The Big Push

For Henny's birthday, a gang was going to celebrate at Les Goutailles, one of our favourite local restaurants. We decided to have an apéro at TopTop first, determined it would be a building site no more. An almighty push was on to get the place looking presentable for its thus-far biggest-ever audience.

Josh and Michelle tamed the weeds. The man with van we hired to move furniture stored in Henny's garage for the past 18 months, couldn't, at last minute. Teddy & Nicola kindly and ably stepped in with their trusty remorque. We held our breath as the huge couch bumped along country roads and then just about squeeked through the front gate. It was unveiled for the first time since leaving Devon two years ago, happily surviving unscathed.

J de P came to hang art which made an immediate impact. The painting by Dominque Caby was bought nearly 4 years ago. Lizzie & Ali have been safe-guarding it ever since, from dust and builders' mess, during both little French house renovations. Now in its new home at last.

A proper kitchen is still only a twinkle in our eyes, but here's looking into the living room from where it will be. Chairs bought before Kate & John had the sofa recovered, pure coincidence.

A splash of colour in the bedroom.

It took us forever to prepare the marble tiles in the bathroom. Now they're finally sealed, first showers were taken. Divine! The well-travelled fish that came from AL & Liz's ceramics gallery in Toronto so long ago have finally made it out of the bubble pack.

Seeing it all come together was thrilling. Thanks to everyone who helped, especially to Henny, who's done more than anyone, and who lent her birthday as the excuse. It felt like about 5 birthdays rolled into one for me.