Restoration home

We’ve bought an old restoration home in France. With no budget, but lots of time and skills, it is a very long term project of many phases. From converting an attic, to tearing down internal walls. Creating a rentable apartment, to converting a barn into our new home. Lots of planning, day dreaming and hard working are going into our long term home.

Unearthing cobblestones at PumpjackPiddlewick

We have discovered cobblestones in our courtyard. Actually, we knew there were cobblestones, we just hadn’t quite realised they were ‘COBBLESTONES!’. You see our courtyard has gravel in it. And gravel is very, very annoying at times. Fine if it is outside, say, in the garden. But when it isRead More →

Repairing and old deck chair with striped canvas at PumpjackPiddlewick

I am in love with deck chairs. I freely admit it. Especially if they are wooden with striped canvas. My passion for deck chairs began as a youngster. My Dutch grandparents had a garden allotment (on the edge of Amsterdam), complete with tiny summer house. Sort of like those youRead More →

Join me in my happy space at PumpjackPiddlewick

I have been contemplating the concept of creating a happy space. Not an esoteric, froufrou atmosphere in my head, but an actual space. That creates happiness. Or, at least a sense of well being. A smile spot 🙂 You see, sitting, working at my desk yesterday, I realised happiness isRead More →

Living in a restoration home at PumpjackPiddlewick

Living in a restoration home has its drawbacks, but also some surprising bonuses. Its definitely a world of pluses and minuses, with only a supposed end in sight. But then life is like that anyway, so maybe deadlines although helpful ought not to be the ultimate goal. The home weRead More →