See photos for loads more pictures

"Red Shutters"

Bookings being taken for 2012

To keep track of progress have a look at the photos at the bottom of the page. We've got the 1st floor in, velux, doors & windows, parking, sewerage & almost a pool.  The upstairs internal walls & doors are in place & we have just about finished 100m2 of tiling downstairs in the barn. Next - internal walls downstairs, then electrics & plumbing.

We're having to turn away & disappoint so many people, that we've decided we'd better do it all over again. Welcome to Gites with a pool "2" otherwise know as La Banne Nord or between us the more catchy title of "RED SHUTTERS". The property will luxuriate in space & comfort, offering large rooms & all en-suite facilities (see below). The total property covers 265 sq metres (2900 sq ft).

The plans:

Like our existing property, Red Shutters is situated just 800 metres from the village of Cendrieux.

2012 - it may be a big year in London with the Olympics, but it will be an even bigger year for us.

Some people probably think we're mad taking on another big renovation project, with just the two of us doing all the work. But Alex describes it best - it's the "Goldilocks House" - just the right location, the right size, the right condition, the right layout, the right garden & the right timing. And all within 1km of our home - it was meant to be. At least this time we know what we're doing. We will keep you posted with progress (see below).

These are before we've touched anything.... it can only get better & better.

Progress so Far:

We completed on 1st October & spent a month just looking at the place. The planning permission took just one month to come through - so much for all those complaints about French bureaucracy. Work has now started in anger.

Ground Floor - Barn - 100m2

November - demolition of the cattle briers

The new ground floor goes in

100m2 of tiling completed - just need to grout, then we'll put up the internal walls downstairs

The new ceiling / first floor..

Stairs - well the basic structure, to be refined:

Doors & Windows:

We're already acquiring furniture, nothing but the best, two leather sofas for the barn

First Floor - 96m2

Internal walls & doors are in place. Waste pipes are also run & toilets in place. Showers cubilcles & double sinks waiting to be collected.

Outside

Swimming Pool :

Hottub (actual tub, but not yet in situ):

Parking, Courtyard & West Terrace with views:

Drainage :

Red Shutters

Like Le Monjat, Red Shutters is a house with adjoining barn dating back about 200/250 year. There will be two separate properties, ideal for renting individually or together for larger groups. We will be able to accommodate 10-12 people in total.

The House

The House will sleep 4 (4 adults). Spread over 100 sq ms ( 1100 sq ft), it will comprise of

• Large kitchen dinner
• Separate living room, with wood burning stove
• 2 large bedrooms, which can either be set up as super kingsized or twins. The master bedroom will have plenty of space for a children's bed / cot
• The master bedroom will have an en-suite bathroom, with both a bath & separate large shower. The second bedroom will also have an en-suite bathroom, with a large shower.
• The entire living area will be situated on the ground floor, so ideal for those less able to manage the steep stairs that are often found in gites.

The Barn

The barn will sleep 6/8 (6 adults & 2 children). Spread over 165 sq ms (1800 sq ft), it will comprise of

• Huge open plan living space, with kitchen, dining room/space & living space. It will be 75sq ms (800 sq ft)
• 3 large bedrooms, which can either be set up as super kingsized or twins.
• If renting the whole property - there will be access through the wardrobe to the "Narnia" bedroom. This will be a separate childrens room, connected to the second bedroom, thus creating a family suite
• The master bedroom is huge will have plenty of space for a children's bed / cot.
• All 3 bedrooms will have en-suite bathrooms. The master bathroom will have both a bath & separate large shower. The second bathroom will have a bath with shower over it - ideal for children. The third bathroom will have a shower.
• The upstairs bedrooms & bathrooms are being "squeezed" into 90 sq ms (1000 sq ft)

Outside

• Luxury 10m x 5m swimming pool, with pool cover & heater, so swimming all season whatever the weather.
• Again there will be a large luxury hottub.
• Large mature gardens with the most spectacular view over the village & miles of beautiful countryside.