Outside complete

Latest gite picture. Click for a bigger image.The outside of the new gites is finally finished. The last month or so has been hard physical work, but rewarding. Our aim was to get the outside finished before the start of the season so we are only about a week late, but Easter was early this year. Is that a good enough excuse ?

The last lorry load of gravel was spread yesterday after Ian and I finished laying the new patios. Driving the vibrating wacking machine over the pavers was noisy but quite good fun.

For the gite on the left I've built a ramp – lined with, I think, rather stylish granite edging stones – up to the doorway to allow for wheelchair access. The downstairs of this gite has a downstairs bedroom and bathroom en-suite with planned disabled facilities; wet room style shower, wall bars for the toilet etc.

Carolines painted the railings at the front, made up some trays of pansies and started planting up the flower beds. Hopefully I've given her enough time to get the beds established for the Summer.

Mower woes

On Saturday as Caroline was finishing the gite changeover ready for the new guests I decided to have a major mowing session to smarten the place up. The weather was perfect for mowing and given the time pressure of new arrivals I think I may have worked our rider-on a little too hard. With the front of the house, play field and main 'public' areas finished I tried to tackle the extra long grass in the grotto when bang, the belt snapped. Mower broken. Luckily I was on the home stretch, but still a bit of a pain.

The poor thing has been sat beltless and impotent dismantled in the garage whilst we've been waiting for the new belt to arrive that I ordered Saturday afternoon. I collected the new belt today. 75 euros. Thats 50 quid, for a glorified fan belt. An expensive lesson in taking things steady. I wonder if a pairs of tights will work next time ?

French Capital Gains Tax

Something that isn't often considered when buying a house in France is Capital Gains Tax – the tax that may be levied by the French Government on any increase in value on a property between the time it was bought and sold.

The law regarding Capital Gains Tax changed quite dramatically at the beginning of 2004, updated articles on the Essentials of French Capital Gains Tax and a CGT FAQ are now available.

Please seek professional advice before taking action.