Turning our French Rental, into a Full-Time Home
We have some work to do!
When we designed this French house four years ago, we did it with renters in mind.
We bought it as a summer house to use for family vacations and rent out when we were not there.
But now that we have moved here full-time, we have a few adjustments to make to make it our home!
Watch my video below to see what’s on our to-do list!
OK Beth, I'm going to try to remember what I wrote last night which some how wound up somewhere on the internet super highway!.
I thought that you might think of changing the entry way where you have hats and baskets hanging on the wall. Pretty and decorative yes but what do you have for coming in with boots and coats, Where will they go? Can you make either a closet or a tasteful "mudroom " instead?
I don't see the cabinet being very practical for cookbooks (you're talking to someone with hundreds of cookbooks ). But as I saw how you were going to put them in the cabinet, , I immediately saw that there would be no way for you to see the titles. You would have to comb through them one by one. You couldn't put them in so that the bindings were facing outward. It's a neat space but I think you'd be hard put to use it for books.
I still think it's going to be difficult even with a capsule wardrobe to outsize that one closet. Is there room for an armoire (think old French homes --they had no closets; everyone had armoires). My friends who moved to the US told me that no one wants the armoires anymore. They couldn't even give theirs away. I bet you could find some beautiful ones in a brocante. Also for things like cleaning supplies, mops etc, can you find closets (think industrial Home Depot) to put in your garage. That's where I have all my cleaning supplies and they're out of sight. I also have my heavy Le creuset and specialty pans on shelves in the basement. I think you don't have a basement? Again the garage may be your saving grace.
I wondered if your house has volets. I always thought they were wonderful. Especially the ones that are opened and closed inside with a touch of a button. They help with heat in the winter too.
Your house is beautiful. I'm sure you'll figure it out.
Just watched this video. Can’t believe you’re sharing that tiny closet! What about winter sweaters and coats when winter comes? 🤪
And hope you’re enjoy Il de Re!! We were there past Feb and there is this wonderful and charming seafood restaurant at the very end of the pier. My husband and I had a delicious meal with wine there. 😋