Monthly Archives: October 2015

The Thursday Three- a symphony of necessary neutrals

Posted on October 29, 2015 by coteetcampagne

In the great scheme of French house stuff, the guest “suite” to be created in the cave has been a bit neglected both in planning and purchases to date. So, to redress the balance may I present some bargain square … Continue reading →

Posted in Antique and Vintage finds | Tagged antique, cave, french, house, neutrals, vintage | 6 Comments

Episode 126/2- In which I strip, Trevor slips and the grandson gets “hip”

Posted on October 27, 2015 by coteetcampagne

This last French trip, we needed , or I needed to get to grips with some décapage ( paint stripping ) at last. I have been putting this off with various excuses, but the truth is I just hate strong … Continue reading →

Posted in Renovation and restoration diary- France, What we did, how we did it and what we used | Tagged bedroom, colours, finishes, france, french, house, interior, original, paint, painted, renovation, restoration, stain, styles, village, wood | 11 Comments

The Thursday Three- more essential textiles

Posted on October 22, 2015 by coteetcampagne

In deference to WBFM who thinks that my textile buying is out of control (debatable) I will now justify these three entirely necessary purchases. Right and left- My very long crochet and cutwork detailed salon second layer curtains. I will … Continue reading →

Posted in Antique and Vintage finds, Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged antique, Aubusson, bedroom, chinoiserie, cotton, crochet, cutwork, embroidery, french, house, Linen, tapestry, terrace, velvet, village, vintage | 14 Comments

The Thursday Three- Coat hooks, plinth, coffee table;Patère crochets, socle, table basse

Posted on October 15, 2015 by coteetcampagne

What attracted me to this table? the shape, the weight, the solidity, the shelf, the carving detail, the legs. Classic scallop shell motif and canné (split cane ) shelf Found in UK but feels French to me. Wait and see what … Continue reading →

Posted in Antique and Vintage finds, Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged antique, caned, french, house, metal, painted, plinth, renovation, restoration, table, village, vintage, wood | 6 Comments

Episode 126 part (1) – October progress, yes, we did a bit, quite a bit actually

Posted on October 13, 2015 by coteetcampagne

Yes we did a bit in France, and here is the first instalment. I finished the painted skirtings in marmotte#3 and Liberon lime wax so if I swish a damp mop over the finished floors (not done yet) it won’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Renovation and restoration diary- France, What we did, how we did it and what we used | Tagged antiqued, fireplace, france, french, original, paint, painted, renovation, restoration, salon, skirtings, stone, village, wax, waxed | 15 Comments

Sensitive skin- and a greater sense of loss

Posted on October 12, 2015 by coteetcampagne

I have had a weird few days. I should explain that I have spent decades developing coping strategies to deal with the hyper sensitivity/empathy I was seemingly born with which has, historically, proved to … Continue reading →

Posted in Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged france, french, house, property, renovation, restoration, stone, timbers, village | 8 Comments

Competition time- spot the odd addition

Posted on October 8, 2015 by coteetcampagne

OK, I am fresh back from France and just spoke French to the bemused woman at the petrol station- habit. But even I, mad as a box of greenish bug-eyed hopping amphibians, cannot work this one out. What exactly is … Continue reading →

Posted in Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged france, french, renovation, restoration | 7 Comments

Penultimate day in France..and we block the street yet again

Posted on October 6, 2015 by coteetcampagne

We go back to UK tomorrow. The weather gods are teasing me with glorious blue skies and sunshine. Trev would like you all to know that it’s 33° on the terrace We have just taken delivery of the bulk of … Continue reading →

Posted in Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged france, furniture, house, street, village | 2 Comments

Sunday lunch at Cases de Pene.Restaurant L’Egrappoir

Posted on October 4, 2015 by coteetcampagne

Running late en route to Argeles (nothing new there) we have stopped for lunch in a small village on the D117 north of Perpignan. I am having calamari a la Romaine. Trev is having the house duck dish. This restaurant … Continue reading →

Posted in Food and wine | Tagged restaurant | 2 Comments

The Thursday Three- Introducing metal elements

Posted on October 1, 2015 by coteetcampagne

You know I love my old wrought iron pieces-example left- and see my earlier post:- https://coteetcampagne.wordpress.com/2014/09/19/the-thursday-three-any-old-iron-some-scrap-it-some-give-it-house-room/ I have been searching for vintage doors to either replace some nasty mid-fifties ones or to fit into the newly opened up doorways. This … Continue reading →