Reading your writing brings such pleasure to me. Thank you from my smiling face and heart.
Though I may never make it to France in this lifetime, please tell me again when your meadow bursts into purple blooms so I can book a flight to arrive at their peak.
You are going to make a beautiful physical book out of your writings some day, correct?
This is so kind, thank you, Kathryn! The purple usually hits around late March/early April with the bluebells, I'll be sure to sound the alarm. And a book, yes, it's very much a someday dream. I love that you'd want it on your shelf 💛
Another fun, witty, and charming post Kamille. Speaking from someone who knew you before you were the owner of seven buffets, two children with a matching set of turrets, and one husband who found himself in becoming lost.
Quick note regarding lack of closets/storage - we lived in Italy for 3 years and Germany for 4 years (new houses) and had no closets. If France is the same(and I suspect it is), it was because closets are considered rooms and are taxed exactly the same way. This is why, to keep from paying extra taxes, they do not have closets.
Absolutely … imagine having clothes closets in the bedrooms, linen closets in the bathrooms, coat closets, etc., and your 12-room house is being taxed as a 20-room house. As the French might say, “Viva la difference!”Standalone wardrobes, hall trees, and buffets were critical to our ability to live practically in our houses.
Reading this reminds me of THAT comment from THAT guy a few weeks ago who mentioned the rental costs compared with LA. And said you’d regret it. Not sure how you would really. He was so wrong.
And in a house that large you can never have too many buffets (or buffaloes as they are known in our family)!
Whistles, now that's an upgrade I hadn't considered! No dead phone battery to worry about. It's very Von Trapp family from The Sound of Music 😂 Glad it's not just my husband who vanishes. Solidarity, Molly!
You need the Swedish calling. A high sound like an opera aria. You can hear it for miles around. You will get to be known around town though.😜 thanks for the lovely story.
Hah, I love this! We split our time between a 90sqm apartment in Turin and a 50sqm cottage in Sligo. There’s a derelict farmhouse on the property we will renovate and it will ultimately only be 120sqm (or 160 if we do an extension!) but that already feels awesomely decadent and cavernous!
Ha, "cavernous" really is all relative. After 50 square metres, 120 will feel like a palace. Turin and Sligo is a gorgeous pairing, by the way. Enjoy the farmhouse project!
Reading your writing brings such pleasure to me. Thank you from my smiling face and heart.
Though I may never make it to France in this lifetime, please tell me again when your meadow bursts into purple blooms so I can book a flight to arrive at their peak.
You are going to make a beautiful physical book out of your writings some day, correct?
This is so kind, thank you, Kathryn! The purple usually hits around late March/early April with the bluebells, I'll be sure to sound the alarm. And a book, yes, it's very much a someday dream. I love that you'd want it on your shelf 💛
Another fun, witty, and charming post Kamille. Speaking from someone who knew you before you were the owner of seven buffets, two children with a matching set of turrets, and one husband who found himself in becoming lost.
Ha, you knew me back when I had zero buffets and a findable husband! Miss you both 🤗
Quick note regarding lack of closets/storage - we lived in Italy for 3 years and Germany for 4 years (new houses) and had no closets. If France is the same(and I suspect it is), it was because closets are considered rooms and are taxed exactly the same way. This is why, to keep from paying extra taxes, they do not have closets.
That's fascinating. So the buffet situation might be a tax dodge in disguise! That would actually make a lot of sense. Thank you for the intel!
Absolutely … imagine having clothes closets in the bedrooms, linen closets in the bathrooms, coat closets, etc., and your 12-room house is being taxed as a 20-room house. As the French might say, “Viva la difference!”Standalone wardrobes, hall trees, and buffets were critical to our ability to live practically in our houses.
I adore reading about your life in your chateau in France! Thank you, Kamille! 🥰
Thank you, Mary! So glad you're here for all of it 😊
Your writing is so fun to read!
Thank you, Freddy! So glad it's a good time :)
Reading this reminds me of THAT comment from THAT guy a few weeks ago who mentioned the rental costs compared with LA. And said you’d regret it. Not sure how you would really. He was so wrong.
And in a house that large you can never have too many buffets (or buffaloes as they are known in our family)!
Ha, I'd almost forgotten him. No regrets to report, sorry to disappoint him 😅 And a herd of buffalo is exactly what this house needs, clearly 😂
We use whistles on our property because it’s just my husband and myself now. Because I too, cannot locate my guy some days!
Whistles, now that's an upgrade I hadn't considered! No dead phone battery to worry about. It's very Von Trapp family from The Sound of Music 😂 Glad it's not just my husband who vanishes. Solidarity, Molly!
You need the Swedish calling. A high sound like an opera aria. You can hear it for miles around. You will get to be known around town though.😜 thanks for the lovely story.
The Swedish herding call, yes! It carries for miles and would absolutely give the neighbors something to talk about. I might be brave enough one day 💪
Hah, I love this! We split our time between a 90sqm apartment in Turin and a 50sqm cottage in Sligo. There’s a derelict farmhouse on the property we will renovate and it will ultimately only be 120sqm (or 160 if we do an extension!) but that already feels awesomely decadent and cavernous!
Ha, "cavernous" really is all relative. After 50 square metres, 120 will feel like a palace. Turin and Sligo is a gorgeous pairing, by the way. Enjoy the farmhouse project!
Thank you! We are so fortunate in the odd little places we landed.
We had walkie-talkies in the mill ☺️
A mill! Of course you did, big characterful buildings and walkie-talkies go hand in hand. Kindred spirits, Sue 😊
You need a walkie talkie! That’s what I was going to suggest and then I noticed the text continued after the photo ❤️
Ha, you got there a beat before the reveal! Great minds. They've genuinely changed our lives out here. Thank you, Annick :)
I produced a shortfilm in Provence. That’s how I learned about the wonders of walkie talkies!!