Renovations

 

The kitchen in the apartment was very small, something to be expected in France but as well as its inconvenient size, it was shut off from the main room by a door that turned it into a claustrophobic cupboard. The only window high is in the wall. There was no oven and narrow, inconveniently deep cupboards.  It was quaint and very French but hopeless unless all you wanted was coffee and toast. We could not wait, it had to be changed, updated and opened up into the lovely light main room.

 

Although we do not need consent to change the inside of the property, we have to apply to the syndic de coproprietée for permission for any change to the outside —the building is a monument  historique, the equivalent of a listed building.  We have sent a request that includes quote and photos for air conditioning and, as soon as the quote for a new garage door comes through, that will be sent to the syndic too. It appears we have to wait for a committee meeting for these applications to be considered. The next one isn't until next spring (unless we want to  pay 1000€ for an extraordinary meeting).  Time to save the money to realise these projects, if they are approved.

I had thought of having the washing machine in the garage—I have always dreamt of a laundry room, somewhere where the ironing board can stay up— sadly, it is unlikely that this would be passed by any committee. However it does look as though it will be possible to have my washing machine where the previous owners' miniature model sat. The ironing board will have to remain, on its own, in the garage.

 

There seem to be a lot of hoops to jump through for the simplest transactions.  One Saturday, I was caught out when ordering a 2.99€ battery connector from Amazon. I hit my 450€ online payment limit and my whole bank account was frozen. I couldn’t even get money out of a cash machine. 

 The problem was solved by a trip to the bank. The limits for payments and online shopping were raised without question (but the 1500€ cash withdrawal per month, remains for now). It was all easily sorted but a bit awkward, as the banks don’t open on a Sunday or Monday! 

The increased limit was still not high enough for the transfer for the kitchen and involved another visit to the branch—I am learning the quieter times in the bank, when you don't have to wait long to be seen. As I sat across the desk from the bank clerk, forms were completed and signed and within 5 minutes, the money had been transferred. Howdens was happy and the kitchen was delivered the following day.  It's frustrating that I no longer have complete control over my spending but there is something oddly reassuring about someone looking over my shoulder (even if it is a bank).

Thinking of planning when to do things, not only have I had to get used to everything closing at lunchtime and half day closing  (remember that?) But also there have been more changes since the schools went back and summer ended. I will probably spend another another couple of months turning up at places before they open or on the wrong day.

In the apartment, packing boxes and bubble wrap are in evidence again, there are pots and pans hiding under the settees, the fridge is in the living room, the garden table is groaning under the weight of essentials, toaster, kettle etc etc...Washing up has been relegated to outside, on the balcony.

The new units and appliances are patiently waiting in the garage.

This Wednesday saw my first afternoon volunteering at St John's English library.  My dream job surrounded by books, friendly people and sunshine.  I finished at 5.30, half an hour after Petrit, our Albanian builder, and his mate had arranged to arrive at the apartment to smash out the old kitchen and take down a wall. 

Stuart let them in, left them hard at work and met me in town. We went for a curry before arriving home at 8pm. 

All was quiet. Petrit had left.

We walked past the sacks of rubble in the garden and the kitchen door leaning against the shed. I entered the apartment with some trepidation. Everything was tidy (although not dust free) and the empty space that had been the kitchen somehow made the whole room more open.

The kitchen renovation has started

It seems that most of 2023 is to be lived surrounded by boxes and organised chaos.  As long as it doesn’t spill into 2024 I will be content.

Since my last blog there's been:-  

A photo shoot at Roquebrune Cap Martin. It was great fun and who can fail to relax and smile surrounded by such beautiful scenery.

A visit to a wonderful, very special garden in Menton, Clos de Peyronnet. In the hands of one family, the garden has developed since the property was first purchased just before the first World War. It is an amazing collection of rare plants, personal treasures and memories. I felt very privileged to be included in the trip.

(On the way to the garden, on the path at the top of our road, I startled this chap)

 

Then, there was an eighteth birthday party with great company, plentiful refreshments and stunning views. Grimaldi Superiore—the Jag had to be left at the bottom of the hill, guests were ferried up in smaller cars that would fit through the arches leading to the property. 

What more could a girl want?