SOUTH WEST | FRANCE

What started as a dream became the opportunity of a lifetime to renovate an old Master’s House and outbuildings in the South West of France. Resulting in a dream home with incredible views that was eventually bought by a couple that fell in love with our property as the perfect place to retire.

The house was very old yet had a solid shell and beautifully crafted timber roof structures. Set on the edge of a quaint village with views fit for a feature film, it seemed apt to renovate the house and outbuildings to show off their potential. After three years of dedicated effort using all of my construction and design experience, we completed the maître valet’s cottage, turning it into a luxury gite with fully landscaped garden and swimming pool. In the main house we carried out extensive electrical and plumbing improvements and rearranged much of the ground floor to provide a large kitchen and dining area. With my trusted team, we embarked upon the demanding project and made use of our experience and picked up many skills along the way. It was so rewarding to learn and implement traditional building techniques that had been part of the region for hundreds of years.

Canal roof tiling; lime rendering and major structural alterations using massive, seasoned oak beams were all elements used to form what we felt to be a sympathetic renovation with a sensitive design approach that blended modern living needs with a traditional and vernacular style. This was a challenging process which truly tested commitment and required a gusto equal in proportion to the size of the property. To be able to look back and see what my wife, Emily, and I achieved in this stunning location is a true privilege.

Being the owner, designer and main contractor of this property and renovation has kept my interest strong in a job I love and wish to progress. I hope to share what I have learnt and show existing and potential clients I can deliver the most demanding remits with confidence, skill and efficiency.