REAL LIFE
The old blue units and outdated appliances make way for new cupboards, vintage oak counters and splashback, and sleek modern fixtures and fittings
via Zoom or via email without the client having to be on site until installation. “Ca reste en humain,” said Tartarin, promoting the exclusive one-on-one relationship each client has with their design consultant throughout the contract. “Le principal c’est que le client soit satisfait,” he said, proudly adding that 33% of his clientele are repeat customers. My personal consultant,
Andrea Declerck, measured up and designed my new kitchen and pulled up the computer model on her laptop screen. I received an all-in price of €9,200, including all new appliances, from design to fitting to final completion, and I felt confident as I chose my leather-clad bar stools. Preparation is key before
any renovation and sometimes ruthless decisions have to be made. This can get quite emotional, and as I stood and watched the old cane sideboard I had chosen with my parents 33 years earlier be carted off to make way for the new units, it wasn’t without some remorse. It had served the family well.
At some point, you have to let go of things to make room for change and here I was, doing just that.
ALL CHANGE Despite the mid-October fuel strike in France, my kitchen units and appliances were safely delivered by truck from Alsace on the morning of 18 October. The kitchen fitter, Stanislas (I called him Stan), arrived later that day, keen to get a head start. He removed the outdated blue units, the dysfunctional oven and rusting electric hob rings. He took away the old fridge with its little freezer unit, just big enough for plastic ice trays for my G&Ts. By 5pm he had fitted the lower cupboard carcasses. The next day he installed the
white crystallite sink and mixer tap, Whirlpool dishwasher, Bosch oven, Whirlpool induction hob and under- counter Bosch fridge. And on the third day, the gorgeous vintage oak counter tops, with matching backsplash panelling and upper units were fitted along with the stainless steel
electric hood, an over-sink LED light and the bar/table. I was in awe. So much transformation in such a short time! Stan was duly rewarded with
lunch in the village and a very decent bottle of wine from Château de Berne (Flayosc). The following day, Andrea arrived
GILLIE’S TOP TIPS
Do your research; ask neighbours for recommendations Consider using a reputable company rather than an individual Set a realistic budget plus an ‘extras’ allowance Set a realistic timeframe Be clear about your renovation needs and keep designs simple to keep costs down
Have a list of questions ready; what the budget includes, dates, length of job etc
Be present both during and aſter the work is being done i.e. plan relevant travel accordingly, allowing for possible delays* (e.g. weather, deliveries, breakages)
Provide your own dust sheets to protect your furniture, and storage boxes for all your personal items plus kitchen (or bathroom) supplies, pans, dishes, glasses etc
Speak the language or have someone with you who speaks French and can communicate effectively with your design consultant and fitter
* Schmidt's Alsace factory could not meet my initial delivery dates by the time I paid the 30% deposit, which meant I had to change my return flight home at a personal cost of $450. Thankfully, I was awarded a new set of induction pans from Andrea!
with a bottle of champagne from Alsace as a ‘thank you’ for my business, and to check that the work had been satisfactorily completed. The only thing outstanding were the bar stools which sadly had been delayed. A small hiccup in the scheme of things. ■
FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: March/April 2023 69
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