Although it’s nearly February, for the first time this winter, icy winds are sweeping across the Cotentin, bringing flurries of light snow. Further down the peninsula, across the flatlands of the Marais, in an arc from Coutances to Bayeux, Normandy is blanketed with a thick layer of the stuff, decorative but making life tricky for farmers.

Here, nestled in our little corner of paradise, a micro-climate protects us against the worst winter weather, and the fields are full of crops; grey-green leeks, startling violet cabbages and creamy cauliflowers lie pristine in their sandy beds, waiting sleepily to be picked.

Cherbourg and the north Cotentin were the sunniest part of France last year, and all that bright energy contributes to the local economy year-round. Spring and summer bring the tourists in their droves seeking out the quiet beaches and gentle warmth of Northern France. And in the quieter seasons, the farmers profit from the long growing season that, together with the light sandy soil and ample rainfall, make vegetables the primary crop.

The fishing boats struggle however in this kind of weather. Barfleur’s harbour is open to the east, and even across the short stretch of water in the port, there’s a swell. From Nettie’s top floor, I can see them shuttling back and forth, drawing back slightly as they make their approach between the leading buoys, and then powering in, borne quickly by the rollers.

In this quieter season, there’s still plenty of life. Parisians, tired of paying silly prices to ski, are choosing weekends away by the sea, renting local gites and soaking up the ozone. The Café de France has re-opened after its annual break, and as dusk falls, the lights of the bars and restaurants twinkle festively. And on my windy walk yesterday, a catamaran swooped past, the water’s cold, but once you’re in, it’s lovely!

Meanwhile, it’s nearly time to start dressing Nettie. One final push next week, and she’ll be ready. The wood-burner will be installed, the dishwasher and bedroom sink commissioned, curtains hung (including a cosy door drape to keep out those icy breezes), and I can start to think about hanging artworks.

I’m planning to hack the wardrobe that was left here, by painting the interior and using the shelves as an open display for crockery and plants. The original mirrored door will be re-purposed in the sitting room, framed with gold leaf for good measure and placed above the mantle. I want as much of her previous life as possible to remain here, an echo of the past.

As an avant-première, here are some pictures that show her final finishes, with distressed floors, eco-friendly paints on the walls and woodwork (Earthborn paints in Posset and Seagull), and most of the lighting in place. There’s a cooker being delivered this afternoon, and next week I’ll be bringing over her furniture. Can you see who sneaked into every shot?