Well, we had lots of luck and a bit of bad luck – I will explain later…
We flew out on Friday morning from Gatwick to Bordeux and then drove down to St. Martin to check on progress. The drive took 2 hours. We were booked in to stay in a gorgeous B&B in Rivedoux called Maison Algues which we had found via Alistair Sawday and I highly recommend it.
So, on Saturday we met at the house promptly at 10am with the sun shining. What a difference -what a shock compared the UK! Walls down, kitchen and staircase removed, so it was up a ladder to get to the 2nd floor! Work is going really well and we were shocked at the progress/difference but thrilled. Lots to discuss and to take note. Of course Lunch was needed for recuperation and several carafes of rose to help!
The big problem is our roof which needs to be repaired as it is rotten and it should be done now whilst the house is in renovation. This is a cost we had not anticipated and obviously we now have to budget our other renovations accordingly to allow for the roof repairs. The devis (estimate) is still to come in. Fingers crossed.
On Friday 20th the workman stop for their Christmas break, and we will drive over on 28th to take our Dulux paint and collect bed frames, tables, chairs either to be re-upholstered or painted by me! I will be using Annie Sloane paints which I am very excited about.
We of course met up with Alice and her lovely Mum and had drinks in our favourite bar in St Martin (Marin) on Saturday evening. As ever we left our beautiful island with the sun shining and looking forward to coming back very soon.
Friday 13th!
