Tomorrow the renovation begins. Sledge hammers, tiles, rocks, more rocks, dust galore will happen, then hauled down two flights of stairs in buckets since the stairwell is small and the port doesn't allow removal from tubes out the windows.
Such fun.
This is the other part of the apartment. It is on three floors. We call this the first floor, the other floor we call the middle, and the last floor the loft.
On the first floor will be the entrance, a kitchen and a bedroom. The middle will have a bathroom, and a living room, the loft will be another bedroom.
That is the plan.
There are two sets of stairs to the apartment. This set will be ripped out, and covered over giving us a couple more feet of living space, or enough room to add a table by the window.
Those stairs will become many buckets of debris, at least a ton worth.
This is the view from the first floor, where the kitchen will be.
Twilight in Cassis.
The ceiling beams will be stripped back to the natural wood.
The angle piece (on the left) will be removed as it is the exterior stairwell going to the middle floor.
Hence in front of French Husband there will be a new set of stairs going to the middle floor.
The kitchen will go on French Husband's left side, it will be three meters fifty long.
This is the angle part that will be taken out.
Renee is the young man who will be doing the work, and the little guy is his sweet son.
Behind French Husband is the window (future kitchen table) in front of him will be a bedroom, where he is standing a kitchen.
The future bedroom.
And so it begins tomorrow morning.
...
So exciting! Thank you for sharing this with us - can't wait to watch the transformation!
Posted by: Debbie | 06 March 2016 at 11:20 PM
I hope and pray that the work goes smoothly and safely.
Posted by: Bev S. | 06 March 2016 at 11:50 PM
Corey this gives a really good idea of what the space is. Love those beams they are fantastic.
Posted by: Diogenes | 06 March 2016 at 11:54 PM
Are their houses on both sides of you?
Posted by: Diogenes | 06 March 2016 at 11:57 PM
Thank you! I hope so.
Posted by: French la Vie | 07 March 2016 at 12:00 AM
Oh yes! All along the port. I will share a photo.
Posted by: French la Vie | 07 March 2016 at 12:00 AM
there, ugh.
Posted by: Diogenes | 07 March 2016 at 12:02 AM
Thanks would love to see the front!
Posted by: Diogenes | 07 March 2016 at 12:03 AM
Oh that view!
Posted by: Kipper | 07 March 2016 at 12:22 AM
I just know it will be beautiful when you are all finished. Love those skinny bones.
Posted by: Marilyn | 07 March 2016 at 12:29 AM
I visited Cassis a few years ago so know exactly where you are - what a wonderful view and fabulous place to have a house! Really look forward to seeing the transformation as you weave your magic.
Posted by: Carol | 07 March 2016 at 12:58 AM
Ok, I see my part here...I can haul debris, I can babysit, I can be a gopher (Jackie, can you gopher this, can you gopher that?) AND I will work for free (can I stick a sleeping bag in the loft?)
Posted by: Jacklynn Lantry | 07 March 2016 at 01:57 AM
May the Lord watch over everyone as they work and may He give you divine inspiration for the design and a huge heap of grace for all involved.
If nothing else, you can always give thanks that you aren't having to live in the space while it is being renovated.
I know it will turn out as lovely as your other two homes.
Posted by: Trisha | 07 March 2016 at 02:55 AM
I can see it already-smooth sailing is my prayer for you the workmen and the overall project!
Posted by: g | 07 March 2016 at 02:57 AM
So happy for you. Thanks for sharing pictures.....Blessings to you and to the work being done. May you find no surprises!
Posted by: s/e | 07 March 2016 at 03:51 AM
The view from the kitchen window is sublime! Can't wait to see the progress.
Posted by: Kathleen | 07 March 2016 at 04:45 AM
Heigh-ho, heigh-ho, it's off to work you go...
Posted by: Kathie | 07 March 2016 at 04:49 AM
So excited for you and Yann...
Ali
Posted by: Ali | 07 March 2016 at 06:57 AM
What fun and the views are amazing. Really looking forward to you showing us how the progresses.
Posted by: Our French Oasis | 07 March 2016 at 09:06 AM
I am impressed with the amount of structural changes. We are considering buying in Spain (we live in Tenerife) but the amount of rules/procedures and taxes we have to follow are a bit scary. Did you need to present an architect/engineer plan to the city hall?
I am looking forward to seeing how the project goes. Good luck!
Posted by: Francesca | 07 March 2016 at 11:42 AM
The view is just magic. I have visited Cassis a couple of times - it is a really lovely spot! Can't wait to see the wonderful transformation. Whatever "style" you choose - I am sure it will be stunning. How exciting!!
Posted by: Debbie | 07 March 2016 at 12:15 PM
Looking forward to watching the process from here!
Posted by: Mardog | 07 March 2016 at 02:23 PM
This is SO exciting!!! Same but wayyy different than fixing up our little holiday farmhouse in Prince Edward Island. I swear I could feel the old house appreciating every bit of polish. Can't wait to see all of your progress and to, hopefully, be one day be one of your tenants!
Posted by: Shelley | 07 March 2016 at 04:12 PM
So exciting, will be fun to share t progress! Maybe it will be done by our next visit.
Best wishes!
Posted by: Dd | 07 March 2016 at 04:20 PM
Bon Courage à tous, Corey! It will be so worth it...
Posted by: Heather in Arles | 07 March 2016 at 04:22 PM
Slow and steady wins the race. What about a tube down the stairs with a collection bin at the bottom?
Posted by: Carol L | 07 March 2016 at 05:17 PM
Oh my goodness you guys are Trojans! You definitely don't do anything by halves!
I Love your vision .....it's going to be a most amazing transformation... Looking forward to the journey with you... From the comfort of afar!
Posted by: Andrea | 07 March 2016 at 08:07 PM
Oh boy! Now the fun starts!! Now that I've seen the inside to this extent, I think I like your antique French style for this apartment. I just can't envision a modern look. Are there any other modern renovated apartments in the same building? I love both styles.
Posted by: Terri N Texas | 08 March 2016 at 02:53 AM
Wow! Your workers should be part mountain goats to get this accomplished! Cannot wait to see the transformation!
Posted by: Gretchen Seibert | 08 March 2016 at 03:13 AM
Best of luck to all involved!
Posted by: Shelley Noble | 08 March 2016 at 05:12 AM
This made me shudder..... as it reminds me of our tiny house on FOUR floors in Lutry, Switzerland. And yet, and yet: With all the work 'my' (then) tiny house was a joy to behold, a treasure and when we moved (again), it got sold within 20' of the 1st and only visitor. Such was the charm - and I can see it right in front of me happening wih your flat too.... And as others said it: You won't have to live WITH the dust and rubble and dirt (as we had to!).
Good luck; it WILL BE ALRIGHT and beautiful.
I find that in France the most difficult thing is not even the admin bother (and that's bad enough - AND you will do that in a conservation area of the 1st degree I suppose) but is to find decent, honest and hard-working 'artisans'. Especially good luck with your young man; you seem to be lucky indeed.
Lots of love, croissants and espresso :)
Posted by: Kiki | 08 March 2016 at 10:04 AM
Love the changes. Take a picture of the inside stairwell going to the loft. Curious mind here.
Posted by: Sharon Morrison | 08 March 2016 at 03:49 PM