Auzay is Okay!

Despite the fact that this little village has a tiny population and the extent of the nightlife is limited to the restaurant/bar down the street, my folks were still able to get a DSL connection hooked up and so I am able to give you the breaking news and a few photographs too. This place is really cool, the house dates from the late 17th century and much of the exterior construction is original. The structure is large block stonework, with timbered beams and floors. Of the total property area (which is substantial), about 135 sq. meters has been renovated within the last century.

The village is called Auzay in the arrondissement Fontenay-le-Comte, the closest large towns that you've probably heard of are La Rochelle and Nantes. Last night we had a light meal of local foods. Moules Mariniere, Steamed prawns, fresh baked local bread and a local Chenin Blanc that was exquisite. It's good to be home. The house is in beautiful condition but there is quite a bit of work to be done. I spent the morning sanding down this hideous orange-colored, sponged on paint job that the previous owners were somehow proud of. I also plastered in some gaps along the wall of the stairs in preparation for the big paint job we're going to do in the next couple of days.

The view out of our bedroom is gorgeous and the surrounding countryside is lovely. Local fruits and vegetables have so far been excellent, and we're having a pork tenderloin tonight. I'm currently sipping the second selection of local Chenin Blanc and it is just as good as the last... both are available locally for around 2.30 euros the bottle. Yum. The folks look good, pretty relaxed, all things considered, and being here is reassuring for me. I admit I had my reservations about their decision to move here, not that I voiced them at the time. Now though, I've seen what they've created for themselves here and it is great. A grand adventure and inspiring to say the least. More photos will come as we work the house over this week. I really wish I had a month or two to give them here. They could use the help and it would be a lot of fun to be involved in the renovation of this place.


View of the Garage and through the front gate