Welcome
Like our house and gardens this site is constantly in a state of DIY renovation. Due to the weather turning cooler here in the Gers and because our working days are shorter, we are going to concentrate more of our energies on this website.
From ruin to dream … in just a few short years.
Husband and I bought our new home here in 2012 which had not seen any changes in over 70 years.
In 2013 we packed and moved over 5,000 kilometres to take on this huge project and we are almost complete on the big stuff. We have loved following our dream of taking this “honest” old stone house back to her former beauty. As a result we have also significantly improving her.
Challenged from the start!
As a result of having little if any of the language when we arrived and even less know-how, we have had our fair share of challenges. In contrast, our enthusiasm and can-do approach was off the charts.
We look forward to sharing our old French farmhouse renovation, ideas, tips and the many successes.
I am afraid there have been a few slight fails and we will honestly include these our plan B’s and solutions. No one has a perfect strike rate on such a project, or so we are told.
Sharing our know-how…
Upcoming pages will include the revitalizing of our (ruin) home, the building of our new extension/annex and the many bits and pieces that with very little expense have transformed it.
Topics coming up:
- Utilities upgrades
- Structural improvements
- Tools and equipment
- Our lake upgrades
- Garden landscaping
- Furniture makeovers
- Our budgets and actual costs
- Money saving ideas
- Garden produce recipes
- Machinery know-how and handy tools created
- Where to shop and save
- Products we have discovered that are awesome (and those that are not)
- Sea change tips for lifestyle here
- and much more
We promise to include plenty of photos in the tutorial areas.
Budget saving ideas
This quiet area of the Gers in South West France was and remains a bit of challenge for sourcing all that we needed. We will include plenty of suggestions and recommendations for procurement large and small. Plus our local shopping tips, internet sourcing and shopping and Europe wide resources that can easily be accessed no matter whether in France or other areas of Europe.
Smiles not optional
We have learnt a lot in the past few years here in the Gers, including how to keep our sense of humour and hopefully some of our funnier new French life experiences will amuse you.
Affording the dream
Arriving as here as novices, we have fast become seasoned renovators, all the while constantly seeking out (and largely achieving) budget saving ways of delivering our dream.
Eighty per cent of the renovation works is done, largely by us alone. Bringing in the occasional expert to complete take on the technical aspects and pass certification in certain areas was necessary. We still have many plans and dreams of other projects here, but the big stuff is mostly completed.
With a tight yet realistic budget accompanied by sensible machinery pre-purchasing, topped up with huge amounts of enthusiasm and a shared vision, anyone can achieve what we have.
Growing together (relationship survival)
However, success is only possible with a shared vision and being prepared to change and grow. Most importantly, Husband and I have constantly celebrated the unlocking of our right brains. As a result new-found creativity has emerged along the way. New muscles have also appeared in places not seen for a long time although certain areas could do with a rest.
Above all, we hope that these snippets will help you to decide to follow/complete your dream like we have. and also guide you along the way if your commitment is underway.
Keep in touch
Finally, please subscribe to us and we will keep you informed of new pages and projects as we post them.
Have a great day!
Penny and Hamish