French School House Renovation

[zbc]

I posted almost three years ago that we were considering this and received some very useful advice. Rather than just continue with the same thread I though I'd start a new one as we finally managed to buy it today. There are some more pictures in the other thread but I'll share this one for now and add some more over time.

Delays were partially caused by covid but mostly due to local bureaucracy. There were some rights of way across the land that we were determined to get rid of and we have done so. Inside there isn't much major structural work. The big windows you see in the picture were the school room and will be a big kitchen/diner. There are more rooms round the back which were used as a flat for a teacher and they will become the living room and a study. Upstairs should be 4 bedrooms and a family bathroom. The building isn't listed but is noted as "remarkable" in the commune which means there are a few constraints on what we can do to the outside.

[ferret50]

Best of luck and I will follow the highs and lows with interest.

[Steviesam]

Where abouts is it?

[zbc]

Steviesam said:

Where abouts is it?

In the North East on the border with Luxembourg

[Lozw86]

Exciting. What era is it? Any more pics?

[zbc]

Lozw86 said:

Exciting. What era is it? Any more pics?

It's about 1900. Our part of France was actually part of Germany from 1870 to 1919 and the school was built around then we believe. More pictures below

[zbc]

Inside that will be the kitchen/diner. Coca Cola Fridge isn't ours!

Bad picture of the attic where eventually we will have four bedrooms. I'll try to get a better one later. There's about 80m2 of floor space up there but obviously some restricted headroom.

Part of the cellar waiting to be filled with wine.

[RC1807]

That’s an interesting build.
I look forward to your updates!

zbc said:

In the North East on the border with Luxembourg

54 or 57?

[zbc]

57

[smifffymoto]

Looks like an expensive job,are you doing the work yourself?

[zbc]

smifffymoto said:

Looks like an expensive job,are you doing the work yourself?

Plan is to use a Project Manager and do only some decorating. We budgeted the project already with this as a plan and it looks achievable. My job has however started to look a little risky over the past couple of months so maybe the plan will change before it even starts.

[CharlesdeGaulle]

I remember your initial thread and am glad it's all come together eventually. For both RC1807 and me, you're (sort-of) in our neck of the woods. Looking forward to hearing more about it.

[Stereolab]

Looks great - will follow with interest

[Simpo Two]

zbc said:

Our part of France was actually part of Germany from 1870 to 1919 and the school was built around then we believe.

It would have been in both world wars as the front line went back and forth. Any history in that respect (or bullet holes!)?

[Aluminati]

Looks 4 square and solid. Best of luck with your conversion.

[AndrewCrown]

Congratulations ZBC

Long time coming but I am sure it will be worth it.
Love the location, having access to three other nations.

Best of luck with with it all and look forward to following your progress.

[RC1807]

Simpo Two said:

zbc said:

Our part of France was actually part of Germany from 1870 to 1919 and the school was built around then we believe.

It would have been in both world wars as the front line went back and forth. Any history in that respect (or bullet holes!)?

Indeed. Lorraine was overrun.
I’ve a mate who lives in Metz. His family are all from there, going back generations.
His mother’s birth certificate has the swastika on it; she was born during WW2.

[vaud]

zbc said:

Inside that will be the kitchen/diner. .

That will make a wonderful space!