Weekend Trip 17-20 November 2005

Paul (a friend and ex colleague) and I had a long weekend at the house. The plan was to get a few jobs done as well as enjoy ourselves away from wives and families!

We flew from Southampton (what a joy that airport is!) to Limoges and then drove the 70km or so down to the house. It was pretty cold when we got there and after putting all the electric heaters on we managed to get it up to about 16 degrees after 24 hours! Luckily we had taken sleeping bags, so with these and duvets we were at least warm at night.

When we tried the fireplace out in October it was not very effective (most of the heat went up the chimney) and when the fire died down it smoked the place out. So we decided that lighting the fire was not a good idea so we would buy and install a woodburner.
You would think that buying a woodburner was easy in an area where most houses seems to have them. To cut a long story short you could either buy a cheap one at Mr Bricolage or similar places or you have to order one! Luckily we were on our way back from Brico Depot in Perigueux and drove past the BricoFleur in Excideuil and they had a few good quality burners in stock, and whats more they would deliver! So agreement was reached and I met the driver by the church in St Mesmin the next morning and he followed me the last 5km (most people can't find the house even with a map!).

Several hours later it was installed. Our friendly and very helpful Dutch neighbour Ben cut the last piece of chimney pipe to size and we lit the fire with some trepidation….

It was a great success and 4 hours later we were nice and toasty at around 24C. So that evening we ate in, nice local steak and a bottle of decent Burgundy.

The fire kicks out 12KW when fully 'stoked'. Am very pleased, this was a good investment. How we need to finish off removing the plaster and then pointing the back of the fireplace and it will look fantastic. Just the rest of the house to finish now!

Paul did a great job on making new 'hatches' for the cave, I did a few other little things. All in all a good and enjoyable weekend!