Since our last update we have had some major movement at the station.
These include the installation of our high-tech, super-efficient heating system, the destruction and removal of the old, rotten preau (out building) structure, plenty of work building bedroom walls and a few other surprises along the way.
The south of France is associated with hot summers and comfortable winters, but as you ascend into the Pyrenees mountains, things can get very woolly in winter. Hence, as we find ourselves in the foothills, where snow is not uncommon, a good and reliable heating system is imperative.
Our system consists of an energy efficient wood burning fireplace with a water jacket and heat exchanger atttached, underfloor heating downstairs and radiators upstairs. The domestic hot water is also passed through a coil inside the hot water tank for heating to the desired temperature. As it stands, it looks like Dylan will be giving the system a true test run in the coming months.
...as always, click on the pictures to enlarge...
Squeezing the hot-water tank into the house with a little aid from the mini digger.
A very tight fit!
The tank in her final resting space.
Michael and Callum install the underfloor-heating pipes on top of 50 mm of foam insulation.
The downstairs underfloor system, all plumbed and ready.
Now we're just waiting on the final concrete to be poured over the pipes.
The man, lighting our fireplace for the first time!
Looks like he's a little out of practice!!?
Our first fire! Lit in order to test the new heating systems.
Just happened to be on our only 30°C day in August.
Deb harvesting our plums!
What to do with them all? One option – plum and almond tart prepared by Dylan.
Deb doing her thing with the windows and doors – several days of oiling.
Puivert Wednesday night markets. Last one for this summer!
Paul and Michael – serious market chat.
Dylan and Joris removing the last tiles from the preau roof.
Time to take the preau down. Manually.
Dylan... really making an impact!! hmm
Steve cutting the roof away from the stone wall.
"Young" men's work.
Nick and Steve – employing whatever means necessary to bring her down.
There goes the first section!
Taken from Michael's angle, while quickly running away.
Creating a mess … and some firewood for Nick.
Some of the joinery found in the old preau roof structure.
Unfortunately all these rafters are riddled with woodworm and damp rot!
Despite the renovations, shopping and socialising, we find a little time for a Sunday family ride.
Riding views – solar panel excitement!
Barns with full solar-panel roofs are a common sight in the area.
Riding or drinking, hmmm!!?
"Le Tube a Vin"
Dominique – our main man on the job!
Dominic is a true craftsman and a great worker.
A plasterer in the traditional style, he starts early, lunches from noon till two and finishes on time.
During work hours he is constantly up the ladder repairing our plaster and
bringing the beauty back to the interior of L'Ecole.
Dominique working on a rather large patch of damage downstairs.
Our project manager looking sharp.
A good way to avoid the stairs!
Another plasterboard delivery for the upstairs rooms (Dylan's arm).
A man in the ceiling!!
A view of the back of the house with only the walls of the old preau standing on the right.
Lunchtime swim at le lac de Puivert.
If you look carefully you can see a glider being towed up from our local aerodrome.
Another discovery. What do we have here?
Michael: "They say you'll find surprises renovating an old French house.
They didn't say they'd be good surprises!"
Ahh Well!!
Under the soon to be guest bedroom in the preau we have accidentally and fortuitously discovered an old well buried under bitumen and clay, still in very good condition. About four metres deep and covered by a concrete cap and stone manhole cover, we have been assured by our neighbours we have stumbled upon a 'gold mine' that will greatly aid our garden during the (usually) hot, dry summers!
View from our "new" rental house in nearby Rivel after arriving home early, i.e. before sundown.
Boys, cracking out the new barbie!!
(Dad cracking out the guns: "At least I have something to show for the last few months hard labour.")
Cheers, to us!!
