Real life renovation and barn conversion projects in France

Real Life Projects

Reading the factsheets and information should get you started on your project and help you during the process. But what about renovation projects in the real world? What really happens?

In 'Real life projects' you can see stories of actual projects as they unfolded.

Fonguilleres

Our own renovation project included a cottage, a house and a barn conversion all on the same site in south-west France. During the renovation of the barn I kept an online diary.

I'm afraid it is a bit rambling and there are not many pictures. You can still see the diary at our Holiday Rental in Villereal site.

 

Meydieu

Jean and John Smith have been carrying out renovation work at Monbahus also in SW France. Much more sensibly, they have kept an extensive and fascinating photographic story of their renovation that you can visit HERE

 

Chalais

Our third project is at Chalais, in the Charente region of France. Pat and Yvonne arrived in France less than six months after holidaying here. The house they bought had not been lived in for at least 50 years. Taking on a house with a leaking roof, no water, electricity, or drainage was very brave or extremely stupid depending on your point of view. Based on the work done so far (all their own, except for the septic tank), they are both in the throes of mid-life career changes. Yvonne has proven to be a talented designer and Pat is a competent all round builder able to work to French norms. Start HERE for the beginning of the story - again with an extensive collection of photographs to make it easy to follow the weekly progress.

 

Your Project?

If you have a story to tell about your own renovation project or you are about to start a renovation project - anything from a barn conversion to a complete rebuild to a new roof - we would love to include it on this site. We can upload photos and text onto this site if you don't have your own site, along with any updates as they take place.