Yes, today is my anniversary at Basse Copette, 4 years! There have been a few ‘downs’, but there have been many more ‘ups’. And although there are times when I have wished I knew then what I know now, we all know that is just wishful thinking, its been the ‘learning’ that has made the last four years so interesting. I have met some wonderful people, and been honoured to have some of these people return. In so doing, I have seen many young families grow: young couples who visited in my first or second year with a 2 year old, and then to see them two or three years later. I resist repeating that line I used to hear when meeting older relatives after a long time ‘My, haven’t you grown! I remember when you were this high.’ So in celebration of four great years, I thought I would post the first of a few before and after photographs
As I type this post, this time four years ago I was sat in a nearby Notaires office while he read through all 25 pages of the Acte de Vente. It was a bit tiresome, and especially so for the person who sold me the property as he needed to get back to Calais to get a ferry back to the UK. And I was just anxious to get into my new home. It was a bit tedious, but the Notaire was a very good friend of one of the previous owners, a religious correspondent for ‘La Monde’, the French newspaper. So I did get to hear some interesting stories and history of the house and hamlet.
La Ferme, before and after: 1990 (above) and 2006 (below). Taken from one end of the lounge area towards the dining area.
These ‘before and after photos’ are of the lounge and dining area in La Ferme. The older photos were taken by the Scots when they bought the property from the Journalist mentioned above in 1990. The more recent photos were taken by a friend of mine during her visit in May 2006. The significant difference is the removal of the plaster board that acted as a dividing wall between what is now the dining and lounge areas. Removing the plaster boards revealed the beautiful and original oak beams that would have originally supported the mud and grass that made up the walls.
La Ferme, before and after: 1990 (above) and 2006 (below). Taken from one end of the dining area towards the lounge area.
La Ferme is now available for luxury B&B accommodation during most of the year, and for self catering accommodation during July and August.
What a transformation.. I did not realise how normal the place looked.. When I visited you Thomas I thought the building had been like what it is now for many years. We’ll definitely be back to see what other improvements you have made.
Pete