REAL LIFE
Julie is able to grow both local and English produce in her walled garden
this came when I flagged down a passing tractor and asked if we might buy some of his load. With no hesitation and a big grin, the farmer drove onto our field and deposited what we later learned was the whole two-ton load. It took many hours of shovelling to disperse this rich manure, but it paid off. The driver would only take a bottle of whisky for his load.
POOLSIDE PLEASURES We decided to create the pool close to the house. By doing this we were able to include all the safety features required and to ensure the outside fridge is only a moment away! Despite feeling like we might
“Despite feeling like we might have bitten off more than we could chew at first, it proved to be a journey of discovery and a complete joy”
latest technology and installed the best available underfloor heating and external heat pumps for both the house and pool. He was also able to advise us about the government grants that were available for modern heating installation. The benefit of using local
artisans also became apparent, when they put us in touch with a stonemason in a village less than 5km away. We were able to use Gersoise stone, cut to order to fit the door and window frames. This feature of the build gives the house a sense of historic connection and it sits very much at ease among the neighbouring properties.
LOCAL CHARM We also included a double row of brick detailing below the eaves; it seemed like an unnecessary expense but it really adds a local French charm. We would have regretted not adding it. It took a lot of groundwork
before we could see the intended design coming to life and there was a lot of nail biting as the budget teetered in the face of tempting new additions
to the plan. While the house was being constructed, we had time to visit friends and admire their gardens. Listening to their experiences, we decided to build a walled garden with an integral watering system. It is a simple construction
containing five raised beds, which we filled with huge amounts of donated horse manure, mixed with local soil and shop-bought compost. The outcome has been a complete success in more ways than I
had envisaged. Much of our favourite English produce does not do well in the hard clay soil and hot sun here, but the raised beds and shady areas inside the protective walls have enabled us to grow both local and English produce. The surrounding land is
largely grass, but the area was suffering from the impact of the build; we needed to regenerate the poor dry soil before sowing grass seeds. We needed more manure! The fun of obtaining
have bitten off more than we could chew at first, it proved to be a journey of discovery and a complete joy. Working with people in the locality also gave us a very speedy and warm sense of inclusion. After we moved in, we had a drinks party for the locals, who generously gave us a voucher for the local garden centre. Now we’re enjoying the
space and dimensions of a period house with the comfort and efficiency of modernity in a beautiful setting. Our next adventure will be to build a smaller version for our later years, using the knowledge we’ve gained about building and life here in this ageless, elegant part of France. ■
JULIE’S TOP TIPS Be around during the build as oſten as possible, it prevents any confusion about what you want or where you want it. Getting it right in the first place saves money.
Do employ a maître d’oeuvre (project manager), it’s well worth the money, unless your command of French and your building knowledge is sound.
Engage a heating engineer to find the right solution for your build. We have saved thousands of euros over the past 15 years.
The couple flagged down a tractor transporting manure to fertilise their plot 44 FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: March/April 2024
© JULIE HART
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