Developments!

Since our return from Corsica the weather has been horrendous, heavy rain and very high winds. The fields all around are waterlogged (we even had a pond in the garden) but today the sun has returned and those on May Day break will be feeling relieved.

I thought I'd better bring you up to date with the town square and the jetty, perhaps better in picture form.

The first two photos were taken on 6th April: at last some more activity and a sign saying 'End of Works Summer 2012'

These four photos were taken this last week, showing the double line of piles, 9 on the left & 5 on the right for the moment

Onto the town square, now open for people to walk across. I hear there's a bandstand going up next year but opinions are divided whether the market will be on here or not

Hats off to the workers though - they've done a magnificent job

The oddest aspect is the roundabout right next to the church. Not very comforting for funerals, perhaps

How's the Starfish doing, you may wonder. Matt is very pleased with the way things are taking off. Long may it continue...

Who can spot some 'home' comforts in these last two photos?!

Mouille Pieds (4)

After our two weeks in Corsica we were very keen to see how Stephen and the lads had been getting on at Wet Feet, and we were highly impressed with developments. 

The kitchen window to the right, and door and window to the snug 

The snug, not yet very snug, but at the rate they're working....!

The kitchen, Colin and John expertly (and effortlessly) plastering the ceiling

Sean fixing a vintage style radiator in the living room

Upstairs all the partitions are up & plastered, and new openings made. Tine is looking out of the balcony window at the back of the master bedroom.

En suite bathroom, the bath now in, I understand

One of the other bedrooms with new openings on the back of the house

Three more exterior shots to show the new openings

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Don't forget http://ourcorsicanadventures.wordpress.com is now updated daily by your faithful blogger!

Mouille Pieds (3)

Just two days later and progress is being made with all hands on deck from Stephen and the lads plus Matt helping when he can.

Dust bellowing out of the future kitchen window when we arrive

A convenient pile of rubble to get us into the future living room

Colin disappearing into the dust

And here's the cause: Brian preparing the opening for a new window in the future kitchen

Liam successfully dowsing for water!

Look at the transformations upstairs, all the partitions down. There'll be three bedrooms and two bathrooms up here.

Walls and beams seem to be in good condition

Where's all that lovely decorating gone?!

Mouille Pieds (2)

The truck arrived whilst Stephen and Matt were at the notaire for the official signing. One of the lads phoned to ask if they could start unloading about 14 tonnes of equipment: permission given, phew!

By the time we got there most of the equipment was safely stored inside, Tinka happy to be back on French soil!

One of several fireplaces, this one in a back room

The stairs leading off from the entrance hall

Upstairs, dilapidated internal walls and 'interesting' decorations 

Above the stairs!

Mouille Pieds (1)

Many of you will remember last year when Stephen & Brian renovated the bar that was to become the Starfish & Coffee, and later brought our kitchen into the 21st century. Well, when holidaying here in the summer with Sally and Lois, Stephen found this old house just south of Luçon. Many, many months and lots of paperwork later they have finally signed and we went for a sneaky outside preview before work started.

Mouille Pied(s) = Wet Feet!

Three photos of the exterior of the house

and the outbuildings, which have been somewhat open to the elements!

Special post!

A new blog to share our holiday in Corsica can be found on http://ourcorsicanadventures.wordpress.com updates depending on wifi access! Stay tuned, folks...