As we have been unsuccessful in leasing the retail space in our house, we are now moving on to Plan B. Converting the store front into an apartment. A holiday rental.
Unless someone comes along and wants to open a business (with or without us), we chose to go ahead and improve the look of that space. Surprisingly small town Jarnac's pedestrian zone is quite lively during the day, shoppers, tourists and other merchants make it happen. But no takers for our retail space. Come 6pm though, all things go quiet. VERY quiet.
We contemplated a few ideas ourselves, from a GF PATISSERIE type establishment, wine bar, to a Brocante shop, all crossed our minds, but in the end we do not want to be tied to a business all by ourselves.
I hired an architect to get our application passed by the almighty L'Architecte des Batiments de France, an organization that oversees the heritage buildings of France. Since we plan to bring back the look of the facade to the original 1912 style, there were only a few minor changes, such as the color choices, before it got approved.
Now it is off to the local officials and we hope to have the permit in hand before spring. Stay tuned.
WHAT IT LOOKED LIKE IN 1912
WHAT IT WILL LOOK LIKE
1970'S LOOK RIGHT NOW
TO BE RENOVATED
THE APPLICATION
CONSTRUCTION PERMIT
A COMPREHENSIVE DOSSIER
PICTURES AND ALL
A VERY SUBTLE CHANGE
4 comments:
Bye, bye euros. Supervising
this will keep you busy!
Another project. It will look really pretty!
Yes, Sheila, not inexpensive. But it will be a stunner.
Hi Nadege, it's a going concern when you buy an old house.
we have not yet given up the idea of something commercial.
any ideas?
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