Blog – Page 2 – Restoring La Chartreuse

Starting Our Attic Renovation: Ripping Out 30 Years of Old Insulation in a French Chartreuse

We finally tackle the job we have been dreading for two years: stripping out decades of old insulation from our French chartreuse attic, discovering a mould scare along the way, and preparing for the next phase with wood fibre insulation.

Insulating a 19th-Century Cellar With Wood Fibre: How a Bordeaux Cold Snap Finally Pushed Us to Act

A rare Bordeaux snowfall exposed just how cold our 19th-century chartreuse really was. Here is how we finally insulated the cellar with wood fibre, why breathable materials matter in old buildings, and the handmade cushion covers that made the living room feel like home.

A Complete Tour of Our 19th Century French Home After Two Years of Renovation

After two years of hands-on renovation, we take you on a complete room-by-room tour of our 19th century home in southwest France, sharing the decisions, compromises, and DIY triumphs that have transformed it from a crumbling house into a home we love.

Our Bedroom Makeover in a 200-Year-Old French Chartreuse: From Crumbling Walls to a Cosy Retreat

After three months of hands-on work, our bedroom in a 200-year-old Chartreuse has been transformed from a mouldy, featureless shell into a characterful retreat — complete with a custom-built wardrobe, Farrow and Ball paint, and vintage textiles found at a car boot sale.