Well, today we got the estimates on the work that needs to be done in the house--some of the prices seem really high to us! Because we have no experience with the prices of repairs in France it is hard to know what to expect.  I think it will be important to get at least several estimates by different people and then we will be able to make a decision. We will get a bid from Chris and his electrician when we get there in the fall.

The kitchen is one of the areas that needs a lot of work.  We want to take out the existing cupboard behind the fireplace and hopefully open up the chimney and exposed brick.  Then, we are still deciding whether we want to keep the retro sink or not.  We will put in all new cabinets, maybe remove the wall to the living room and put in an island, and then figure out where to put the oven, stove top, dishwasher and refrigerator.  There isn't a lot of room in the kitchen because of the fireplace.  We talked about removing it, but it is the typical Languedocean fireplace found in many French kitchens, so I think we will work around it. There is another wall that you cannot see in this picture and also a pantry, so I think we can make it work! We also would like to make this window into French doors to go out to the backyard.  As you can see, the kitchen also has the inlaid tile--that I now have learned to love.

The back yard has a cherry tree and a palm tree.  There are also other trees--but I am not sure what kind.  It is just the right size for Bella to have a place to play!

One of my favorite things about the house is the terrace.  It is on the second floor and has the most beautiful views of the Pyrenees. It has three stone planters on the railing but one has broken off, so we will want to find one to match and have the contractor put it on. It has more of the French tile that we are growing accustomed to. We also have a really nice view of the town and I am sure we will spend a lot of time out here sipping a chilled rose or serving apertifs to our new found French friends or friends visiting from the U.S or England!

One of the strange things about France (we are learning there are lots of things that we think are strange but to them it is very normal) is that you have to get permission from the Maire (mayor) for anything you want to do to the outside of your house.  For instance, I want to change the color of the shutters.  They are green and I want them to be wood to match the front doors and the garage doors.  This requires permission to do.  Also, that kitchen window that I want to make into a door requires permission. We are learning a little at a time.  I just hope we don't make a mistake!  I wouldn't want the gendarmes taking us away!

 This is the entryway with the furniture the previous owner had.  I am certain we will not have the flowers in the vases but we will have fun decorating! We are anxious to start shopping for furniture.  We were in a town, Pezanas, that is widely known for its fantastic antique shops.  We went down the road and there was shop after shop filled with all kinds of antiques.  I can hardly wait!

The houses in France are painted a certain palate.  Beige, gray, peach, or off white are really common colors.  Many towns have an ordinance on what colors you can paint your house.  You go to the Maire and he/she shows you the color pallet allowed in the town or village.  Our house happens to be peach and I think we will leave it that way.