One of the reasons I opted to buy my house is that it had three bedrooms, each with its own bath, and a half-bath to spare on the main level just off the kitchen. It’s nice when houseguests can have their privacy.
One of these three bedrooms is called a studio as it is a bit larger with a sitting area that has its own private entrance.
The studio was constructed below the terrasse in the back of my house. I understand it was once part of a larger garden and there were steps that went from the terrasse down to the passage below. But all that was closed up when the studio was created.
To get to it now, one has to go out my front door, turn to the left on Rue Haute then left again on a ruelle, Rue Ste. Marie, which is more of a walkway with 11 steps down to the next street, Rue Basse. Halfway down, there is a gravel passageway that leads to the studio entrance.
While the passage is considered communal property, I was told it is my responsibility to maintain it. So periodically I go down to weed which is really quite a task. I bought a weed-burning unit, but that still takes a lot of time, anywhere from 5-6 hours to get it all cleaned out. But it has to be done.
It is a long story and the topic of a future post, but my terrasse has to be replaced due to a leak which is impacting the ceiling of the studio. I’m afraid it has become a bit of a legal issue as it existed prior to my ownership. So what’s at stake is who is going to be pay for it. Once this is resolved and the work completed, I want to focus on beautification of the passage with plants, maybe lavender, etc. to minimize the weeds. But there has also been a drainage issue….
There are rain pipes coming down from my terrasse as well as that of two of my neighbors. The pipes have simply dropped the water into the passage and that’s that. It has been causing erosion and the integrity of the entrance to the studio has been at risk. So I consulted with my plumber, Arnaud, to come up with a plan to capture the water from these pipes and run them underground to the Rue Ste. Marie where the water would drain to the street.
Arnaud and I talked about it last year but, if you’ve followed my stories for a while now, you know that nothing gets done quickly. Most artisans are independent and they line up work to fit their lifestyle. And some things get priority more than others. There was no rush to this, so I assume it remains on Arnaud’s list of low priority items.
This morning I woke up to what sounded like a buzz-saw. I saw smoke arising from below the terrasse and assumed it was my neighbors behind me on Rue Basse undertaking some project. Once dressed, I went out on the terrasse to take a look and was surprised to find workers from the village down below cutting a cement barrier to create a drainage ditch. Hence the smoke. I grabbed my jacket and went down to ask them if they were putting in a new drainage system and they confirmed it. I told them I had consulted with Arnaud but I was happy because now it is one less project for me to have to undertake.
Around 3 PM, my doorbell rang. The foreman (a neighbor in fact, Monsieur Bassy), asked me to come take a look. He also said they wanted to enlever le portail (to remove the gate). I wasn’t sure I was hearing him right so I phoned Chantal to ask for her translational help. Sure enough, the mayor ordered the gate removed. My only argument was that it provided a barrier from dogs entering and doing their business which I have had to deal with. But there was no bargaining and out it came.
Good things come to those who wait. I no longer have to worry about the drainage problem and it didn’t even cost a centime. Finally, because they had to dig up the earth, they effectively did my weeding. Now about those dogs….
Good luck indeed. I can imagine how that water, in a wet season, could cause all kinds of mischief. That the town did it without a long period of discussion, that the foreman is a neighbor, all of this sounds almost as sweet as that studio. Does the gate come down because it is town property?
Yes,communal property.
About six months ago I was visited by a representative from the mairie telling me that the gate couldn’t be locked, that I needed to leave it unlocked as it was communal property. How it came to their attention is a mystery as it is quite hidden. I inherited it all in the sale so I wasn’t tied to it though I did feel it was added security, not that security is an issue here. So I left it unlocked, but obviously someone felt that wasn’t sufficient.
It came to their attention due to a neighbor. That’s how these things always work. My guess is that they fixed the drainage because it threatened the integrity of multiple dwellings on your level and below. As for the dogs, there are a variety of chemical repellants. But I would quietly put in an invisible fence. Now that you don’t have to pay for the drainage, just put an invisible fence across the entryway. People can go on, but dogs won’t.
Good idea! However, I will wait until the work on the terrasse and passage is complete. That will indeed take care of it. Thanks!
An amusing turn of events that benefited you. You certainly deserve it, Tom. I am sure the town harbors no robbers because it sounds like any secret is impossible to keep! Kristin
Funny how that works. The shutters may be closed, but there are eyes everywhere!
Tom, you can install a caméra and see what is going on there. It is the owner’s responsability to collect the poop.
Thanks, Mariana. Hopefully with an invisible fence one day, it won’t be an issue. But was we say: “On terra!”
Definitely plant some lavender. The passage will be lovely! I look forward to seeing your next set of photos.
Unfortunately, an invisible fence only works if the dogs are wearing collars that emit a warning sound before they are given a small, unpleasant (but not harmful) electric shock. I doubt if you would want to go to the expense of furnishing collars for all the dogs in your village!
Right. Well, let’s see how things play out.
Good news indeed. Your place is looking gorgeous and what a view from the terrace.
Thank you! And yes, the view was a definite selling feature.
I am probably repeating myself by saying this, but I can’t think of a place I would rather have been during this pandemic. We are safe as our region has remained relatively untouched. The village is peaceful. Life is simple and the people wonderful. I count my blessings.