Réparation, mise à niveau et amélioration

When we bought the property, both houses had been unoccupied for many years. Roof tiles were missing, and water ingress had damaged floors and ceilings in places. The land was overgrown.

The land has been cleared and is now fully maintained. Several damaged trees were removed; mature trees kept include acacia and a large lime tree. 

Since then we've carried out a full rewire and replumb, added two en-suites, restored the original windows, doors and shutters, and repaired the veranda and balcony. Full details below. 

We're selling due to health reasons and are looking for a new owner to complete the renovation. 

Rooms were decorated simply to highlight the original woodwork, with scope to add more detailed décor — Art Deco-inspired or otherwise — to taste. 

Work carried out

• Complete re-wire

• Complete re-plumb with ensuite additions with all new sewer pipes into mains and new 200 litre ballon d'eau chaude (hot water tank)

• Complete wood treatment

• Overhauled and repaired zinc water goods

• Installed suspended ceilings downstairs

• Ceilings and walls repaired, replaced and decorated throughout

• Floors repaired, sanded and treated with wax throughout

• Skirting repaired, recreated and replaced where necessary and painted

• All doors and windows repaired, restored, rehung and either stained or painted

• Shutters repaired and painted in traditional creusoise colours

• New bespoke gates fitted to the original vehicle entrance and pedestrian entrance

Our suggestions for further work required

• Fit Kitchen for La Maison d'Artiste

• Install woodburners and/or alternative form of heating - at present we use paraffin and electric heaters, which will come with the sale - if you are a French Resident there are various grants for this purpose.

• There is 'space' on the new electric consumer unit for electric radiators, etc

• Create pillars and a gate to 'new' main entrance

• Decide on use and renovate the 'Laundry room'

  • Previously, it had been a 'granny annexe' with its own sink, heating and cooking facilities (using the outside toilet)

  • We had been thinking of knocking through to the kitchen and having steps down from the kitchen into a 'garden room' with bifold doors opening out to the garden below the lime tree, where we planned to lay a large patio area.

  • At present, it has the remains of the collapsed ceiling, plaster and other miscellaneous house debris in it, which we have added to!

• Completely renovate La Maison de Calèche