Dordogne House Rental, Dordogne Home Vacation Rentals, Provence Villa Rentals from Simply Perigord

Summary

Masonry

We have a good network of masons with whom we work.

A large percentage of them are part of the "Label du Patrimoine" which means they have been recognised for their outstanding work.

Although they are able to carry out "new build" work (such as rendered block work) most of the masons with whom we work spend the majority of their time restoring old stone properties. This can entail using old corner stones for door and window surrounds such as the door pictured here, creation of arches or unusual shapes to fit with ancient buildings, restoring ancient fireplaces as seen here, "crepie à l'ancienne" which is an old style render, lauze rooves (a very old style stone roof often seen on churches), pisé floors (often seen in châteaux and which take the form of a large pebble style floor) - the list is endless.

"Proper" masonry work is not to be rushed but you will be delighted with the results - it's worth the wait!

Tiling

Tiling in old houses can often be more difficult than in new builds.

The floors are generally wood and so tiling straight on top is not an option as movement would cause cracking in the joints and even the tiles themselves. Special screeds are laid before the tiles are laid on wooden floors.

Tiling can also take the form of a mix of old tiles and oak, as seen in this photo, which is a design seen in some châteaux.

The tilers with whom we work are also able to lay "douche à l'Italienne" (large Italien walk-in showers), complete with the special evacuation pipework, as shown in these two photos.

Charpente (roof structures)

In France the artisan laying the tiles on a roof does not always have to be the same person as the artisan creating the roof structure.

The large beams seen in this picture would have been installed by a Charpentier - a specialist in roof structures. Charpentiers work with both new beams and, in the case of those shown in this photo, old treated beams. All wood used in France is treated against woodworm, capricorn beetle and termites.

Plumbing

Plumbers range from those offering simple services such as branching up the pipework for a new bathroom through to those offering boiler/central heating installation, full drainage/septic tank/grease trap installation, water softener installation etc.

It is important to understand the type and scope of project in order to employ the correct plumber.

Water softener installation is recommended in this area, particularly if you are installing new kitchen or bathrooms, as it will ensure the pipework remains clear of calcium build-up.

Roofing

Tiles in the Dordogne area are offered in many shapes and sizes. The old peg tiles shown here are in diminishing supply - companies now tend to make new tiles with varying mixed colours to make them look "old" and they come with a guarantee against frost.

Given the steep pitch of the rooves here it is not uncommon to see the majority of a roof tiled in peg tiles with the bottom section tiled with much larger tiles for extra support.

The "scalloped" effect under the guttering is a local feature called "genoise" and can be made in single, double or even triple genoise.

"Lucarnes" (or dormer windows) are very common in the Dordogne. There are various designs, the sides of the lucarne being either tiled, rendered or a more elaborate brique effect. The "roof" of the lucarne is normally tiled, as pictured here.

Carpentry

Carpenters are worth their weight in gold given their ability to make "irregular shaped" rooms appear more uniform. Bespoke kitchens and bathrooms can be finished to a high standard in a variety of natural woods - either for staining, waxing or painting.

Doors and windows of varying sizes may be made - each tailor made to the size of the old stone opening. Generally speaking the mason will create the opening for a new door or window, the carpenter will make and fit the window, and then the mason will finish by making the surround airtight.

The skill of the carpenter is also in copying some antique style items. Old doors for barns, for example, as seen here, make a nice finish to an outbuilding.

Painting

Painters here are more like artists. They take great pride in their work and enjoy advising clients as to the type of paint and colours they feel are best suited to an old stone property. Painters tend to mix their own paints to suit the client's requirements. In order to lighten beams if a room is sombre a limed effect is often used as shown in the tower roof here.

Work Surfaces

A multitude of materials is available ranging from natural stone, travertine, wood, marble, granite through to pre-fabricated Corian, melamine etc. The expert required to fit a particular worksurface will depend on the type of material used for the worksurface. The travertine worksurface shown in this photo was hand cut by an experienced stone-mason, carefully making the correct shape for the two basins, and bevelled at the basin's edge.

. The glass surface shown in this shower room was also hand cut and sand blasted to give an opaque finish and is strong enough to support a large travertine basin.

Fabrics

Beautiful fabrics can be found here and in old stone houses they often compliment the rooms. Covering antique chairs, chaises longues etc is also an ideal way of adding a fresh look to an old piece of furniture and making blinds to fit to the various windows which are not standard size can also add a lovely finishing touch to a room.

Wood burners

Woodburners have become more popular here following the steep rise in fuel prices recently. Specialist companies exist offering installation to a high standard and complying to the required norms.

Pool

We are able to project manage the installation of new pools and repairs to existing pools including, for new pools, obtaining the necessary permits from the various authorities.

Infinity pools have become very popular and given the stunning views enjoyed by the majority of property owners here a large percentage of them want to ensure they place their pools in the best possible location.

Pool houses, covered eating areas and summer kitchens are also frequently requested by clients who wish to have "all amenities" in close proximity to their pool. These structures can take the form of open wooden decking, stone flooring with beams & tiled roof structures, or occasionally even old stone open buildings or "au vents" as pictured here.

Garden

We work with a range of gardeners, from full landscaping including irrigation and sprinkler systems through to more simple gardening services.

Tree surgeons are also available.

Our gardeners are on-hand to recommend the varities of plants, shrubs and trees which survive the very hot summers and, sometimes, the very cold winters.

Terracing

Terracing, as shown here, is often made using the local "pierres de Cahors". Other local stone of a more uniform variety is also available, as is wooden decking.

Ironwork

There are a number of local ironworkers who make bespoke gates, barriers/bannisters, fancy fencing etc. Given that these are all hand made artisans are also able to make copies if you have a particularly favourite design.

Simply Perigord

Ref: RESTORATION