What a joy it was to work toward the final finish of our kitchen. As with the other rooms we've renovated over the years, our target was a functional and purposefully designed room.
We are thrilled to have found a local carpenter who was able to work within our time frame. Thanks to a cousin who lives nearby, the windows were fitted during our absence in 2018. We received photos after the installation. Seeing both the window and the door in person made for a happy return.
The only window in the kitchen is on the north-west wall. It was smallish and replaced with an oak framed double-pane glass. The exterior was painted for protection from the changing weather. All the other windows will be replaced, and the exterior trim color will match.
The kitchen garden door brings much-needed light into the kitchen. It is situated directly under the "Juliet balcony" of the guest room.
The Boston Ivy or Virginia Creeper was planted years ago and continues to grow hardily to cover the entire wall. A small area on the front wall is slowly being covered, and we celebrate the new growth when we return. The Virginia Creeper sends out runners that cling to the surface and absorb moisture. This trailing plant does not wedge into cracks or soft spots.
A glance back to the original kitchen garden door. We changed the location of the hinges to open on the opposite side.
Several years ago, we found oak cupboard doors at a local Vide Grenier. This translates to "empty the attic." I finally got around to dusting them off and taking a photo just before the carpenter loaded them into his van for restoration.
The stain was very old and very dark, not to mention very dirty. Le Charpentier tested the finish and checked the strength of ancient construction. He removed the hinges and pulls from the doors, the old brass pulls would be reused, but new hinges would be installed.
Luckily the stain could easily be removed, and to keep costs down, I volunteered to strip the stain from the outside frame of each door. After 3 separate applications of the paint/stain stripper, the results were encouraging.
Only 13 more frames to go. As the temperature rises, the paint stripper works faster, but getting this job finished is the priority!
Cabinets, both upper and lower units, were installed in our absence. The frequent question has been, "weren't you anxious to have this all down without being present"? We both felt the carpenter was so skilled and intuitive with our vision we were very comfortable. He was always the consummate artisan. We viewed his previous work in the area, we visited his home and family and his workshop. He and his lovely wife easily became friends as well.
Both the plumber and electrician spent a few days working to add the necessary elements to make the space functionally perfect.
The next hurdle was choosing material for the countertops. I wanted a solid surface that was heavy-duty, as in all likelihood will be in place for several decades. Every recommendation was the same, a local company at the base of the Pyrennes and only 45 minutes from Montegut.
Less than a week after reserving the granite slab, the company owner arrived with his computer/tripod and laser! Measurements were taken every 5 centimeters to ensure a perfect fit. Less than an hour later, he was packed up and gone.
Measured, trimmed to fit perfectly. No problems, not a single one! They fit the faucet and sink. All the surfaces were cleaned and polished, even to my mother's exact standards!
With help from a few friends, the appliances from the upstairs kitchen are in place, and the dishwasher is installed!
There is not a thing we would change. The kitchen reflects our wish to create a functional and modest space. It works perfectly for us and, hopefully, for many generations who come to Montegut.
And if you have, thanks for reading.
Au Revoir
