Buried under a raised floor, we do not know why it was raised nor hollow underneath, we found a wooden 18th century boat paddle. You bet that is staying in the apartment, not underground either. We had to rip the floor out as one of the beams was in a bad state and needed to be replaced.
This a closer look at the top part of the handle.
Since the stairs are ripped out the only way to get to one floor to the next is climbing up the skinny straight up ladder. Going up is not as scary as the first step down.
This is the new old beam, isn't it beautiful? If only I had the money to replace all of them I would.
The one in the background is in good condition, and just because I would like to replace it doesn't mean it is going to happen. I wanted to strip it back to the original wood, but the space to work in has no floor at the moment. Each inch of the apartment has either buckets, or shovels, or supplies, or rubble, or workers, or ladders... since we cannot do anything outside, everything is inside. Tasks such as stripping the beams of the old stain and varnish are not high on the list of things that need to be done and space usage. Oh, and by the way, I say, "We" as if... My mother would say, "Do you have a mouse in your pocket?" As "we" doesn't mean that I am doing any of the renovation. But just running around selecting, purchasing and making decisions. I have the fun part.
Second floor.
Boards on beams with a ladder.
Secure, but scary as hell.
It doesn't look secure.
I tapped it, and poked it before walking across.
Up up up is the bedroom.
The stairs will go on the right side.
The stairs: Finding stairs that will work, given the beams, small space, angle and more importantly, as if that isn't enough important stuff already, getting them upstairs from the outside inside is the biggest challenge as the space is only 55 cm. wide.
Looking down from the bedroom loft to the middle floor.
Standing on the edge, talking about the skylight. We decided not to extend the loft. The light from the skylight is too important to block.
That is what it looks like to go two floors down.
Scary (insert bad word).
Yann does it with a folder in hand.
I did it with my heart in my mouth.
I believe this is going to be lovely.
I see it finished.
Yann says that is a gift he does not have, he cannot visualize images.
Middle floor makeshift workbench.
Rubble going down, at least the pulley is electric.
Though the last floor to the outside world is on foot.
The stone wall. Not a elegant stone wall more like a hit and miss, mismatch or rubble and dirt stone wall.
Plaster will cover this.
The new old beam with sprouts of greenery growing inside.
The ceiling on the right had to be replaced. The ceiling of the left has the old beams, though it looks interesting as is, it is too rustic for my taste. Cleaned up could be beautiful, unfortunately the amount of time, energy and money to do so might not make it worth it. I might regret covering them... I haven't decided what to do.
History whispers. Modernity calls. Beauty sings. I stand in awe of it all.
The water heater that belongs to the restaurant below us, use to be in the stairwell, the stairwell is no longer there. Crazy but true. So the restaurant's water heater will go in their storage space which we enter to get inside the apartment. Now if you understood that layout you are a champion of visualization.
The ladder is standing on the future kitchen.
The wooden paddle was found in that back space under the floor...
The kitchen (on the first floor) looking up at the new ceiling and the hole that will house the stairs to the middle floor. If you saw the video on Facebook this is where the electrical saw was cutting through.
How do you carry tons of debris down two flights of stairs when there aren't stairs?
This whole journey is fascinating. Those uneven, rustic beams I would probably cover up. The more different finishes you have I think the more it will look like little spaces. Entering through the storage space makes it like a real hideaway, doesn't it?
Posted by: Diogenes | 19 March 2016 at 12:46 AM
your craftsmen-each and everyone of them are artists-from the least to the most experienced-ABSOLUTE ARTISTS!
Posted by: g | 19 March 2016 at 01:09 AM
Wow! I think I will just keep saying that. I am so excited for you.
Posted by: Marilyn | 19 March 2016 at 01:34 AM
How is an 18th century boat paddled different from a 19th (or 17th) century one?
Could you get Chelsea and Sacha and their friends to do the hard labor restoring the beamed ceiling? That way you could save a lot of time and money on it :-)
Posted by: Kathie | 19 March 2016 at 02:28 AM
Erratum: Should read "paddle"!
Posted by: Kathie | 19 March 2016 at 02:29 AM
I'm amazed at the amount of work you've gotten done in a such a short time. The progress is astounding. Is there any way to make the darker beams the same color as the new (old) beams? One the other hand, it might not be so bad to cover them, such a small space doesn't need a lot of pattern. Clean is the way to go in a small space, maybe you instinctively (visually) went that way instead of the brocante way. Whatever you do will be perfect, I have no doubt about that. Your instincts are spot on.
Posted by: Jacklynn Lantry | 19 March 2016 at 03:04 AM
Kind of makes you wonder if there are other items hiding in the place, doesn't it?
I like Kathie's idea of having Chelsea, Sacha and maybe Mr. Espresso help with the ceiling work.
Posted by: Kipper | 19 March 2016 at 03:05 AM
Visualizing the completion of a construction project is indeed a gift. I am a builder. I see it, but only as tasks that I can organize in sequence. I can't envision the finished product. That said, I CAN see when something isn't done correctly or in the right location.
Posted by: Toni | 19 March 2016 at 03:40 AM
I'm a little concerned about the weight-bearing ability of a beam with greenery growing from it! Whodathunk?! Doesn't the wood have to be a little bit rotten in order to be able to support a plant?
Like Yann, I am not able to visualize the end product you are describing. But I'm sure looking forward to seeing the transformation.
Posted by: Kate | 19 March 2016 at 04:53 AM
These pictures are so cool! And the stories that can be derived from the discovery of that one paddle found UNDER the floor? Hmmmm. Could it have been used for nefarious purposes so many years ago? I think it carries the seeds of a very intriguing tale. It deserves a place of honor in your finally finished mini Cassis castle, no?
Posted by: Chico Sue | 19 March 2016 at 06:50 AM
Could the paddle be some sort of good luck token for a fisherman's family that lived here? I read someplace that in medieval times they used to bury a shoe under the hearth for good luck...kind of the same? I love seeing the renovation-in-progress! I, too, am amazed at how quickly it's being done. You've contracted an exceptional artisan! Those of us who live in France know how L-O-N-G it takes to get any project accomplished!
Posted by: Evelyn | 19 March 2016 at 07:21 AM
Hi D
That is exactly what I think about it too. The main focus is to gather light and space.
Posted by: French la Vie | 19 March 2016 at 08:41 AM
You are so right! In France, when you are working with century old places, that share walls with other century old places, knowledge is important and being an artist is equally as important.
Posted by: French la Vie | 19 March 2016 at 08:43 AM
Thank you!
Posted by: French la Vie | 19 March 2016 at 08:43 AM
If they didn't live so far away... If they didn't have jobs... If Chelsea and Sacha and friends could actually all fit inside, If I asked them to come on a weekend they would. And if I was a hundred percent certain that the sanding would help and I that I would not cover them up... they would help.
Regarding the paddle... Well the shape, the state, the eye knows after years of looking at old things, the quality, the lines, the wear, where it was found... history, art, antique books... all those things help make a decision.
When you see it, you will know.
Posted by: French la Vie | 19 March 2016 at 08:49 AM
Thank you Jacklynn for believing in me, and for the vote in the direction I believe needed. xx
Posted by: French la Vie | 19 March 2016 at 08:50 AM
Maybe a gold coin will show up! If I asked they would come, but I am not sure that is what I want.
Posted by: French la Vie | 19 March 2016 at 08:53 AM
That is the needed gift in accomplishing the project. I can see it completed, but Yann knows the steps and the builder knows it all.
Posted by: French la Vie | 19 March 2016 at 08:55 AM
I questioned that too, but when you touch this beam you know that it is solid. At least that is what everyone around me has said.
Posted by: French la Vie | 19 March 2016 at 08:57 AM
Yes a place of honor and stories to make up over wine and looking out to the sea.
Posted by: French la Vie | 19 March 2016 at 08:58 AM
Well said Evelyn. I am going to say the paddle is a good luck token. I didn't know that about medieval times. And you are right we have contracted an exceptional artisan, he has worked on many of Yann and Thierry's projects.
Posted by: French la Vie | 19 March 2016 at 09:00 AM
Thank you for all the photographs and explanations... thanks to them, I think I am finally beginning to visualize the middle floor and the loft.
As one who had stairs built into the stairwell space onsite and from scratch during a renovation of my home, I am wondering why you are not doing that rather than trying to find pre-made stairs that fit exactly? With your tricky stairwell spaces, it seems like stairs built onsite for the spaces would be much better.
Posted by: Leslie in Oregon | 19 March 2016 at 09:08 AM
I am loving watching this transformation, it will be wonderful. You have an amazing vision and a great support staff.
Posted by: Lyn | 19 March 2016 at 11:01 AM
Won't belong before the buckets of debris are little chandeliers being carried in.
Posted by: Dd | 19 March 2016 at 01:22 PM
This Is so exciting! I'm in awe of anyone who can go through this work and visualize the end result. Good for you. Looks like it's going to be awesome! And what a jewel to have in Cassis.
Posted by: Ana | 19 March 2016 at 02:53 PM
For those of us who do not live in such an old country, the ceiling is wonderful and I would hate to cover it up. It is a bit shaggy, but in your spare time maybe you could scrape some of the plaster off of them???? hahahah
The place is looking good. Can't wait to see more unfold.
Hugs...
Posted by: sharon morrison | 19 March 2016 at 04:46 PM
Well, decisions aside, we certainly get a "feel of the space" and the construction challenges you face. Oh what fun balancing a brocante ♥ heart with a contemporary eye. I agree, it seems like you are moving along quickly!
Posted by: Peggy L. | 19 March 2016 at 05:11 PM
Glad to see your heart's desire moving forward so well. Keep going with your wonderful instincts - the paddle will be a good balance for the contemporary approach. I am sure you will find other treasures to complete your new nest.
Posted by: Barbara Blizzard | 19 March 2016 at 05:39 PM
This makes me think of the Tiny House movement that is so big in the U.S. right now. Especially the loft bedroom. The big difference though is remodeling the old to be more useful and attractive. I love the idea of keeping some touches of old and also all the light you can capture. I know you will make it lovely.
Posted by: Elaine | 19 March 2016 at 08:14 PM
This is soooo fun to watch! I agree that the old beams should probably be covered to allow the space to open up as much as it can visually. The loft is so cute, but I'm 5'9" tall, and Yann looks as though his head is between two beams in the skylight photo. Is that an optical illusion? Regardless, I am loving this! Keep up the great work.
Posted by: Jacqueline | 19 March 2016 at 10:25 PM
Hi Leslie
We are having stairs made.
Posted by: French la Vie | 19 March 2016 at 11:16 PM
There is no way I could do this alone. The best staff so far!
Posted by: French la Vie | 19 March 2016 at 11:17 PM
lol, that is the best part!!
Posted by: French la Vie | 19 March 2016 at 11:18 PM
Thanks Ana, I think it is a jewel too, a dream jewel!
Posted by: French la Vie | 19 March 2016 at 11:18 PM
lol.
I would not mind sanding those beams, but I don't think they would look less shabby and not chic...
Posted by: French la Vie | 19 March 2016 at 11:20 PM
The balancing act of old and new... Maybe more old than new... We will see.
Posted by: French la Vie | 19 March 2016 at 11:21 PM
Thank you! I think the paddle is very modern looking too!
Posted by: French la Vie | 19 March 2016 at 11:22 PM
Optical illusion indeed! The ceilings are higher than average.
Posted by: French la Vie | 19 March 2016 at 11:23 PM
I wish we had a long vacation in that town and could stop by every day and peek in a door or window and watch the progress. It seems that the progress over the last week has been particularly fast! I love the paddle and look forward to seeing it displayed.
As someone who fell off a step stool ten days ago and was treated to a trip to the ER--no broken ribs or hip, thankfully just badly bruised ones--I shivered a bit when I saw that ladder up to the upper levels.
Posted by: Linda P. | 20 March 2016 at 04:32 PM
I love watching all the transformation! Pretty soon all the dirty work will be done and the fun part will begin. Can't wait to see the final project. Great job!
Posted by: Simony | 20 March 2016 at 09:19 PM
Please be careful, Corey. A wish for all to be well with all involved.
Posted by: Shelley Noble | 21 March 2016 at 03:33 AM