Turning up the heat

As the summer heatwave continues, things are starting to take shape at Nettie.

Inside the top floor room, with its fantastic view of the harbour, we've insulated the roof and installed tongue and groove pine panelling. The style's a little retro perhaps, but I think it'll look good painted white, kind of a Bahamas beach hut/loft space vibe. 

It's certainly warm working up there in this heat, although with the addition of a Velux window on the north facing side, there's a nice through current.

I've been whitewashing this week in preparation for the next phase – repointing the side walls. You'll recall that we removed the old mortar and then sandblasted, so the colour of the pretty stones have revealed themselves in muted tones of ochre, pink and grey.

Below is a little video I shot in time lapse of my whitewashing efforts. 

Below are some interim before and after pics of the top floor. The sharp eyed amongst you will spot the cupboard that was left with the house – Stephane has used the old sink from the first floor (photo further down the page) and converted it into a nifty piece of furniture so you will be able to brush your teeth before settling down for the night! 

Before and after - North wall with new Velux..

Before and after - Harbour side

Meanwhile, on the second floor, Stephane and the team have been working flat out to create a tiny bathroom in the room that will be the sitting room. He's managed to find space for a metre wide shower, a little washbasin and suspended loo, as well as a tiny closet!  

Miraculously, the main room still feels large enough to sit comfortably, and it will be so cosy once the woodturner has been installed.  He's also created a top panel in the bathroom for some coloured glass, and a matching one in the sliding door – should be very atmospheric.

Spot the old sink on this floor (and Löic, Stephane's brother just off stage :))

While all this was going on, I carved out some time to attend the Barfleur annual event, at which all things local were celebrated. It was a charming affair, with locals in traditional costume, and children played skittles games on the seafront. 

The photo at the header is one of me getting an Instagram shot of the local clinker-built fishing boats, beautifully restored and decked out for the occasion.

Vive la Normandie!