Wednesday, July 06, 2016

Obsession

Living Room Transformation - one step closer


Brittany seems to be stuck in November even if we are officially only a day away from the "summer" holidays.

La Bretagne semble ne devoir jamais sortir d'une alternance de ciel gris et de pluie... Dire que demain est le dernier jour avant les vacances d'été...

I spend the evening preparing salads for tomorrow's "last day of school" picnic, hoping against hope that it won't be raining. I also have an "Italian taste" bread raising on the bathroom radiator (yes, in July). It'll need about an hour before going to the oven, so why don't we chat a little while I'm trying not to fall asleep.

J'ai passé la soirée à préparer des salades pour le pique-nique de fin d'année de demain, croisant les doigts pour qu'il ne pleuve pas. J'ai aussi une toute nouvelle recette de pain "goût italien" qui lève sur le radiateur de la salle-de-bain, oui, oui, sur le radiateur en juillet ! Il a besoin d'une heure pour gonfler et je vous propose de papoter pendant ce temps, cela m'empêchera de m'endormir.

 
Cottage when I met him.
So, back to the post title. I've been obsessed with stone cottages since I was a little girl and my uncle bought an old stone farm in Southern France. I wanted my very own stone house from that day.

Bon, donc le sujet de cet article. Depuis toute petite, je suis amoureuse des maisons en pierre. En fait, depuis que mon oncle s'est installé dans une ferme en pierre en Ardèche, je rêve de mon propre cottage bien vieux.

Cottage last summer... Back in those days when it was sunny...
So when I arrived in Brittany and began visiting houses to buy, I was naturally drawn to stone cottages. I didn't see that many places. But weirdly enough, the one I chose is a white cottage, as you know. Not because I changed my mind... 

Quand je suis arrivée en Bretagne et que j'ai commencé à chercher un chez-moi, j'ai évidemment été attirée par les maisons de pêcheur en pierre. Je n'ai donc pas visité tant de biens que ça, puisque ce critère réduisait les possibilités... Et finalement, j'ai fait une offre sur une maison toute blanche.  Mais je n'avais pas tout à fait perdu la tête (même si les opinions divergent sur ce point).



Living room under previous owner's reign.

Cottage's walls are made of stone, they are just covered in a white coating. Indeed, right after the second World War, the trend was to build houses in concrete and stone walls were considered as completely dated, so some of them were covered in a coating. Cottage was among those.

Les murs de Cottage sont en effet en pierre, juste recouverts d'enduit. Dans les années après-guerre, construire en béton était la dernière mode et la pierre paraissait bien ringarde. Certains propriétaires ont donc caché la pierre... C'est ce qui est arrivé à Cottage.

Wall in one of the bedroom (now my office).
I could guess the treasure under the cover when I first visited as Cottage has a twin (there are two semi-detached cottages) which wasn't covered and there was one part of a wall in a bedroom upstairs that had the stone appearing.

Mais j'ai vite compris le trésor dissimulé sous l'enduit car la jumelle de Cottage est en pierre et dans l'une des chambre à l'étage, un bout de mur était en pierre apparente.

Beginning to rip the fake stone wallpaper...
When I began remodeling the living-room, I wanted some of the gorgeous stone to be revealed.

Je savais depuis le début que je voulais de la pierre apparente dans le salon.

The square that let me think there was still a fireplace behind... (and gorgeous previous owner paint job)
 
First things first, I tore down the stone wallpaper that had been part of the decoration of the previous owners because there's nothing worse than fake stone in a real stone cottage.

Pour commencer, je me suis débarrassée du papier peint motif pierre car que peut-il y avoir de pire que de la fausse pierre dans un vrai cottage en pierre ?


The wall I chose to keep uncovered is the wall that is adjoining the twin cottage so that it wouldn't bring any cold in winter even if it stays without insulation.

J'ai choisi de garder apparent le mur mitoyen de la jumelle de Cottage, pensant que ce mur ne ramènerait pas de froid, même s'il n'était pas isolé.

 
Before we removed everything, the only clue I had about an old fireplace was the square you can see on some pictures. I was hoping to find a gorgeous stone mantel or at least a brick one as was traditional in this area... A girl can dream, right?

Avant que l'on ne mette tout à nu, j'espérai découvrir derrière le placo (et derrière ce "carré" que vous avez pu voir sur les photos) une magnifique cheminée en pierre ou au moins en brique, car c'est commun dans la région. Je suis toujours très optimiste... 


The dream was not to become reality. For some reason, the fireplace had been taken down at some point. All that was left was a dark hole!

Parfois trop optimiste... En fait, la cheminée avait été détruite à un moment de l'histoire de la maison et il ne restait qu'un "trou noir".

 
I decided to cover that hole with drywall until the next phase of renovation.

En attendant la prochaine phase de rénovation, j'ai donc décidé de plaquer le trou de la cheminée.

 
Two things were missing to make that wall perfect... A mantel and a stove.

Deux choses manquaient encore pour que ce mur soit parfait : un manteau de cheminée et un poêle. 

First evening at Cottage after the huge living-room renovation.
I found the mantel for a song and just put it there for now. The stove won't cost a song, more like an opera... and a long one by Wagner!

Le manteau de cheminée a été trouvé très vite et pour une bouchée de pain. Le poêle va me coûter plus qu'une bouchée de pain et il va donc falloir attendre un peu !


I know a few readers are disappointed that things aren't going faster at Cottage. I accept cash to pay for the stove and mind you, I don't want a cheap one! The cats and I are enjoying the progress and waiting patiently for the next phase.

Je sais que certains sont déçus que les choses n'avancent pas plus vite. J'accepte les dons pour payer le poêle, mais attention, j'en veux un beau ! En attendant, les chats et moi, nous profitons de la vue sur le mur en pierre. La prochaine phase de travaux arrivera bien un jour.

 
Preparing my pupils for their exam took all of my time in June. I didn't have much time for the blog or for decoration projects, but I'm proud of the progress my pupils made and so were they, so they gifted me a lovely bouquet, which definitely made up for all those evening spent working.

Et c'est vrai que cette année, avec ma classe de 3e à préparer au brevet (une première pour moi), je n'ai pas eu beaucoup de temps pour mener des projets avec Cottage. Mais je suis fière des progrès réalisés par mes élèves et ils étaient bien conscients d'avoir bien travaillé car ils m'ont offert un superbe bouquet qui compense amplement toutes les heures passées à créer des cours pour eux !



See you soon,

A bientôt,



PS: When the summer holidays start, I promise to squeeze a few Cottage project in between taking some me time, wandering around Cottage to discover new places and preparing the brand new school curriculum some genius decided to create to spoil our summer... So hopefully, I'll have more projects to show you!




45 comments:

  1. We can't live by others' schedules, can we? Cottage is so lovely, no matter how quickly things move! Good luck with your stove fund-raising. :)

    -andi

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  2. Redoing a house to suit you sure takes time - we do a lot of remodeling ourselves and find we never get done! Thanks for sharing the photos - I love the stone walls very beautiful - sorry your summer is slow coming

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  3. I know from experience how long it can take to finish thing when renovating an old house. You have worked so hard on Cottage.

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  4. Everything you have done is so lovely and I think that is because you have taken your time to think through it. I love seeing your progress no matter how long it takes. xo Laura

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  5. All things of beauty take time, and what you've done is really beautiful. We are all looking forward to more photos. Be sure to join your cats in some relaxation this summer.

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    1. The cats and I enjoy the patio in the morning and in the evening all together and we take turns during the day ;)

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  6. I don't know about not enough posts Magali, since I started reading your blog, you worked on your kitchen. It takes money, time, and good workmanship. Plus taking time for your teaching job, that it self, is consuming. And you are on your own, not extra pay. Love what have you accomplished to Mr. Cottage, beautiful! Have a wonderful day in your sanctuary with your kitties. Kathleen in Az

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    1. Thank you so much, Kathleen, for your kind words of encouragement. The sun finaly appeared here, so maybe some long due project will happen!

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  7. Love all the changes. What you are doing takes time energy and$$$$$. It looks so much better. Love your house so much.

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  8. I have been on summer holiday since the first week of June. I had wanted to make "progress" in some of my personal, artistic goals this summer, and here we are in July, and I have until the end of August before "La Rentrée." Have I accomplished my goals? No. But I have been making PROCESS. The progress will show up little by little....all that to say is that by looking at your PROCESS, much progress HAS been made. I am just happy to see you blog again, to enjoy the delightful story of Cottage, and to know that soon, you will have time to yourself to make the next stage of your process.

    Magali, Cottage looks FORMIDABLE!!!!!

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  9. Isn't it interesting to note how certain trends called for covering up those things which we now know to be beautiful?

    You are smart to take your time with cottage. He deserves it. (It is a 'he', right?).

    xxx

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  10. Même si ton mur n'est pas tout à fait fini puisque tu attends d'y mettre un poêle, je trouve que c'est bien joli, il a beaucoup de cachet ce joli mur de pierres.
    A la montagne j'avais une petite cheminée que nous avons fait tomber pour y mettre un poêle que je trouve beaucoup plus sécurisant et plus actuel.
    J'espère que les poilus vont bien. Bonnes vacances. Bises. Babette

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  11. Take your time believe me!!! When you do things too quickly you tend to have to re do to get it right. Enjoy your break you deserve that.
    Kris

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  12. Nice looking back with you today..an the flowers were so thoughtful for a bunch of kids..says a lot about the students..not to mention your teaching skills..hope you're first days of summer vacation have been WonderFul.!!!..about the stove..there's always..go fund me..i'd give ya something to kick start the donations..i'm looking forward to what this summer brings at cottage..did you find the french market carrots to plant..i lost all of mine over our horrible rainy spring..

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  13. J'aime bien la vue depuis ton jardin, on voit mieux dans quel cadre tu vis et ma fois, il est bien joli le cadre et pour ne rien gâcher tu habites une merveilleuse région alors...
    Cottage se refait une beauté au fur et à mesure et je trouve que tu le mets particulièrement bien en valeur
    Maintenant que tu es en vacances, profite de ton cocon et de ton jardin, du beau temps aussi si toutefois il s'est enfin décidé à arriver chez vous
    Belle fin de semaine et beau week end avec plein de soleil
    @ bientôt

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  14. Remodels take time and money....two things most teachers don't have much of. LOL! I sympathize! I hope you have a lovely summer and get to do some things you enjoy!

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  15. The stone provides such a great look!

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  16. Everything worth doing takes time.....Your living room stone is fabulous! Love your mantel, too. It is all coming together and so beautifully! xx Karen

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  17. You are doing fine with cottage. Indeed it takes time to get it all done. I wish I had a cottage to transform! The stone wall in the living room is very pretty. The bouquet given to you is lovely! Hugs !

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  18. Oh my goodness, Magali ~ this stone wall and fireplace are gorgeous!! I can't believe that stone was covered up, especially by fake stone paper. The transformation is stunning. Absolutely love it.

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  19. The stone wall is certainly a prize at this point in your renovation. I like how you wait for the right time to do things - a stove is worth the wait for the one that you want and can afford!

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  20. I love the stone wall exposed and the fireplace. Your room looks gorgeous. Having an old house myself I know how long it take because everything is "custom" in older homes. Right now we are in a major remodel of the upstairs of the Charmer and the cost keeps going up and feeling overwhelmed. I waited over 20 years for this! So it takes time and cost is so very much. I have't hardly posted at all since this remodel.

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  21. It was so fun seeing the before and after pictures. You have done a great job! Keep on a truck'n! xx Jo

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  22. With your eye for design and decorating, I'm sure cottage does not mind waiting to get it the way he wants it! The stone wall is awesome and what I would choose if I were lucky enough to have a French cottage!!! So nice of your pupils to give you the lovely bouquet, they much really like their teacher! Have fun with your summer vacation…...

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  23. Yay for summer vacation even if it feels like November! Wouldn't it be wonderful if someone would offer you the money for the stove? Here's hoping!

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  24. Oh how I love the stone walls! So glad that they got to come out and play again. :) It's a lot of work and I think you are doing a fabulous job!
    hugs,
    Jann

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  25. I really enjoy reading about your project, Magali. You tackle them so thoughtfully and the result is always perfect!

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    1. Thank you, Mike. The fact that I can't redo everything at once actually gives me time to think things, so I guess it's a good thing in the end?

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  26. J'ai vu avancer les travaux pas à pas et le résultat est vraiment sympa... Pour le poêle, il faudrait mettre une tirelire afin que les volontaires la remplissent ! Le bouquet est superbe et cela prouve bien que tes élèves sont contents de travailler avec toi. Je n'ai jamais offert un bouquet à aucun de mes profs ! Maintenant profite bien de tes vacances. Bises.

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  27. Pretty progress is evident, already, Magali. Stone gives such warmth, coziness and visual interest to a room; I love it!

    Poppy

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  29. You have done so much on your cottage.

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  30. I LOVE that stone wall!

    I wish you a wonderful start to the week :)

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  31. The stone wall looks so inviting. We recently bought a pellet stove, as opposed to a wood burning one, and you are correct, they are not cheap. Especially when you want one that is well made and still appealing in looks. We went with the pellets so I can keep it burning easily by myself. One of the things I admire about you and Cottage is that you are renovating on a budget, and that takes time and creativity. I always look forward to your posts.

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    1. Thank you, Nancy. I'm hoping the stove will be next year's project. I haven't decided on one stove in particular, but I don't want one that is too tall as are the cheaper ones in France as I want it to be able to fit under the mantel.

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  32. l'enduit d'origine des murs en pierre était-il un torchis ? quelle poussière cela à dû faire de tout enlever... mais quelle chance les pierres étaient intactes, prêtes à être rejointoyées !!!
    il n'était pas techniquement possible de conserver le trou de cheminée et de le chauler pour y installer un poêle ? mais le manteau de cheminée est bien proportionné et son bois est certainement plus travaillé que celui d'origine et puis le miroir habille bien la surface de placo, donc c'est comme s'ils avaient toujours été là !!!
    quelle délicate attention que ce bouquet offert par vos collégiens
    bonnes vacances !! bien cordialement
    monique59

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  33. Your cottage is beautiful! Most of us have to do renovations as we can afford them so no need to apologize. The stone wall in lovely and I do look forward to seeing it all together. The wait will make it more Delicious!

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    1. I have ideas about what I want for the living-room, but I'm taking a little summer break, the first one since I bought Cottage, before getting the paint brush out!

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  34. I love stone. Tell all those people who are bothering you to bug off! :) Well, you're too nice for that. I'd do it, though. Congrats on your students doing so well, and how sweet are they to get your flowers!?!?!

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  35. A great transformation, Magali. I like all your choices.
    Amalia
    xo

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  36. Oh Magali, how I love to see Cottage transformed in even the slightest, newest ways. That revealed stone is HER. She is an old stone cottage and with your love and help, Cottage will remain a monument of love.

    Thank you for coming to visit my garden! I hope you are enjoying Les Grandes Vacances by now! Anita

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  37. A super tranformation, Magali !! You certainly are allowed to be proud of the result !! Happy holidays, - Marie ...

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  38. I know I read this awhile ago, and was surprised to see that I didn't comment. Glad you uncovered the real stone under that stone wallpaper! Everything you've done so far is looking fabulous!

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  39. It's funny how that works. Renovations cost money and we don't seem to make it fast enough. LOL

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