Living on site while renovating in France - how to survive the dust, the chaos and each other
French Reno Diaries - Renovating in FranceShow Notes
Wooden pallets for a bed. A family flannel. A toilet that froze solid. A husband sleeping next to the Rayburn all winter so it didn't go out. Nobody's Instagram feed is showing you this - but Rosie, Sue and Micala are! In this episode, all three hosts share their own living-on-site stories, and they've asked listeners to do the same. The results are equal parts hilarious, grim and genuinely inspiring. Expect to come away knowing how to make living on site work - without getting burnt out, destroying your relationship, or going without a wash!
Resources mentioned: Renovations in France — the Facebook group where listener comments were gathered for this episode. A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle — referenced by a listener as the root cause of many a French renovation pipe dream. Mini glossary: Fosse septique — a septic tank; the standard wastewater treatment system in rural France where mains drainage is unavailable. Ratafia — a sweet, fortified fruit liqueur traditional to several French regions, often made by local farmers. Rayburn — a range cooker that also provides central heating and hot water; popular in older rural properties but notoriously demanding to keep running. Franglais — a casual mix of French and English, often used by anglophones living in France when their vocabulary runs out. Lieu-dit — an informal place name used to identify a hamlet or locality in rural France, often used as an address where no street number exists.
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More from French Reno Diaries - Renovating in France
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Thinking about buying a property in France and turning it into a business, such as a chambre d'hôtes, gîte complex, wedding venue or retreat centre? In this episode, we hear from Lisa Clapisson, a former French accountant turned business consultant who's spent years helping people navigate the reality of starting a business in France For a detailed summary of the episode, along with a mini glossary of terms used in the show, head to the French Reno Diaries website and look for episode #19.
Ever wondered why your beautifully renovated French property isn't getting the rental return you expected? Or why sourcing affordable decor in France feels so much harder than it should? Brittany-based, American-born interior architect Christina Rougerie reveals all in conversation with Sue and Rosie. For a detailed summary of the episode, along with a mini glossary of terms used in the show, head to the French Reno Diaries website and look for episode #18. What we talk about: Interior architect vs interior decorator in France French interior design vs American Common French property renovation mistakes expats make Renovation for rental and resale in France The mid-market decor gap in France Decorating on a budget in France French-style interior design Lighting, layout and colour: essential interior design principles Why anthracite grey (RAL 7016) on everything needs to stop!
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