There has been extensive behind the scenes clamoring for a house-hunting update (you know who you are). You ask, I deliver. But we have been looking at so very many houses that it is too much to show you in depth, so I have picked just a few that didn’t work out for various reasons plus a tasty treat at the end.
We were extremely tempted by the fine renovation work on this rental. It was, as the French say, un coup de coeur. We both loved the mix of modern and ancient architectural elements such as the fireplace next to a sculptural oak and steel staircase.
We visited on a day when it was pouring buckets and the sky was positively black but we could easily imagine this South-facing kitchen flooded with light.
And yet *sigh* there were practical issues. Practicality, you are starting to get on my nerves, that is all I am going to say on the matter. I am warning you.
For despite the fact that there is plenty of room, including a nifty mezzanine that could have been my yoga loft, there isn’t the space that we need. I have mentioned before that we have certain pieces that are non-negotiables: our gallery printer, Remi’s equipment, the monastery table. But we couldn’t even figure how to get our sofas in through the tiny, anciently carved windows and doors. I have a feeling that the people that lived here before us must have a very zen futony lifestyle, mais alas, that is not us. A shame because I think that we just might have fallen for this otherwise. A bonus from the experience? The owner and his Sister are so charming that I am sure that we will invite them over for drinks once we do finally find a new place to live.
In the worst case scenarios, I don’t even take photos. And that is saying something as I am usually an obsessive clicker as Remi and I can both see the possibilities in just about anywhere.
This smallish house has a lovely facade and a giant garage with a spacious back room that could be transformed into an office leading to a small outdoor area. French doors, stone walls, wooden beams…promising right?
But then you walk upstairs and see…this. A renovation that has sucked the bone-marrow out of the house’s history. Not an ounce remained and worse…
…this is the bathroom. Enough said.
We had difficulties arranging a visit with the charming young owner of this large and sunny home to rent for a very reasonable price.
It turns out that one of the reasons why is that she is still in the midst of the renovating process, especially for the top floor.
She asked us to use our imaginations to picture what it would be like in a few months time and we assured her that wasn’t a problem, certainly as there are such lovely features as sublime stone throughout…
…save for where it has been painted over…such as poppy red and hot pink…in the same room. Every single room would have to be scraped down, treated or repainted. As we have been through that already, we were pretty sure that we were going to pass…
…and then the toilet, floating randomly in the middle of the bathroom made the decision clear.
Visits like this can be a wee bit depressing.
Luckily, there exists the stuff that dreams are made on. Such as this Orangerie in Nimes, just ever so slightly out of our price range at 3300€ per month. Remi found the ad for this yesterday and it knocked us both utterly speechless. It is amazing to know that such places still exist. Wouldn’t you agree?
Oh my, that makes my heart jump every time that I look at it. A fairy tale world if ever there was one.
But perhaps you would prefer the garden apartment of a private mansion at 1900€ per month?
It even has something resembling a ballroom opening out onto the lawns…
Here are a few more links. I do hope that these work as they are on a very frenchy website (just click on the photos but do let me know if it is a no go, please) to whet your appetite for some of the fun things available:
Which one would you choose?
*Edit: I should stress that these are all out of our price range and for dreaming purposes only.*
Oh, how are we possibly on the verge of March? Tell me, how? So while I am a month early, with all of this rain then shine going on out my window, I can’t help but share a favorite tune.
to listen:
Thank you for being here and have a lovely weekend everyone!
Freudian slip: life in France, not like in France!
Gasp! Haven't even tried to open the links. I'm head over heels in love with the orangerie: a once in a lifetime dream opportunity. I'm breathless. Woman faints from hyper sighing.
offer occasional very high price 5 day cultural stays: writing, acting, reading, photography, like in france- market, cooking, walks X; bring in a friend if needed for an art session. low maintenance, provence style – folding beds in the garden under mosquito nets
million more ideas
Girlfriend! I love the overpriced, overgrown, Orangerie, but I'm also thinking, perhaps, a little too The Madwoman of Chaillot?
I have a brain like a sieve. Why is it you can't stay in the lovely place you inhabit now?
What a selection! I actually like the "bourgeois" apartment with the lovely gray door and window trim. The price might allow one to have a larger travel and entertainment budget as well. Whatever property you select, I know it will be beautifully appointed and possess a special charm!
This is difficult, Heather. But, seriously, the prices seem really great. The Apilles with the architecture is wonderful, but as I am a water girl, and a property girl, the house with the pool seems to be the right one. One lives by the pool in warm weather, one entertains by the pool. Life outside is wonderful and the dogs would love it. But, alas, I am not a bit practical. I dream I will make everything wonderful with no thought of how much it will cost. In other words I go for the sizzle not the steak!!!
Hello Heather, I would go for the Orangerie, I would try to negotiate a lower price with the owner, sublet a room, live on beans and greens, don't travel, just stay in with Kipling and Ben and the husband, of course.
Or the farmhouse in the heart of Provence with those fantastic Gothic arches in the living room would be my next choice. ox, Gina .
Dear Heather
I smiled and I laughed when I saw this post. Is there anything worse and more emotional than a bad renovation? Walking away you say to yourself "how dare they ruin such a beautiful structure" We call those the DIY Weekender Killers. Can the puppies manage steep stairs? Our previous dog, Digger, could climb one set of stairs to our second floor farmhouse but one time he was crying as he had taken the back stairs and he refused to descend those steps.
Continued good luck in your search
Helen xx
I will keep you in my prayers that you find the perfect place.
Darling Heather,
So the search continues……..
Jó hétvégét!
Is it wrong that the unmoored commode made me chuckle? I hope not. 🙂
What a task, my dear! This is a fun journey on which to follow you–oh, the possibilities … (she types with the faintest whiff of tea rose and irony. ;))
Alpilles/Pupper's Palace
I love all three. The first one would be my choice because of the light.
If I really had to decide, then the overgrown garden speaks to my heart the most.