To bring you up to speed, we finally took possession of the house in May 2007, decamping from the caravan without even a kitchen, most of the furniture arrived in a large van and we spent several months searching for lost bits but as of now the only loss seems to be the long ladder which would be useful for outside deccies,(we are going native) locally our voisins decorate their gardens instead of inside and I had hoped to put lights on the 30ft Xmas tree outside but unless Collins Removals turn up with it between now and the 25th that won’t happen.
Managed to fit a Kitchen into the Utility room
so that the big Kitchen has become a breakfast/dining/having coffee with friends room which I think the French call an ‘espace de vie’
Winter has arrived at last and we are really getting the benefit of the large wood burner in the living room
this takes great big logs and will boil you at 100 paces if you don’t strangle the thing, soon to be added is a wood fired Cooker in the big Kitchen as soon as the Flue is delivered so we will be toasty all winter through.
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The summer was only warm by local standards 32 deg in the afternoon but cooling at night for a good night’s kip and we managed to get the pool installed and filled before the end of the season,
next year we should be able to make more use of it especially if the weather is skorchio!
Mary says I can’t have any more presents this year cause the toy room is full, to be fair I have fulfilled a lifetime’s ambition and am now the proud owner of some serious big boys’ toys chainsaw/ride on mower etc.
We managed to get onto the French version of the NHS without any problems which some Brits have had and have been in the press in the UK, guess its useful having an OAP as a wife!! Registered with a local Doctor who speaks English, no queues, or waiting lists here, but there is a Fee to pay for each visit which deters you somewhat and stops the blockage seen in surgeries in the UK, our chemist is great and has pre ordered Mary’s medication which costs less here than in the UK
Mary’s’ irritants are all associated with differences in flour and fats and we have had some interesting cakes over the past six months, that being said we are eating a lot better and healthier out here, whether that is because we now have time to sit down to a proper meal and we have taken a decision to avoid animal fats if at all possible or because the standard of raw materials is higher here but at an increased cost. we have had to increase our food storage and some unkind people have claimed we are trying to rival Tesco's....cant see what they mean?
Lots of people have visited us from the UK which we expected in the first year and Mum L-T is with us over Christmas and New Year. We hope that they all enjoyed themselves. There were times when we felt like tour operators and so for next year we are only accepting guests who are independent, i.e. they make their own transport arrangements, while they may be in holiday mode we still have an awful lot of work to complete, also its very hard to take people to the same attraction several times a year and still remain enthusiastic about it!!
We have settled in well and cannot foresee any reason to contemplate a return other than for Weddings etc. We are now getting used to being retired that’s to say we no longer have time to fit work into a busy schedule, Have met many interesting people out here, as we are all in the same boat we tend to talk to people in the street if you hear English and once any ice is broken can lead to a long conversation over a coffee in the nearest café.
After a few visitors I wrote this:-
A year later after a deluge of guests we wre feeling a little frayed and we believe anyone moving over here for the first time will understand, for the wannabees be warned and for other peoples guests read, note and inwardly digest:
Chez Roger et Marie
Chambres d’hôte
Situated in the heart of the Périgord - Verte, on the southern edge of the national park “Périgord – Limousin” within a mile of the typical rustic village of Thiviers.
Nearby are the historic towns of Périgueux, Brantôme, Limoges, and the rivers Isle, Dronne and Dordogne. The sea or the Massif Central are only a day trip away as are the wine centres of Bergerac and Bordeaux. A number of guide books and large scale maps are available to help further your enjoyment of this area.
Nearby are facilities for shopping, cinema and theatre, horse riding and a day at the races, golf, fishing and canoing.
We regret that “ Thomas’s Tours” are no longer operating however; A small air conditioned car is included٭ in the modest fee (Ford Fiesta) together with transfers from the two nearest airports (Limoges or Bergerac), for up to four guests, , Other airports would be considered at an additional cost. Regrettably no discount can be considered for those with their own transport.
Continental breakfast, a light lunch, and an evening meal ‘en famille’ are served every day, using locally procured ingredients giving you the best of périgordien cuisine and locally produced wine.
Our cook provides daily master classes in subjects as diverse as Bread, Jams and preserves, using our own fruit, Cake making and périgordien cuisine, using locally reared duck, walnuts and foie grasse. You will be able to help from preparation to presentation and finally sit down to the result in the evening. A visit to one of the local marché is almost obligatory to savour the variety and quality of local produce.
The cook works to the very finest standards but is equally happy to provide nursery food, and any special dietary need should be advised when booking. The cook would be happy to provide picnic food upon reasonable notice in lieu of an appropriate meal
Set in over an acre of pasture with many Oak and Fruit trees. The setting is ideal for life ‘en plein air’.
Guests are welcome to eat the fruit in season but we would be grateful if you only harvest sufficient for your immediate needs.
The accommodation is level throughout, and contains three double bedrooms (one en-suite with walk in shower) each with a double or king-size bed.
A large tiled bathroom with a walk in shower and bath and a separate W. C with hand basin compliment the indulgent feel.
There is a lavish salt water (No nasty chlorine smell) swimming pool 25 ft by 13 ft with roman steps specially suited to all ages and abilities, with a depth varying from 30 inches to over 5 feet. There is a lawned sun lounging area provided with ‘Lafuma’ loungers and a giant parasol.
A large equipped terrace with electric sun canopy and barbecue area overlooks rolling country side. Entry to the 25 ft living room is gained by twin French windows. The comfortable furnishings are complimented by a typical French wood burning stove.
Evening entertainment is not forgotten, there is English Satellite TV and Radio, DVD’s, and VCR, Broadband Internet is also provided. A large library is available including a choice of chick-lit and bodice ripping yarns
A rustic living kitchen with local oak table and chairs for six and a wood burning cooker opens off the living room and leads to the summer kitchen with gas hob and electric fan oven, dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer, full size fridge and large freezer..
Availability:-
We are fully booked until the end of 2020.
2021 bookings are being taken.
Tariff٭ Saturday 1600 to Saturday 1000:-
Summer 2021 €2010 per week or part thereof for up to four guests;
Spring and autumn 2021 €1800 per week or part thereof for up to four guests;
Winter 2021 including Christmas and New Year €1100 per couple (two couples accepted) per week or part thereof.
The Small Print
1) The pool is open but not heated throughout the year.
2) Sufficient, good quality, linen, and towels are, of course, changed weekly. Concierge service is only available between 10.00 and 20.00. Service washes are charged at €8.00 wash, dry and fold. Ironing is available at an additional €12.00 per hour or part thereof payable locally. Additional linen and towels are available to rent, prices on application to the concierge. The concierge is only available for routine maintenance of the building and pool, all cleaning; bed making etc. is the responsibility of the client; there is no maid service.
3) ٭Payment due 1 week before the holiday, deposit of 50% on booking, good behaviour’ deposit of €2000 in cash to be deposited with the proprietors before commencing the holiday. Refundable at the end of the holiday less payments for breakages, unnatural wear and tear, and additional cleaning costs. The condition of the accommodation will be inspected on a weekly basis when changing linen etc and if at that time and in the opinion of the proprietor normal care and hygiene standards are not being maintained to the extent that the good behaviour bond is insufficient; the hire will be considered as terminated by the guest’s actions.
4) .No discount for children, no pets. No smoking in the house. No food in the bedrooms.
5) The management reserve the right to refuse entry or to terminate without reimbursement any bookings made by dick heads, Guardian readers and merchant bankers.
6) Car hire assumes full Euro driving license nominated driver(s) over 35 years old with less than 3 points and more than 4 years experience. No smoking in the car.
7) In the event of dispute the law applicable is that determined by the proprietor.
Les règles de la maison.
1) Swimming Pool
A) We take pride in offering a great swimming experience running a low chlorine pool, however this regime requires that personal hygiene is of the highest standard, we therefore insist that children are taught not to use the pool as a standby toilet and that parents insure that babies are protected against ‘accidents’ while using the pool. A paddling pool for infants is available.
B) Pool furniture is designed with a maximum of 18 stone in mind, any heavier and the management are not insured against injury etc caused by the failure of the apparatus.
C) No glass ware within 5 metres of the pool. Broken glass is impossible to clean from the pool without emptying it.
D) All users must shower using soap or other cleanser before entering the pool. This is to insure that cosmetics which stain and body secretions which contaminate the pool are removed.
E) No instant tanning creams on any body entering the pool (see above). Waterproof sunscreen is acceptable.
F) Dress code. Only bona fide swim wear may be used in the pool, cut downs and outside wear are not allowed. Swim wear is not obligatory.
2) Indoors
A) The location of the house dictates that all waste is processed through a septic tank (fosse septique). The toilets and drains to sinks etc are able to accept ‘fosse friendly’ products and toilet paper only. Therefore the use or disposal through the drainage system of all products containing bleach including baby sterilising solutions, cleansing wipes, mouthwashes or anti bacterial products are banned. Such products are designed to kill bacteria (‘germs’) which the fosse septique relies upon to process your waste, similar sanitary products should be disposed of via the dustbin NOT the toilet. To paraphrase only products you’ve swallowed may go down the loo!!!!
B) Please ask for guidance before operating any equipment, the electric canopy may only be used in sunny, calm periods, shutters and windows require a little knowledge to utilise correctly without damage. The window dressings are not designed to be drawn, if you require further privacy please close the shutters.
C) Dirty dishes should be placed within easy reach of the dishwasher. Only wrapped food may be placed in the fridge.