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1.Introduction
1 - The reason for this book ; 2 – A renovation story; 3 – A word about language;

2.Preparations
Making the decision to leave the UK; Where to go?; Choosing a location in France; Deciding on the type of house we wanted; Learning the French language;

3.House Hunting
Attending a French property exhibition; viewing property in France; Coping with disappointment;

4.The Builder
Meeting the builder; A tour of the house;

5.Formalities
Process of buying the property; analysing the property purchase documents; Property surveys; Making the most of the exchange rate;

6.Moving In
Uninhabitable property; buying a washing machine; rising damp, leaky roof, no cooking facilities; curiousity of the locals;

7.Beginning The Restoration
The lake under the house; Draining the cellar; filling the cellar; Prioritising works;

8.A History Lesson
The previous owner; History of the property;

9.Plaster And Politics
Mixing the plaster; Planning permission;

10.Etiquette And The Septic Tank
French etiquette; Dealing with a septic tank;

11.Gardens And Shutters
Gardening; Buying a plot of land; Moles in the garden; The benefits of shutters; Buying shutters;

12.A Load Of Old Codgers
Lunching with the locals;

13.The Log Burner
Quotes for a log burner; moving into the house for the winter; sleeping in the lounge;

14.Pumpkins And Prices
Pumpkins in France; Halloween; Cost of living; Taxes; Food shopping; Heating the house; Visiting the doctor;

15.Hardcore And The Five Feeds
Fixtures and fittings; Moving out of the caravan; Wiring the house;

16.The Case Of The Missing Tiles
Tiling the kitchen floor;

17.The Mouse Trap
Unwelcome pets; Getting rid of the mice;

18.A Harley At The Party
A new builder; Ricky's jobs; Plastering the kitchen; Constructing the kitchen;

19.The Auf Wiedersehen Builders
More construction work; Roofing;

20.French Kissing
French kissing culture;

21.One Wedding And A Bedroom
Attending a wedding; Refurbishing the bedroom;

22.Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day in Cherante; Hunting;

23.Big Strong Boys
Churches and chaplaincy; Benefits of joining a Christian group;

24.The Peasant Economy
Cheaper taxes and bills than in the UK; Local produce;

25.Walls, Windows And Doors
Renovating the interior; Maintaing the walls and protecting them; Fitting the windows;

26.Charente Christmas
Christmas in Charente; First Christmas in France;

27.The 70th Celebration
Fitting and tiling the bathroom; Fitting relatives in the house;

28.Fireworks And Snails
Fireworks; Escargots;

29.A Most Secret History
Drinking in France; The return of Celestine Toutanu;

30.Old Friends And New
Friends in France, old and new;

31.Future Plans
Planning for the future;

32.Make A Wish
Making a wish by the river;

33.How Much Does It Cost?
Renovation project estimates; Part project estimates;

34.Utilities And Services
Electricity; Gas; Water; Landline telephones; Internet access; Mobile phones;

35.Settling In France
Passport; Carte de Sejour; French citizenship; Managing the removal; Pets; Health care; Motoring; Banking in France; Taxation;

36.The French Property Restorer’s Essential French Phrasebook

37.Sample Projects
House 1 – Haute Vienne: €11,000; House 2 – Haute Vienne: €18,000; House 3 – Loire Atalantique: €146,000; House 4 – Loire Atalantique: €183,000; House 5 – Brittany: €185,407; House 6 – Charante Maritime: €72,240;

38.Plans Of La Maison D’etre
Upstairs; Downstairs; The Plot;