sink below the additional window, would be. Note the gorgeous stone that just needs to be sanded down and treated to a lime wash–it can be found throughout the attic. The beams would be painted an off-white. There are two rooms leading off of this main room.
To the left is my chou-chou or favorite. A small room that would be our petite salon for reading and watching movies. There is a window to be opened up on the far wall and my desk would have been under the window on the left with a gorgeous view over the roofs of Arles. And yes, those are original 17th century tiles and they could be outstandingly beautiful with proper cleaning and treatment.
The other room would be Remi’s office. Note the fake ceiling in both of these rooms. All of that would be taken down to reveal as high of a ceiling line as in the living room. The tiles are perhaps slightly later maybe 18th century and would also be restored.
This is looking back from the office. I couldn’t resist to include it because of the patina.
Back out in the hall, the entrance to the bathroom (not seen) is to the right through an original door that is amazing and there are also ancient tiles too. Directly in front is the entry to the bedroom. And yes, that is our old club and we know that it needs restoring!
Now, can you see the foot high pile of bird poop? I never said that this was an easy project! That partition would also come down and a dressing area would be installed on the wall lining the staircase that leads up to…
…the terrace! Ta-da!
It is a huge space for the center of Arles with nearly 360° views over the city, including the Rhone (you might be able to make out a swath of blue in the upper left corner below)…
…as well the towers of the town hall and the St. Trophime Cathedrale.
Remi and I snuck up here for many a sunset with glasses of rosé that reflected the sky in hand. Despite being in the heart of town, it is amazingly peaceful.
So what happened?
We found an excellent mason who understood exactly what we wanted to do and came up with an estimate that fell within our budget. The crazy DJ/hair-salon owner was eager to buy his space on the ground floor, the owners of the Cuisine de Comptoir were ready to buy the first floor (with amazing gilded plasterwork) and we knew that they would easily be able to find a buyer for our rental once we promised to leave it. Prices were discussed, everything seemed to be in order and then…
…the heretofore silent Brother of the owners in London decided that he wanted the building after all and bought his Sister’s out.
*insert sound of air leaking out of a deflating ballon here*
So much for that particular dream. One that was months in the making.
But we have until the end of June 2014 before our lease runs out and there are some things that we need to wait to hear on before we can make any solid decision. So we most likely won’t be going anywhere soon. And having moved twice in the past five years, we really want to take our time to find what is right for us where we are now. The country perhaps?
A new adventure lies ahead…
Many thanks to my honey for all of the photos save for the first, taken by me, rather wistfully, earlier today.
Thank you and I know how much you love where you are now so that gives me hope to stick in there and keep looking!
We really do like this apartment a LOT but imagine if you didn't have your garden to escape to? We really need to see more of the sky! Especially as we love to BBQ. And now that we have Kipling…aka "The Rascal"…
But I do agree and I know that Remi would as well that setting up a new home is so wonderful!
That looks like a pretty exciting project, but if you don't have to be in the city, why not go for a little more open space??
I would, of course, opt for the countryside but you are able to find beauty where ever you go. I'm looking forward to reading about your journey to a new home. Having just moved, and being in the midst of renovation (but not to the degree you were contemplating), I understand the fatigue that goes with the thought of moving. We've sworn to never, ever, move again.
I would go to the countryside, but not too far away from conveniences. You guys are young, life is an adventure, you will most likely end up with something which will make you much happier. The really good news is that a move is months away and you have plenty of time to find something special. But, I do know how you feel. xx's
Hello Heather, Oh what fun! You get to make all those dreams of restoring an ancient and beautiful house come to fruition. Yes, please consider moving to the country. We did and built a new house (that we immediately made to look old). Your puppers will love you for it and you will be so very happy. ox, Gina
I loved the before and after and the tour of that attic! I spotted some hexagon tiles! I am sure you will put your touch on the next home like you did for the on eyiu have now. I look forward to where you go next, it is all rather exciting Heather!
Wow. On the edge of my chair to hear what happens next……
Oh Heather, this reminds me so much of dreams we had, then from out of nowhere a lost brother/ sister or cousin popped up out of the blue and our dream was lost. But now this notice from the 'huissier de justice ' will make your searching more serious and you will find what you are looking for. Good luck and enjoy your search.
I find being uprooted is always unnerving but oddly freeing at the same time. Think about all those charming abandoned stone ruins you write about – now you'll have an excuse to look behind the "A Vendre" signs. Even though you have some complaints about your apartment, whenever you post photos of it, it always looks so cosy and welcoming. You'll be my favourite homeless person.