Monthly Archives: February 2016

Save Our Souls – A Restorer’s Plea

Posted on February 29, 2016 by coteetcampagne

Renovation, Restoration, Restraint. I have just seen another 100 year old tiled floor and a panel of beautiful wall tiles (reminiscent of those in Monet’s kitchen at Giverny) hacked out and thrown in a skip. I understand all too well … Continue reading →

Posted in Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged floors, french, house, original, renovation, restoration, style, tiles, walls | 13 Comments

Episode 131- In which technological breakdown leads to everything becoming clear(er)

Posted on February 25, 2016 by coteetcampagne

Now, I don’t intend to go all philosophical and profound on you; though having said that, you have all been subject to my frustration rants, my angst at unforseeable events I can’t control, and shared a taste of my despair … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, design and inspiration blog, Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged france, french, house, project, renovation, restoration, village | 12 Comments

Taking care of business

Posted on February 23, 2016 by coteetcampagne

Sooooo… it seems topical,and is something I have been mulling over for a few years. Business In France Yes, it’s complicated, but people do it. Yes, it’s possible, but in common with any other step into self-employment or company set … Continue reading →

Posted in Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged france, french, home, renovation, restoration, self-employment, sud, work | 13 Comments

Treasure hint

Posted on February 18, 2016 by coteetcampagne

My name is Gill. I like to knock things down. Not gratuitously, you understand, but for sound aesthetic reasons. Having read Osyth’s latest post in which she reveals, literally, the underpinnings of her particular French village house, I am nostalgic for … Continue reading →

Posted in Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged demolition, france, french, house, insulation, renovation, restoration, seiling, tiles, village | 6 Comments

Wood I?

Posted on February 13, 2016 by coteetcampagne

Yesterday I spent a considerable amount of time closely studying some beautiful knots and blemishes on a rustic wood dining table in Homesense and talking to myself about it. In my defence, I thought I was talking to Trevor, but … Continue reading →

Posted in Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged french, house, original, renovation, restoration, stone, table, wood | 17 Comments

The Quote Challenge- and how do I, the quote-queen, pick three?

Posted on February 13, 2016 by coteetcampagne

Thank you for this challenge P, https://poshbirdyblog.wordpress.com/2016/02/12/wit-wisdom-and-winnie-the-pooh/ What theme shall I take up? Well, I will choose quotes from three who painted, with words, their own unique times; whilst subtly reminding us that we can all get a little carried … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, design and inspiration blog | Tagged epigram, grass, gunter, henry, oscar, quote, thoreau, wilde, words | 4 Comments

The Thursday Three- Hand carved wood panels

Posted on February 11, 2016 by coteetcampagne

So, I went to collect these two square panels yesterday. I have bought them to put the right proportions back onto the lower part of the main door into the salon. They are perfect, the motifs echoing those of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Antique and Vintage finds, Art, design and inspiration blog, Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged antique, carved, carvings, design, france, french, house, motifs, panel, renovation, restoration, vintage, wood, workshop | 16 Comments

entrée libre

Posted on February 8, 2016 by coteetcampagne

So, we need to address the last issue we have with the layout of the village house; the teeny, tiny entrance hall. It’s not as bad as it was, at least it doesn’t have the door (opening outwards) to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged decoration, entrance, french, hall, house, kitchen, original, renovation, restoration, village, workshop | 14 Comments

A new viewpoint 2016 – Leafless

Posted on February 4, 2016 by coteetcampagne

Prompted by Osyth’s leafless trees- https://wordpress.com/read/post/feed/14545532/920764829 I have posted some shots from our January trip to France; the first time we have been here at this time of year. We have to check out the river. It pulls us like … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, design and inspiration blog | Tagged Aude, france, paintings, photos, river, trees, village | 5 Comments

The Thursday Three – On mange!

Posted on February 4, 2016 by coteetcampagne

A little lunch in Carcassonne at Brasserie Le Longchamp on Place Carnot. Recommended. I noticed that there were a couple of mediocre reviews on Tripadvisor criticising the decor. This is France for God’ sake! Actually they have recently redecorated in … Continue reading →

Posted in Food and wine | Tagged blue, cafe, Carcassonne, cheese, duck, endive, food, gourmand, lentils, lunch, pasta, patisserie, walnuts, wine | 17 Comments

“After The Drill Is Gone”

Posted on February 1, 2016 by coteetcampagne

After the Drill is Gone You will have seen on an earlier post the harrowing story of my falling over in our street in France. I reaffirm that no strong drink was involved as to cause this mishap. Maybe the … Continue reading →