The Plan

From the very beginning, it's been our intention to enlarge this house. First we sold Henny's house in Alignan, then we began plans in earnest for the extension. We received our permission to go ahead in July, have met various builders, and are now ready to go. Here's what's happening.

To the left is our garage, which will become a studio. The courtyard between the studio and the house is currently much smaller and slopes downwards rapidly following the lay of our land. It will be levelled with rubble from the wreckage of the garage, and extended to meet the existing terrace. This is Henny's dream. The new part of the courtyard will get the winter sun and should be more sheltered.

The structure to the right side of the tower is currently a shed and covered terrace. We make little use of this area, so it's perfect for rehabilitation into a laundry room/storage area on the street side, and on the garden side, a lovely new bedroom with ensuite bathroom.

Planners made us create parking for two cars, though in reality, it would be tight. But Henny will finally be able to drive down our narrow lane forwards instead of reversing the whole way. She's great at it, but she's over it. The parking area is also on the slope, so will be filled in with the detritus from the shed. Not everything pictured here is exactly how it will be, but we wanted to give you an idea of what's to come.  I'll try to update the blog regularly for Little French House fans.