EXPERT
run the way I propose without outside interference and a simple outdoor pool will do very nicely. How can I not say yes to him? I say yes.
WEDNESDAY Yesterday’s events have reminded me that a good working relationship between the architect and his client is essential to a successful project. It can also be a long- lasting relationship, I have clients with whom I’ve been working for over five years (I know I can be slow but I’m not that slow…) through Covid lockdowns, price rises, planning changes and problem contractors. It can be a bumpy ride so maintaining a sense of trust and being able to rely on each other is essential. One of my favourites
is the refurbishment and extension that we finished earlier this year, turning what had been a small and run-down farmworker’s cottage into a relaxed modern family home with a covered roof terrace overlooking the sunset. Another has been (and continues to be) the renovation of a manor house and pigeonnier on the very rim of the Dordogne valley, with an infinity-edge pool with a view that stretches to, well, infinity. The theme that these
projects have in common, apart from opening up the house to the beauty that surrounds it, is a thoughtful client willing to listen and take advice and an architect sufficiently self-aware to know when he’s going one step too far.
THURSDAY I’m working on the plan for the park when Jean-Jacques calls to say the meeting with the baker is set for this afternoon, so I’d better get my skates on with the drawing. We’ve agreed we need just a simple scheme that doesn’t cost the earth and also reassures the baker that we’re not creating a theme park. The land is a fritillary meadow and we want to preserve these little purple springtime bells as part of the attraction of the site, so at the entry will be a viewpoint with an explanatory text. The land has a narrow
frontage and extends a long Friday
Will it all end happily ever aſter for Neil?
“I love it here – there’s something about the seaside, everyone’s smiling”
way back to the river, so it’s logical to create a destination at the far end to give people a reason to walk there. This could be a fountain, a sculpture or a statue, something to draw the eye as well as the footsteps. A path up the left side leading to it and another on the right leading back (maybe with a cherry tree avenue?), but also paths on the diagonals to give people a choice of route. And at the crossing point of the diagonals a graveled circle surrounded by a crown of poplars to give a shaded place to dawdle, to picnic and, who knows, even to flirt and to woo. I draw a bird’s eye view as
well as the plan and, fingers crossed, head off to the mairie. It all goes really rather well.
The baker and his wife hadn’t realised we only wanted part of the land and so would not have to evict Caramel. In fact, they were looking for une copine, a girlfriend for him, and did we
know anyone who might be able to help? It so happens I know of a sanctuary not half an hour away and gave them the contact details. But the clincher came with the naming of the park. I suggested that we call it Le Jardin d’Emile, if they had no objection.
FRIDAY I’m in a good mood after yesterday’s meeting and suggest to Charlotte that she accompanies me and Ozzy, the office terrier, to Capbreton on the coast, where I need to see an old client. The sun is shining and she and Oz can walk on the promenade while I have my meeting, which won’t take long. She eyes me up suspiciously; she’s worked with me far longer than any one client and it’s been very bumpy indeed at times and she can’t quite believe I’m as relaxed as I look, but then smiles and says that would be lovely.
I roll down the windows
as we drive into town and all three of us breathe in the pine-scented sea air and grin, Oz especially. I drop them at a beach bar and am unsurprised to find them still there after my meeting, Charlotte’s Apérol Spritz glowing deep amber like a summer sunset. “Come on,” I say, “let’s
meander along the front to the pier and do some people-watching. And dog- watching, Oz.” I love it here. There’s
something about the seaside, everyone’s smiling. The pier is closed off, but a young couple have climbed the barrier, he in a dark green suit and waxed handlebar moustache, she in a wedding dress with a photographer in tow. They pose, the photographer snaps, and onlookers’ smiles widen. I go all misty-eyed and Charlotte looks at me in alarm. “Neil, don’t! Don’t say a word!” But I do. “Will you, Charlotte? Will you marry me?” ■
Neil Vesma’s architect practice is at Villeréal near Bergerac Tel: 0033 (0)6 75 84 71 76
neilvesma.com
FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: January/February 2024 67
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