New beginnings
From the moment I first set eyes on Nettie, I knew she was the girl for me. As drab as a grey December day, hung with cobwebs, and stained by years of neglect, she cut a forlorn figure on the quay.
But with wonderful views of the port at Barfleur, a prime position in the heart of the village, high ceilings, well proportioned rooms, and a generous courtyard at the front for sunny lunches and sunbathing, I knew she’d make a fabulous home.
I admit it’s been hard to keep the faith at times. Stepping out into the darkness before dawn to mix mortar and plaster, endless rounds of cleaning and scrubbing, and moments when I dreaded that some unforeseen defect would render the project unaffordable, I sometimes wondered if she would ever be finished.
As 2018 draws to a close, I can finally glimpse the end of the road, and a new beginning for Villa Nettie that will see this sad and abandoned fisherman’s cottage transform herself into a luxurious holiday home.
Stéphane’s work is nearly complete, and while there’s still decorating to be done, this is the fun bit, where her interiors will be cleaned, sanded and polished, and her lovely rooms dressed for action.
Where once was a grimy loo and cold-water sink, will soon be a fully equipped kitchen, with cosy underfloor heating
On the ground floor, the bones of the kitchen have a neutral colour theme, while I’m intending to pick out ochre tones in the terrazzo tiling in the artwork to paint an old wardrobe that was left here to house casseroles, china kitchen bits & pieces. Bar stools will tuck under the kitchen island for breakfasting, and there’ll be a round kitchen table designed by a local artist just under the window for dining.
A bathroom has been tucked into the corner of the sitting room, with a full sized shower and plenty of storage.
In the middle floor is the sitting room, with two large windows that overlook the comings and goings of the fishing boats and traditional wooden chalutiers with their gaff rigs and ochre sails. It will have a woodburning stove and comfy armchairs that transform into chaises longues, for cosy evenings in front of the fire after a long walk on the long, white sandy beaches that encircle the town.
Not the Caribbean but beautiful Normandy
Finally, on the top floor, a bedroom with a bird’s eye view of the big. blue ocean beyond the port. The bed will be oriented towards the window so that sleepyheads can open the blind and enjoy the view with their morning cuppa. An old cupboard and sink from the middle floor have been hacked by Stéphane into a stylish shabby-chic lavabo.
The sink won’t be in the middle of the room, obvs
The next time you hear from me, I’ll be sharing with you pics of Nettie’s interior, fully dressed and ready for action. Until then, I wish you all Bonne Année, and hope that 2019 brings you all you wish for, and more.
