To make way for the new floor we are planning to put in requires the creation of one large open space in what we call “The Barn” . This is the space to the right of the living quarters which currently incorporates our bedroom to the far left of the building. In order to start this we need to empty

Dawn had the opportunity to take a week off with her family and spend it at the house. Given the house in an ongoing “work in progress” everyone was always going to be put to work.  Somehow they all managed to strike a balance of working on the house, garden, cowshed etc etc and exploring the area. This was just

There are 2 things I have an enormous passion for – Learning – I love to learn about everything and Food/ cooking. I LOVE food. I love food more than most things and I love fresh ingredients. You probably don’t know how much of a keen  gardener and cook I am too… probably because currently we live in South-East London

When you’re renovating a public holiday isn’t a relaxing time for summer BBQ’s or lazy days it’s an excuse to load up the car, sprint to Dover and get ourselves our here for a long weekend of renovation. On the cards for these 4 days is a full program of painting, plaster-boarding, demolition, shower fitting, plan redesigning & meetings with

Well Dawns been busy reading and now writing up her views on 4 excellent books we have got. Most are excellent, 1 is indispensable and one is now giving her sleepless nights. Click on the Books & Reference section above to get to these MUST READ reviews. Enjoy

This is a GEM – even for French speakers like me! It is split into 2 sections: French to English and then English to French I REALLY wish we’d had this book with us the last time we went over as it would have been so useful – instead I was carrying around with me my dictionary which didn’t have

If you are unfamiliar with the ways of the French and their system then this book is for you. I found it useful even though I had lived in France periodically since I was very young. There is a lot of information here you take for granted, some of the most important is what you need to do to open

We bought this book way back when we first thought there was a possibility we’d be buying in France and that it would be a house that needed work. This book is GREAT! It describes everything from how to go about getting planning permission to what sorts of plaster are the best to use for certain types of houses. It

There are 37 barn conversions in this book detailed and outlined. It doesn’t really matter what kind of interior design you’re into, this book has something for everyone. It is not only inspirational but an excellent way of being able to go and look at other people’s houses without having to step out your front door. Each house details how

Just while we get out gallery and local information pages written we thought we’d like to share some images with you that just captures why we love Montpillard and it’s surrounding area especially at this time of the year. More soon but please enjoy these : Far far more to come of course but we just wanted to break up