Saturday, April 21, 2012

Moving to France - first views of the Pink House

If anyone's thinking of moving to France just for the weather, think again! Today is just like the weather we left behind in Wales, only with nicer scenery. It's cold, it keeps raining and hail-stoning, and the sun is nothing but a fleeting visitor.

Time to update the blog and probably high time you saw some pictures of the "pink house" as we saw it first, although it wasn't really pink at all, anywhere other than in the estate agent's online pictures!


"Both on paper and in the flesh, so to speak, this one looked very promising. According to the internet details, it had seven bedrooms and three bathrooms, was on three storeys and had a good-sized garden. We nicknamed it the pink house, as the photo showed the rendering as a pale rose pink, although in reality it was a lot paler and more washed out."

Our first view of "the pink house"

"They do warn house viewers to try to see past existing décor to what the place will look like once you've stamped your own mark on it. Sound advice. The decoration in the pink house was truly hideous. Very nineteen seventies. The sitting room had two very strong contrasting patterned wallpapers, which didn't go together, neither of which was very nice even in isolation and in unison presented a full frontal assault to the senses."

The retro sitting room

"But the layout was practically perfect for what we wanted. On the top floor was a bright, light three-bedroomed apartment with shower room and loo and some open space to create a small cooking and dining area. Ideal to let as B&Bs or a self-contained flat. It had very nice south-facing views, and the possibility to create a sunny roof terrace on top of the roof of the room below, which jutted out in front of it."

View from the top floor flat

And, Just because it's a very cold day today and there's still a lot of snow on the volcanic peaks all around, a view of what this part of France can look like in winter!

Don't forget, kind readers, I'm relying on you to tell me what photos you'd like to see. Hope you will enjoy these, will post some more on the next rainy day, which won't be too long, if the weather forecast is anything to go by! Do leave me your comments here, about the book, or the blog, or France, or Life, the Universe and Everything.


7 comments:

  1. "Today is just like the weather we left behind in Wales, only with nicer scenery."

    Well you just chose the wrong bit of Wales...

    The camouflage wall is an interesting effect for sure. Nice piece of French architecture blending sensitively into the scenery :D

    Thanks for more pics Tottie. Da iawn!

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    1. Did have lovely views in Brechfa Forest but Kidwelly, although known for its fine castle, is a bit lacking in anything else :)

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  2. Forgot to leave comment the other day :( Great pics-and once you get past the camo walls-lots of potential. and stunning views but would have to agree with Carl, North Wales is more dramatic than the south. ;) Will be interested to see pics of Brechfa tho when/if you have some. But am always happy to read and see more :)

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    1. Thanks for the kind comment. I think Brechfa needs to feature in the sequel, there is still so much to write, it may have to be two sequels!

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    2. Only two sequels?? ......rethinks bookshelf planning !

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  3. I only ever saw Wales in the rain and spent quite a lot of time there - I am beginning to think my part of France is trying to emulate Wales. Missed my holiday in your part of the France this spring due to a family tragedy but will be up there in the autumn as the booking paid for has been kept for us. Will make sure we have both read the book before we come up - enjoyable and an eye opener.

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    1. Certainly plenty of rain in Wales, but the Auvergtne has its fair share, which is why it is so beautiful and green. Hope you will enjoy your visit here in the autumn.

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