Access to the house from the bridge |
If I had the means, I would love to get my hands busy with planning and restoring this old abandoned house. I think the dormant architect within me just woke up from a deep slumber when I saw this property nestled next to a tranquil marsh deep in the countryside. It would be a perfect summer retreat for writers and artists who would like to spend some time harnessing their ideas and toying with their inspirations.
Front facade of the house |
It is true that it is more expensive to renovate and restore a house than demolishing it and creating an entirely new structure. It's part of the challenge and charm to preserve what was once there. These rocks & stones had stories to tell. The place has history and a bit of a mystery, wondering what type of memories the former tenants had, living there.
I will definitely change the Main Entrance door and work on enlarging some of the windows facing the northern side.
Rear side of the house |
Imagine a terrace overlooking the water and greens at the back of the house attached to the kitchen. It would be perfect for outdoor dining and reading during the summer. If it were my project, I will keep the masonry exterior. Supports similar to below will have to be provided to strengthen the walls.
On the contrary, I'll be simplifying and modifying the interior into a "Flamant" style. A lighter hued interior walls to bring the light in and various natural materials with some contemporary additions.
The water side of the property |
I'll keep dreaming. I hope whoever buys that property will decide to keep the old charm.
I'm sentimental mostly :)
XOXO,
Arni
Image 5 / 6
"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize
they were the big things." - Robert Brault
I'm grateful for this week's roundup of simple pleasures.
# 1 Finally nailed baking that carrot cake for my Mother- in-law's birthday.
There was no Kraft cream cheese available in France. I used Mascarpone,
a thick creamy soft Italian cheese used in Tiramisu instead.
There was no Kraft cream cheese available in France. I used Mascarpone,
a thick creamy soft Italian cheese used in Tiramisu instead.
A walk on the beach completes one's summer. As we were staying in the Western part of France, the closest one is Les Sables d' Olonne meaning "the sands of Olonne" It is a seaside town of the Vendée Globe, a legendary round the world solo yacht race. It is the sailing capital of France by the Atlantic Ocean.
During a leisurely walk, the interesting texture of this wall captures one's attention. The play of various materials with a contrasting wooden shutter result to a recently renovated charming house in the french countryside.
Hope you all had a great weekend! Ours was unforgettable, we thought we would never arrive in France. We had unconfirmed tickets. Chance passengers. The last two days were spent hoping to get on the plane. We didn't anticipate that all flights to Paris are overbooked during Eid. We were determined to keep trying even if it takes us a week to get on a flight. Lack of sleep and hours spent waiting with our luggage at Abu Dhabi airport. After two departure attempts, we finally got lucky on the third try. I was ready to leave on my own in case I do get a boarding pass. My husband and I were teary eyed when the check in ground crew announced our names. We both literally ran to the boarding gate. Eight-hour flight to Paris and a four-hour train ride aboard TGV later, we finally arrived.
This is the ''Aperitif '' to our vacation. A leisurely drink before starters or a meal in order to stimulate the appetite. I'd like to think that the beginning of our holidays may have started in a challenging way much like a strong taste of Pastis. I could either drink and enjoy it even if the taste is not to my liking while looking forward to appetizers. Or I skip it with a bad taste in my palate thinking the rest of the meal will be as bad. I choose the first.
Cheers!
Santé!
Bisous,
Arni
"You know, the smallest thing can change a life. In the blink of an eye, something happens by chance - and when you least expect it - since we're on a course that you could have never planned, into a future you never imagined. Where will it take you? That's the journey of our lives: our search for the light. But sometimes, finding the light means you must past through the deepest darkness. At least, that's how it was for me." - The Lucky One
A film released in April of this year based on the book of Nicholas Sparks. Logan (Zac Efron), a U.S. marine finds a photograph of a young woman with ''keep safe'' written behind it during his third tour of duty in Iraq. Since then keeping the photo in his pocket, he had been saved from near death encounters a couple of times, crediting it with his good luck. When he comes back home, He couldn't get her out of his mind . He sets out to find her. The search leads him to the doorstep of a divorced young woman with a son and an unexpected job in a kennel.
You might have probably read the book or have seen the movie already. I was struck by the passage above during the first scene. I thoroughly liked the whole premise behind change and how events unfold for a specific purpose.
I will be leaving tonight to the land of wine and cheese. I may be on and off in the blogosphere for a while. I will visit your blogs whenever I can and if given the opportunity, will do blog posts from there.
Have a great Thursday!
XOXO,
Arni
How's your week going? This weekend will be a big celebration throughout the Middle East. It's going to be Eid Al-Fitr or plain Eid, marking the end of Ramadan. Fasting during the day will be over during this usual three-day holiday. Festive lights illuminate throughout the city at night, shops busy with ongoing sale, gift giving, and huge feasts as families gather. Most of the expats given the long non-working holiday, usually jet off somewhere for a short break.
“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage
to lose sight of the shore.” -Andre Gide
I'm going away by the end of the week to kick off my sabbatical. Since I will be escaping the desert heat for a short period, I would like to feature an interesting gem in the Middle East that I was fortunate to have seen.
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara lies off the coast of Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates at Sir Bani Yas Island. It is a natural island with a wildlife reserve of 34 sq. mi or 87 sq. km.
How to get there?
How to get there?
Bonjour & Welcome
Designers' Journal, Material Library and Works in Progress.
About Author
Arni Nauleau. Interior Architect. Artist. Coffee Addict.
You can also find me on the Hive Blog https://hive.blog/@discoveringarni
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