Final plans

Click to enlarge.

To answer the question everyone is asking: no, work has not yet begun on the ground.

But on paper, things are looking very good. For instance, above is the sketch of the South side of the property, as it will appear post-restoration. Note, the covered area on the left. Located directly outside the kitchen, it will make a fine spot where we can sit and dine while enjoying a lovely view of the valley, down below and to the East.

We had a very productive trip, late April early May. And the period since then has seen some progress, too. Briefly:

• We had three in-depth meetings with the architect during which we ironed out the last wrinkles and signed off on the plans:

The South wall. Note the covered patio described above. (Click to enlarge)

The West elevation (i.e. the house, seen from inside the courtyard).

Note the dormer windows, and the terraced yard.

Interesting also to compare with the earlier sketch posted in December. (Click to enlarge)

•  We visited many suppliers and are now very close to selecting materials, appliances, doors and windows.
• Flooring will likely be as follows: chestnut in most rooms and on the stairs; stone in the kitchen; and tiles in the bathrooms.

 Other areas where progress is being made:

• The building permit application is in.
• Applications are being processed for water and power to be reconnected at the site in time for the work to start.
• We're going back for a week at the end of June, to ensure that everything is on track for work to begin in the Fall.