Renovation Team – May- August 2005

Given the level of traditional oak and the stonework needed, we were clear that a local French team of craftsmen were desirable, so our search began and this is where we struck lucky again.

As a part of securing the Change of Use approval, the previous owner was required to secure quotations for making both main water and electrics available to the Grange and the quotation is valid for a period of 2 years.

So, Nick’s first task was to approach SAS Frappat and confirm the arrangement and as a result we discovered the team to undertake the complete project:
SAS Frappat - Electrics, Plumbing and Heating
S.C.C.L - Ceilings, Plaster board and Tiling
SA Adams & Fils - Colombage, Stairs, Doors and Windows
Sarl Aussourd - Stonework

All submitted detailed quotations during the period, having been briefed by Nick and naturally the total project cost was great than we have originally envisaged.

Planning Approval - March 2005

Despite all the fear stories of complications and delays, Regional approval was secured on 24th March 2005, which enabled us to move ahead a plan the work itself and not to mention finding a building team to make the dream a reality!

Planning Submission – January 2005

Fortunately, we had the Change of Use approval and therefore our plans were drawn up to reflect not only our personal wishes for living space, but also to be sympathetic to the Grange itself and the area. In October and November 2004 we liaised with our architect to get the detail agreed and documented within our plans for the conversion and renovation, which we finalised in December and submitted to the Marie de Colondannes. Local approval was given on 18th January 2005, which was a real surprise, although because we are near a ‘National Monument’, approval needed to be secured from the Regional Authority in Limoges.

La Grange Grise Plans 2005

Purchase Completion – September 2004

Having instructed the Notaries to proceed with both the purchase of the Grange and the Orchard, we eventually completed the purchase on 26th September 2004 and could then move ahead with drawing up the plans to secure the planning permission that would serve to pave the way to turning a farm building into a home.

A SAFER hurdle to overcome–July 2004

Fortunately, the law in France requires the owner of any farm building to secure a Change or Use Approval before offering for sale and this was done, but having agreed a sale it is also law that the land and property must be offered to SAFER to notify any local farmer, who have the right of first refusal and may offer the agreed price to secure the property.

http://www.terresdeurope.net/en/buying-with-safer-farm-france-property.html
This process was followed and no offers were received, but is did mean that completion did not occur during August and our holiday period, as we had hoped.