Well, as the title reads, Where is 2019 going?
It only seems like yesterday that I signed off from 2018 and said I would be back in touch early 2019 with updates, yet already it is April and spring has arrived. We have had a very busy winter here at Finders Keepers France getting ready for our opening day 1 May. Thankfully we have been blessed with good weather which has helped.
We have seen many changes and updates which I will share with you below. These updates will continue through the summer months this year as we have had great news which will involve lots of hard work and money ready for 2020. After a trip to the maire and many applications we have been given the approval to go ahead with our glamping site. A result we are very excited about.
Glamping site - 2020 will see 3 glamping tents erected in walnut orchard which will all contain a double bed and furniture, BBQ and dining area with access to a shower and toilet which will be located in the main house. They will be located with great views and will have all equipment you need to sit and watch nature and the wildlife around you.
Shady Rest relaxation area - This is our ongoing project. Set up in 2016 as our social area, it is proving to be a very popular area for all guests, An area where you can sit, chill, sleep, play games or just read. This year we are concentrating on the rear outside garden. A fantastic place to sit and watch the sunsets or just relax at any time of day. It has proven to be very popular over the past 3 years therefore this winter we have built an undercover gazebo with comfy seating, fly screens and curtains. We cannot wait for our first guests to try it out.
Games room - This year we have had a little move around within the barn. We always had the vision that the mezzanine would become the games room however trying to relocate a pool table up a spiral staircase took some careful thought. If you have felt the weight of a pool table you will know what I mean. Anyway Darren did manage it, on his own I might add. So we now have a great games room located in the upper mezzanine area of Shady rest and home to the dart board, pool table and library. The comfy leather sofa has been relocated in the downstairs area however in its place you will now find 2 vintage rocking chairs which look out over the beautiful landscaped gardens.
Shady rest social area - Downstairs in shady rest you will now find the large leather sofa, dining table, music, table tennis, board games, guitar, and chess . There is also a rustic bar which will be open from time to time for welcome drinks etc.
Spring photos - Spring is my favourite time of year here in France. It brings sun, flowers, newborn animals and fantastic skies. Oh and most of all Happiness. Every year I feel like it just gets more and more beautiful. What do you think?
Butterfly meadow - Has now been cleared and is currently being planted. We are hoping this will be looking its best by next year ready for the Garden open day that we have planned for the end of May. It is going to take a lot of plants and dedication due to its size (a football pitch), however we will not be defeated.
Finally - As 2019 continues so will the renovations here around the grounds. I will be back in touch next month with photographs of the new kitchen which is currently being installed in Marcadis Gite and also the new swimming pontoon boat house. The formal rose garden is currently being cleared ready for the new path and the potager is ready to be planted.
Thank you once again for listening. I hope you are enjoying the regular updates as much as we are designing them. We look forward to meeting you all this year if you are paying us a visit.
A Bientot
Paula et Darren