Tag Archives: france

Orange Alert

Posted on August 17, 2018 by coteetcampagne

So, we can now announce that Trevor is deemed to be legitimately resident in France and is recognised by the basic French health insurance system. We had fun getting the necssary photos in the booth in the supermarket. The first … Continue reading →

Posted in Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments

The beach is back!

Posted on August 9, 2018 by coteetcampagne

So, following the “canicule”, the beach is back in it’s full sand and pebble glory. To be frank, although one hears comments about the heat of the last few weeks here, it’s not at all unusual to have these temperatures … Continue reading →

Posted in Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Big Log- and (warning) this is a Rant

Posted on March 3, 2018 by coteetcampagne

So, the weather is, apparently, dire in the UK. So dire in fact that the UK offices I deal with (for the Day Job) were closed for part of this week for the first time in 25 years. So, Government … Continue reading →

Posted in Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged , , , , , | 15 Comments

Bedroom rugs- Indian and Indiennes motifs

Posted on March 1, 2018 by coteetcampagne

Following the installation of the window seat storage in the terrace bedroom, I have unwrapped another of the rugs that have been sitting in the workshop for eons. This one was hand made in India. The short looped ground is … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, design and inspiration blog, Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Deliberating on the details

Posted on January 26, 2018 by coteetcampagne

So, proof that a little simple attention to detail can be effective? More from this pinterest site here, where I found this photo- Lovely Pinterest Link I have a number of inset cupboards like this in the house. Cut into … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, design and inspiration blog, Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged , , , , , , , | 17 Comments

Episode 163- In which some things become clearer and some things that were once clear turn to mud

Posted on January 23, 2018 by coteetcampagne

I have returned to the UK, albeit briefly, four times since we moved to France. So I have spent much time on a certain budget airline contemplating my destiny. BTW- If the airline in question would like to purchase this … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, design and inspiration blog, Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Renovating and Restoring in France, a broader view

Posted on November 22, 2017 by coteetcampagne

As we walk around the village, I notice signs of renewal here and there. This is encouraging. I see new windows, new paintwork, a newly re-pointed little stone man-cave down by the river see below left. Houses that have stood empty … Continue reading →

Posted in Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Carpe diem part 1 – and some thoughts on going back to the UK

Posted on November 7, 2017 by coteetcampagne

So I flew back to the UK last Thursday night for work and a face to face family catch- up. My third trip back since May and Trev’s first!   This sunset view from the Toulouse-Blagnac airport restaurant, Le8me Ciel … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, design and inspiration blog | Tagged , , , , , | 12 Comments

The Thursday Three- copper, verse and Turkish rugs

Posted on October 19, 2017 by coteetcampagne

I know copper kettles are a bit of a cliché in French country kitchens but I do like the ones with indigo and white folk painted ceramic handles and was very happy to find this one whilst out trawling with … Continue reading →

Posted in Antique and Vintage finds, Art, design and inspiration blog | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

An evening in Argeles-sur-Mer

Posted on October 12, 2017 by coteetcampagne

After a late changeover between a French guest and some friends of friends here, we decided to park by the town hall and walk across the bridge into Argeles village for dinner. The Eglise Notre Dame del Prat (our lady … Continue reading →

Posted in Food and wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

The Thursday Three – French treasures- on Monday?

Posted on October 9, 2017 by coteetcampagne

As my Thursdays are usually crazy, I am posting three today- One of my new range of textiles made with vintage and recycled fabrics and trimmings Left I have started on some of these table runners which I can make … Continue reading →

Posted in Antique and Vintage finds, Art, design and inspiration blog | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Fabriqué en France- les housses de coussin arrivent

Posted on July 26, 2017 by coteetcampagne

Well, a bit later than planned, here are the first of my cushion covers made from old fabrics. I plan to use at least 50% vintage /recycled fabrics and embroideries on these cushions. I am offering the option of covers … Continue reading →

Posted in Antique and Vintage finds, Art, design and inspiration blog | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 19 Comments

Lovely building for sale in Limoux

Posted on July 7, 2017 by coteetcampagne

Here is a business opportunity (G & D?) Lovely stone building with historic bones and large two storey space atop a former restaurant/cafe on the corner of the beautiful main square in Limoux, Occitanie, France. I cannot confirm if it … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, design and inspiration blog, Food and wine, Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 17 Comments

Argeles-sur-Mer late spring cleaning #1

Posted on June 20, 2017 by coteetcampagne

One of the many benefits of living here at the French house is that we can actually spend time at, or even have a holiday at the Argeles apartment! Many others have benefited, including family and friends, just NOT US.This … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, design and inspiration blog, Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

The door stalker

Posted on June 15, 2017 by coteetcampagne

So, dear readers and loyal blog-buddies, you know that I like a bargain; and the bestest bargain is a freebie. Recycle, Re-use, Restore, Repurpose. Just after we arrived in France last month we noticed these three doors/windows stacked against an … Continue reading →

Posted in Antique and Vintage finds, Art, design and inspiration blog, Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

Episode 155- Chez Nous le dimanche

Posted on June 13, 2017 by coteetcampagne

The reality of being here in France, and not having to fill every waking day with work on the house because we go back to the UK tomorrow, is kicking in. Little milestones (we will have been here a month … Continue reading →

Posted in Antique and Vintage finds, Art, design and inspiration blog, Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 20 Comments

Four hours of fun in France- or, my house has an attitude as big as a chateau

Posted on June 6, 2017 by coteetcampagne

We now have landline (sans phone right now) internet and TV (not yet set up) In the interests of complete candour, I will keep you posted as to it’s efficacy and utility………….. I also have a few holes in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

Interesting food and drink available in La France

Posted on May 31, 2017 by coteetcampagne

OK, what are these? Most mysterious variety of veg on the seed display. Wonder if they will go well with this bottle of Blanquette given to us by our remaining neighbours, with flakes of gold leaf in it!?

Posted in Food and wine | Tagged , , , , | 15 Comments

What a day!

Posted on May 27, 2017 by coteetcampagne

It’s glorious here in le vrai sud de France weatherwise; perhaps not the ideal day for running around. Down to the dechetterie with renovation detritus, all super-heavy. Then had we to get three big solid twelve foot roof joists down … Continue reading →

Posted in Renovation and restoration diary- France, What we did, how we did it and what we used | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Sealing the shower- glass mosaic tiles

Posted on May 20, 2017 by coteetcampagne

Do you remember the issues with the shower on the 2nd floor at the house? It is lined with six large panels of very beautiful silvery grey/blue granite. These are marked with 90 years of limescale but we are hoping … Continue reading →

Posted in Renovation and restoration diary- France, What we did, how we did it and what we used | Tagged , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

No! No! and Thrice No!!!

Posted on May 10, 2017 by coteetcampagne

It started with my car. I have a ten year old Smart Forfour  and I am very attached to it. It has taken me all over the UK in comfort and economy and squeezes into small parking spaces. It is … Continue reading →

Posted in Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged | 18 Comments

The Thursday Three- and why do I have a teaspoon in my pocket?

Posted on April 27, 2017 by coteetcampagne

So I put my hand in the pocket of my dressing gown and there’s a teaspoon in there. Why? I haven’t a clue. I know I’m extremely distracted right now and any hope of preserving the normal is out of … Continue reading →

Posted in Antique and Vintage finds | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

Predilections Prédilections – more faux amis?

Posted on April 20, 2017 by coteetcampagne

link here-false friends Well this is interesting. Type in “predilection” and Google’s first definition thrown up is below in italics:- Is it me or do the examples quoted smack of VERY personal preferences!? “”predilection ˌpriːdɪˈlɛkʃ(ə)n/ noun plural noun: predilections  preference … Continue reading →

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

Episode 153 part 2- needful things

Posted on April 19, 2017 by coteetcampagne

Many of you are au fait with the contents of my head and my idea of what is important. So, here are the contents of the latest boxes packed today. Remember these items are what I deem to be needful for … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, design and inspiration blog | Tagged | 6 Comments

Episode 153- In which we do some editing and consider what happened to the Great British Pub

Posted on April 16, 2017 by coteetcampagne

I am of the opinion that moving countries and downsizing both your life and your house is not so much stressful as Profoundly Mentally Taxing. I have this button here that allows me to preview changes before I post. Now … Continue reading →

Posted in Food and wine, Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

The Thursday Three – 1930s woolwork embroidery panels

Posted on April 12, 2017 by coteetcampagne

I have just taken delivery of these three woolwork panels, completed around 1939. Classic designs for France. Not in greatest condition when they arrived, stiff with dust and some odd marks. All have come out with a delicate wash. This … Continue reading →

Posted in Antique and Vintage finds, Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Economication. That’s the name of the game.

Posted on March 30, 2017 by coteetcampagne

So, ply is hard to find in France and relatively expensive. Chip board also. So in the first floor kitchen we put down a sub tile floor using our leftover stash of tongue and groove remnants; to be covered by … Continue reading →

Posted in Renovation and restoration diary- France, What we did, how we did it and what we used | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Paper, boxes, benches

Posted on March 17, 2017 by coteetcampagne

Whilst shredded paper won’t be in short supply en France, I am wondering if we will still be able to get recycled cardboard boxes to post out our pieces? Maybe someone can tell me a source for these ? And … Continue reading →

Posted in Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged , , | 19 Comments

Ready, Shreddy, GO!

Posted on March 14, 2017 by coteetcampagne

So, the logistics of making a relatively simple move. Why does no one ever blog about the sheer slog and the practical detail of moving to another country? Boring? Is it? ………….Tough! This is the “warts and all” blog diary, … Continue reading →

Posted in Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged , , , | 14 Comments

Episode 152- To Hull And Back

Posted on March 11, 2017 by coteetcampagne

Most of my biggest decisions are taken on a Thursday. I was born on a Thursday so maybe it’s connected? Anyway, I had a high pressure, high preparation, contentious and stressful work commitment in Hull on Wednesday. I have nothing … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, design and inspiration blog, Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged , | 19 Comments

More paint ideas

Posted on February 27, 2017 by coteetcampagne

Back on the subject of walls, here is  an atypical French house I have seen featured in several interiors magazines in France. It has parallels with our project in that although the house is twice the size of our place, … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, design and inspiration blog, Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Episode 151 Part 2 – “I name this bath…….”

Posted on February 20, 2017 by coteetcampagne

I have actually named my long sought after bathtub. It’s practically a member of the family now. Though maybe I wouldn’t leave a member of the family all alone in a dark garage surrounded by junk. Trevor suspects  (not without … Continue reading →

Posted in Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 17 Comments

Episode 151- Ma baignoire îlot

Posted on February 19, 2017 by coteetcampagne

If someone had told me that this was a “Baignoire îlot” in French it would have saved much explanation when I was discussing the slipper bath I wanted for the cave with My French Plumber. Anyhow, hard to find (and … Continue reading →

Posted in Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged , , , , , | 16 Comments

Restore, recycle, reuse, relook it, relove it

Posted on January 30, 2017 by coteetcampagne

I have been blog-chatting with JP at https://husifrankrike.com/ where he and his wife have been musing on restoring features at their medieval village house ( also in the Aude) and perhaps commissioning replacement features. JP has what looks like a … Continue reading →

Posted in Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Friday French Property P**n – chambres brutes

Posted on January 27, 2017 by coteetcampagne

Remember this snippet of a stone fireplace  from an earlier  post? Well I found a wider view at- athoughtfuleye.files.wordpress.com see below-plus this very rough and raw bathroom- Actually my downstairs shower room looks a lot like this right now (minus … Continue reading →

Posted in Antique and Vintage finds, Art, design and inspiration blog | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Episode 150 – Go

Posted on January 9, 2017 by coteetcampagne

Yes, this blog has been very quiet of late. I have had a lot of thinking to do. It’s tiring doing that, the day job, stock hunting, the finishing flourishes to Trevor’s furniture……. Last Wednesday  was Decision Day. We have … Continue reading →

Posted in Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged , , , , , , | 26 Comments

Living a double life. Or, me and room service (again)

Posted on December 9, 2016 by coteetcampagne

So, a few weeks ago it was warm enough to sit outside in Limoux, in the autumn sushine sipping cold rosé  wine and  eating cod poached in  Blanquette and finished with crème fraîche. Followed by a  coffee/toffee ice cream in … Continue reading →

Posted in Food and wine, Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 20 Comments

An early Thursday Three – a marriage made in heaven

Posted on October 4, 2016 by coteetcampagne

        So we picked up this mirror , purchased on ebay, on Sunday. Look at those feet! Beautiful carving, I’ll post better photos soon I promise. On Monday a very nice man GAVE us this cabinet below … Continue reading →

Posted in Antique and Vintage finds, Art, design and inspiration blog | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 20 Comments

Episode 146- Another retrospective- French house dining room- working with a narrow space

Posted on September 27, 2016 by coteetcampagne

I am trying to remind myself that progress is being made at the village house, as well as giving newer followers the heads up on what we have actually achieved to date en France. The photo –left- is not exactly … Continue reading →

Posted in Renovation and restoration diary- France, What we did, how we did it and what we used | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Episode 145 part 2- Reflections on restoration, renovation and reconstruction in France

Posted on September 19, 2016 by coteetcampagne

Our shopping lists in France rarely have any of the usual domestic requirements such as food on them. It’s more likely to be stuff for the house . I have no idea why I spelt “filler” with three “ls” . … Continue reading →

Posted in Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged , , , , , , | 9 Comments