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
Oh I love a good renovation. The work, the focus, the choices, and the constant decisions to be made.
I've been working on my house for ages , and do a lot of the work myself. It saves money,but takes much more time. Your friends have fabulous taste, can't wait for more.
Bernadette
I visit your friend's website each day as a way of saying a prayer for her. I too am saddened by the madness that has gripped the world and seems to exhaust me.
LOVE renovation projects! Both exciting and a bit frightening. Exciting to bring a property back to its former glory (and perhaps add a little more glory). Frightening to think you might run out of money before your vision is realized.
ELLIE got ROSES TODAY………NOT from me!I received a BOX yesterday with some items to sell at the show I am participating in a couple of weeks.One item is a VINTAGE 1970's CHANEL HANDBAG……..the other circa 1910 white cotton dress made for a size O waist came from one of the FOUNDERS of USC.THis woman is a FOLLOWERS of our BLOGS……….and sent to me to get some $$
for our MS.ELEANOR………..how's THAT for some LOVIN?She also threw in some bath salts she makes and a candle for MOI!!!PEOPLE CAN BE SO NICE AND WONDERFUL.I will do my best to sell sell sell…………AS for CHEZ ANTHONY………….I AM SWOONING OVER HERE!!!!!
AS for LOVE FOR YOU……………..have YOU done YOUR HOMEWORK YET?YOU know what I mean……..GET ON IT ………TONS Of PEOPLE have LOVE FOR YOU!!!XOXOX
Like that beautiful stone floor .. Love, Light, and Goodness will endure beyond the ravages of negativity and depravity. Your posts, Heather, are yet another gathering place for those who choose to bathe themselves in the warn spirit of Empathy and Compassion for our fellow beings. Where this light of humanity shines, darkness cannot dwell. Mahalo et Merci for your contributions!
Bill
http://www.kauai-to-paris.com
Hi Heather, I can only imagine the beauty of the renovations at Chez Anthony and hope we will get a peek soon. Prayer as always for Ellie and all of our friends who are going through such difficulties..
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Thanks Heather. I've been wondering about these renovations. Out of the ashes and dry wall dust…the
Phoenix will rise….maybe that's a metaphor for all of us….
Ali x
Renovation looks fun and hard work. Conceptual art to concrete art. The suspense is on.
I can't even imagine taking on such an ancient property! Every little thing is a precious series of projects! Please show us the after soon, I have no patience 🙂
This is amazing, and I bet the floor is magnificent. I have my fingers crossed that I'll see those white Bertoia chairs in the renovated house photos!