Now that spring has officially sprung, I imagine that some of you are thinking towards what sprucing up projects might need attending to around your home. C’est dans l’air, n’est ce-pas?
As it has been a while since we have visited the amazing renovation project that my friend Anthony is undertaking with his partner, I thought that we could pay a little visit, all the better to reassure you that no matter what may be on your “à faire” list…
…I highly doubt that anything will be as daunting as bringing back to life a stone floor that was most likely set in around 1750…
…on top of other basic projects such as, oh, let’s say, putting the electricity back in the walls where it belongs in these modern times…
…let alone plumbing and evacuation, rebuilding the window and doorframes, all of which will come later.
So, where to start? By calling an excellent team of artisans of course! Fortunately, there are many truly talented experts in Provence and Anthony – as I believe I have already mentioned – is a man who knows the best address for everything…toujours, c’est incroyable.
After his partner had single-handedly ripped down a non-supporting wall to open up the space (and then taken away the tons of déchets), the work could begin. First up, the most damaged of the stone blocks were removed and replaced if they could not be repaired. That so few needed to be attests to the quality of the craftsmanship from nearly three hundred years ago! Then, different techniques were tested for polishing off the indentations that heavily marked each piece (most likely from when additional flooring had been laid on top of it). The above photo was taken at this stage and if you look carefully at the flags in the bottom right, you can see that the essai was already having its effect.
So how did it all turn out?
Ah, I am going to make you wait to see but will hint that I could skate across the smooth surface of the stones today. They are magnificent. But the work was not without a price. Despite the best efforts of the workmen, a thin veil of stone dust snaked through the rest of the house and covered each surface for weeks! If you ask Anthony, I do think he will tell you that it was worth it.
This room will be a heart of the house and it is already quite transformed from when these photos were taken. Anthony has a lot on the burner that I am looking forward to sharing with you, not only in terms of the renovation. Let’s just say that sometimes one good idea leads to another and another…and that some times you need to start from scratch to find it.
There will be more to follow, in time…
****
PS. There has been a lot of fear and sadness amidst this promising season. I, like you, am horrified by the terrorist attacks in Brussels and in Pakistan. I wonder where we are going. Many of you have written, asking news of my friend Ellie, who has suffered a setback in her battle with ALS but is still fighting with her humor and elegance intact. That to me seems to be a way for all of us right now. I don’t have answers for you but I have Love to give (and hopefully to receive) and am holding onto that for now as an antidote. Let’s stay strong in this together, yes?
As always, thank you for being here,
Heather
An interesting project & cool photos. Particularly like the how that open door lets in the light…alluding to future possibilities.
I was just about to ask where the wholes in the stone blocks came from or what they where good for until I read that they most likely came from a different layer on top of it. I have seen that already somewhere… don't remember where…
It is really an admirable work your friend Anthony and his partner are doing and hey I would love, love to see that smooth stone surface. They really seem to have a lot of courage to work over such a spacious building. But it seems from what I saw about their other projects they have the experience and the passion for doing this.
Sure, a building like this will be sold for a high price, but certain aspects of Anthonys work here are priceless. And can't be paid with money.
So excited to see more and more of this place. (Oh, I already see a beautiful documentary publication of this work with your fotos right before my eyes…Sigh… Funds are always the problem…)
Thank you for taking us along.
Gros Bisous,Silke
I don't comment often but I love your blog.
I've been thinking a lot about Ellie today and hope she is comfortable.
xxx
I love following along in this renovation! Such beauty they are uncovering. What an undertaking, and what a mess has to be made in the process. I am tired just thinking about it!
I find myself so stressed lately, these uncertain times. When I can't sleep, I think of all my favorite spots in France, the sounds I love, the scents and the tastes. And I try to breath. Sending you much love, and of course you know I am thinking of Ellie. xoxo
This place is the fixer upper to end all fixer uppers!! And, oh how you tease us! It does look like back breaking work, but renovations can be daunting! But always rewarding! Yes, we receive your love always in your heart-filled posts and hope that you feel it coming back at you! Spring has sprung all right – I say, "bring it!!!". : )
I'm in both awe and exhaustion.
Organic beauty..xx
I can only imagine who walked in through those doors back in 1750. And here we are. Looking forward. Looking up.
We just took out 1970's ceramic tile. Does that count? 🙂 And..Worrying about Ellie. My how she has touched so many.
I can't imagine all of that dust, much less the work that renovation will take. Guess I am just too old. It will be beautiful though I am sure.