Fiona Jones from London fell for a 12th century chateau in the Limousin region. Undaunted at taking on a massive project on her own, she moved to France in 2014 to bring the neglected Chateau du Masgelier back to life. Featured on the superhit reality TV series “Escape to the Chateau DIY” Fiona talks to Janine Marsh about life as a castle renovator…

What made you decide to give up life in the UK and move to France to renovate an ancient chateau?

I bought my first property 32 years ago and each time I completed a restoration I was on the lookout for another one, I’m a serial renovator! Architectural, period and historic buildings are my passion. I enjoy the challenge, I’m not scared of taking on huge renovation jobs – it excites and motivates me, it is really is as simple as that.

Do you recall the moment you first saw the Chateau Du Masgelier – what did you think?

I sort of stumbled on the castle really. It was pure luck that I found it. I saw a grainy photograph on the internet with a few details and printed them off. Shoved them in my desk draw, I forgot about them while I sorted out the requirements for moving to France.

When I think about it now, it seems like pure madness, it was such a chance find. I had very definite ideas of exactly what I was looking for in a property. Pre-18th century, something different from the norm. I loved the idea of an ancient medieval defence castle with dungeons, secret tunnels and lots of history. That one photo I had labelled “Chateau Du Masgelier” was so enticing, that I decided to go to France to see it. At 800 years old, it was a rare find.

It was an instant decision from the very first moment I stepped inside. I stood entranced, looking up at the stunning architectural medieval stone staircase. That was the moment that sealed my commitment to buy and restore the castle.

What sort of state was it in?

The castle had major problems! It had been abandoned for years and had fallen into disrepair. The electric wiring was, the pipes had burst in many areas during harsh winters and there was no functioning water supply in the building. Many original features such as ornate fireplaces, panelled walls, beautiful chateau doors and wooden floors had been plundered during the 1980’s. Most rooms had carpet glued to the walls – not only was it hideous but it had prevented the stone from breathing for a number of years, trapping and retaining moisture.

Where did you start?

The first step was to make the castle habitable – get clean running water first then hot water. Until you go without these basics you just don’t realise how important they are. It felt like the most momentous day when it happened – I cried, danced round the kitchen and was really overwhelmed.

It was always freezing cold, I wore jumpers and a woolly hat to bed that first winter because there was no proper form of heating.

Even daily living tasks required some form of improvisation, carrying icy water from an outside tap in two large heavy buckets There was an infestation of mice, flies, wasps and bats, you name it, I had it living alongside me at the castle.

Do you know any of its history?

There is such a vast amount of history it’s hard to know where to begin. 844 years of history dating back to the Knights Templar who built the castle in 1174 as a defence fort. The foundations are from the original 10th Century wood construction. There have been many historic owners including Louis XIV, hence the stone carving of the Fleur des Lys on the south defence turret. He gave it to his first mistress, Louise de la Valliere. The local French Resistance group and OSE were based here and rescued many people and saved the lives of hundreds of French Jewish children, who were hidden at the castle and smuggled over the border to safety.

How do you cope and what drives and motivates you to keep going on the dark days when nothing goes right?

Everyone has those days. Anyone developing a property, not just chateau restorers, know this very well. I’ve learnt that stress is the enemy and generally will make the situation a hundred times worse.  I’ve learned to condition myself to accept the ups and downs and to always expect the unexpected, whether it is in the form of uncovering extensive dry rot, materials are delayed or the cement mixer breaks down.

It is incredibly rewarding and enjoyable seeing it develop, meeting people, seeing the castle come alive. For me, it’s been worth every minute and every euro… I love my chateau and my life in France.

Read our interview with Dick and Angel Strawbridge of Escape to the Chateau
The Abandoned Chateau de Gudanes bought by a woman who fell in love with its photo on the internet – an incredible restoration
Rescued from ruin, the ancient castle renovated by a family, a sleeping beauty bought back to life

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I’ve been renovating my farm house in Pas de Calais on and off for 14 years. 99% of the work has been done between myself and my husband, the only exception being when we first bought the house and hired a builder to make some sagging and enormous wooden beams safe. It was a disaster, the work was shoddy and unfit for purpose. We had to re-do it ourselves. Ultimately it was a good thing, because it led us to make a decision to do everything ourselves. With 21 rooms to renovate, including some with dirt floors, it’s been a real labour of love.

There’s only been one other time we had professional help. A huge hailstone storm hit our village. The hailstones were the size of cricket balls and pretty much every roof in the village was destroyed. As our insurance covered the main building roof, we had professional roofers in. The outbuildings weren’t covered so we did their roofs ourselves.

We invested in tools, books and time watching YouTube tutorials. We also went on short courses for the work that we felt needed prior practice – from plumbing to brick laying.

Over the years we’ve met, interviewed and helped many expats in France with their renovation requirements and there are 5 key things we’ve learned.

Builders in France

Don’t just hire a builder because he’s British and can talk the same language as you – it doesn’t make them professional or even good. Be aware that there are cowboy builders in France as there are in the UK – both French and British.

Consider using an architect for planning permission

Hire an architect if you want to get your planning permission resolved in a timely manner. We tried to go it alone, after 18 months of constantly redrawing the plans and visiting the Department of Planning, the mayor’s secretary took pity on us. She told us to appoint an architect to fill the in the forms and do the drawings – 5 days later planning permission was confirmed. This may not be the same everywhere but if you’re going through the same pain we did, it might help.

Check building supplies prices

Wood is expensive in France (and big sheets of MDF seem impossible to find). This can considerably add to the cost of renovating, so work out your costs based on French prices, not what you’re used to in the UK. Be aware that electrical fittings and plumbing fittings are different in France from the UK. Some things are cheaper in the UK than in France and vice versa. It pays to do your homework and check prices. It’s easy to have goods delivered from online buying these days so you can maximise savings this way. Even companies like Screwfix deliver to France.

Notaires

Notaires are not like UK conveyancing solicitors. I was shocked to discover that multiple extensions to my house had not been approved or documented. This was despite the notaire signing off on it. The out of date paperwork created an administrative nightmare when we wanted planning permission. Now, I may have just been unlucky but, I’d recommend you ask for a cadastral plan from the notaire or town hall and check that what’s on that bit of paper reflects the reality. If it’s not right, get the seller to arrange to get it updated before you buy if you can. If you go via an estate agent – ask them to check as well.

Book in advance

Specialist workmen like those who fit fires, plumbers, electricians etc. are often in high demand. Book them in advance as soon as you know you have a requirement to avoid delays.

Janine Marsh is the author of My Good Life France: In Pursuit of the Rural Dream

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So how did you learn to point a barn? My neighbours looked impressed and wide eyed as they spotted me up the local farmer’s ladder, balanced on a timber decking, tapping away at the crumbling stone jointing.

But pointing a barn is not so very technical and needs no special courses or experience – just patience and thoroughness and the right mortar mix.

After the initial preparation stage [see below], the ideal time to point is in the morning before the heat of the midday. Do not point when frosty, and if it rains you will need to cover the pointing.  The mortar takes about three to five hours to harden enough to brush and finish, so best not to commence new pointing too late in the afternoon, or you will be finishing with the owls for company.

Preparation – cleaning

When I started pointing my barn, the first exploration of the stonework sent lizards and spiders scurrying away.  Sets of little wide eyes in the crevices blinked, bags were packed and homes evacuated.

Loose stones revealed holes stuffed with straw and twigs, cosy spaces for baby birds to be born and safe for the local moggy, a large tabby cat who had evidently grown very fat on country mice and sparrows.

Health and safety in mind, I donned a bike helmet, jeans, jumper, gloves, safety boots, glasses and breathing mask.

Repairing walls

Walls are usually repaired in two stages – jointing then pointing. Jointing is the first fill for deeper holes and crevices with pointing being the final fill to surface and sometimes decorative.  or the barn, being a delicate creature, and not wishing to dislodge too much stone, joints will be raked out only to a maximum 3 cms and the jointing and pointing can be done in one go. Very large gaps should be repaired with stone first, rather than stuffing in lots of mortar. Clean out the gap, find a stone that fits tight and may need to be slightly tapped into place, then mortar in place, leaving the edge to be pointed up with the remaining wall.

The walls appeared sound, but evidently stayed up due to weight, as the jointing was now sand and a slight prod with a chisel sent it pouring out like the sand user to close an Egyptian tomb. Gingerly, loose jointing was carefully removed and everything else, left as found. Taking a small chisel and hammer, every joint was cleaned back 1-3cms and loose jointing removed. The aim being to leave a small ledge on each stone to accommodate the mortar, to help it stay put and not fall out.

Standing back after six hours of chipping, left the stones neatly isolated and mortar free and ready for washing down. First a soft bristle brush was used to clean out the loose dust and particles, and then with a garden sprayer, working from top to bottom the joints were washed out, making sure the stone surfaces well wetted and free of dust and to give the stones their first clean. The water will help suction, the sticking of the mortar to the stones and bond better. Before pointing another spray of water will be done and maybe during the process. Any dry areas will not stick and later will weaken the walls as they will let in rain.

When neighbours see the walls all chipped out, they seem worried they might collapse, but to be honest they won’t, well not for a few months, but I wouldn’t risk a winter, with storms, high winds and frost. But a week or two if you want a break will be fine.

Tools and mortar mix

Now for jointing/pointing – we need tools and the secret ingredient – lime mortar.

• Buckets
• Gloves and safety glasses. Lime burns the skin.  Ideally thin, waterproof.  I have cotton backed rubber ones. Goggles especially when mixing as the lime is very powdery and a breathing mask too. Once the mortar is mixed you can dispense with the mask.
• A large rubber tray for mixing small batches of mortar.
• A spade to mix the mortar, small trowels to point with, a mortar board to put the mortar on and carry to the joint to be filled, damp clothes, a garden sprayer to damp the wall prior to pointing and a “Frenchman”, a slim pointing tool that I find great for pushing mortar into the joints when finishing.
• A soft wire brush for final work.

The mortar mix for pointing a French barn

Internet forums are crammed fall of the same questions that often go unanswered.  What do I point my French barn with? What ratio of sand and lime? Should I use cement?

Now here is the mix that satisfies most barn pointing works. You should read around the subject. Point some trial patches and check what your local building pointing shades are.

Do not add cement. It weakens the mortar. Lime is strong, flexible, and breathable. Cement makes the mix brittle, and only in exceptional circumstances, i.e. walls exposed to harsh weather conditions, use in a ratio of one cement to three lime minimum. But not for your average French country barn. If you have to add cement – a good Portland cement – Optimat Multi Usage is fine – II/B-LL 32.5 R.

I recommend hydraulic lime from “Saint-Astier” – Chaux Pure Blance LC – NHL3.5. It’s soft and makes a creamy mortar. Calcia Renocal produces a slightly too softer mortar and Lafarge Tradifarge is not so elastic/workable.  The Saint Astier gives a pliable mix with enough time to work into the joints and finish.

The sand is fine and has good water retention. I use Sable type 0/1.

Sand shades:

Sable blanc – white; Sable Roux – red/ochre; Sable Casse – beige; Sable Riviere – grey

How to mix lime mortar

A 35kg bag of lime is the equivalent to 5 x 10 litre buckets. The mix is 1:3, being 1 parts lime [chaux] to 3 parts sand [sable].  The bag will therefore need 15 x 10 litre buckets of sand.  But you won’t mix this amount all in one go. So here is a quick matrix:

1 bucket of lime with 3 buckets of sand
2 buckets of lime with 6 buckets of sand
3 buckets of lime with 9 buckets of sand etc

For smaller amounts, I use an old large baked bean can and measure 1:3 with that.

Thoroughly mix the lime and sand together to ensure consistency in the mix, then you can add water.

Mix a little water at a time till you have a quite thick mixture that you can take a piece and roll into a ball in your hand and it doesn’t collapse. It should be sticky and easily placed into the joints without falling out. It should be easy to smooth round the stones and not pull out as you use your trowel to fill and poke mortar deep into open recesses.

Re-wet your wall area about 5 minutes before working. When you start, more mortar does end up on the floor than on the wall. Master masonry takes practice, but the barn you point will take ages and you will be brilliant in the end.  It’ s fine to scoop up some mortar in your hand, and throw it hard at the wall. This method is good to get in deep crevices and holes, the mortar stays put and you reach parts you couldn’t with the trowel. It’s about filling the gaps and whatever works, you can use. Don’t fuss about with smoothing just yet. Get the mortar in, the more you put in the more it helps stick the next piece. Work with urgency and if the stones dry, spritz with a little water.

Once the joints are filled, take the trowel and smooth the joints ensuring they touch all the stone faces and there are no gaps. The Frenchman tool is good to give a final press on the mortar to ensure firmly in place. A quick smooth with your finger in a glove will save you hours of hard wire brushing later. Leave the mortar to cure for around three to five hours, but I check every hour to ensure it doesn’t dry to quick if the weather is hot. I set an alarm clock as I have been known to forget and then it’s a panic to get a good finish, if at all.

Once the mortar is firm to touch but has a slightly crumb service when rubbed, you are ready to wire brush. The brushing should be dusty. If mortar sticks to the brush, it’s too wet. Leave for longer.

Wire brushing cleans the lime off the stone faces, ensures the mortar tight to the stones and leaves the mortar free of small particles and the part I like, brush marks, a bit of texture.

Once complete, leave well alone. It will take a few weeks to cure and become strong and durable. The neighbourhood will give you copious praise, local car drivers will slow down to admire your progress and you would have given another old crumbling building a new long lease of life.

by Judi Castille, a photographer and entrepreneur who lives in south west France.

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When it comes to renovating in France, if you’re not doing it yourself then you’ll need to source a builder or artisan.

Unlike in some countries French builders and artisans tend to be very regimented about what they can/will and can’t/won’t do in my experience. In the UK it’s not unusual to get someone to renovate a kitchen perhaps painting and tiling amongst other things. In France there’s much more of a tendency for an artisan to carry out only one aspect of a job so bear in mind you may need to find more than one builder for what you need done.

You may also find, especially if you live in a rural area, that the wait time for a builder is longer than you’re used to (especially if you come from the US or UK). Allow time to get someone in, don’t leave it until the last minute and risk not getting work done when you plan or need it.

Builders and artisans: Most people find a builder by referral or the internet, the local town hall can also supply recommendations. Also you can find cards at local builders merchants and on the information boards at local supermarkets in rural areas and small towns.

Check your builder is qualified at www.qualibat.com it’s important because the onus is on you, the hiring client, to check credentials. If you hire someone who isn’t registered you can be fined, and the work carried out isn’t guaranteed. All registered builders are issued with a SIRET number, which you can double check at the local Chambre de Metiers.

Check the builder has a ten year guarantee policy – this is normal in France and is intended to protect you from bad workmanship, non completion of work and materials problems.

Request a written estimate – a devis, a binding quote that you agree with the builder for the work and materials cost.  If your request changes, the devis needs to be updated by the builder and approved by you.

If you are not living on site or close by, keep in touch via reports and photos from your builder.

Take account of possible breaks in the work schedule. Your builders and your local DIY store will likely take a two hour lunch break.  Be aware that DIY stores may close and builders take time off in August, so if you have works planned in summer – make sure you order supplies in advance.

And never hire a cat to be your building inspector (top photo)!

More on renovating in France
Beginners guide to renovating in France
Installing a microstation in France
What is torchis?

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Whether or not you need planning permission for your renovation in France depends on what you are going to do.

Applying for Planning permits in France

A good starting place is the local town hall, and, even if you think you don’t need permission, it’s usually best to check, rules change. The Mayor or his staff should be able to tell you whether or not you have to get permits signed off or if you can simply declare the works for your renovation project. They can also provide the necessary forms and make you aware of local restrictions or regulations. And, they’ll tell you where you need to go if there are further permits required such as the DDE, the Departmental Directorates for Equipment who control some aspects of permission granting.

If you’re buying a house and you know that you will need to request planning permission then before completing the sale process check with the notaire to ensure there are no planning restrictions in the area. If you know you are going to require planning permission, after you have paid the deposit but before you pay the full amount, you can ask the notaire conducting your purchase to apply for planning permission and insert a clause in the purchase contract that if permission is not granted, you can withdraw without financial penalty (including retrieval of your deposit).

Planning permits for updating the interior

Interior work on an existing house doesn’t require a permit – unless a change of purpose is involved e.g. converting a loft or outbuilding, creating a bathroom etc. The reason for this is that the conversion of space may mean that you need to pay more tax as you have more facilities in the house, eg a bathroom.

If the habitable space being created exceeds 170m², you need to employ an architect; this includes extending the current liveable area, e.g. if you have 150m² and converting an outbuilding adds 21m² or more. The architect will draw up the plans, liaise with the planning department and make life easier for you when it comes to form filling.

Planning Permits for Updating the Exterior

When it comes to exterior work, you need permission if you intend to change the appearance, including colour, such as painting shutters, doors, windows, walls, or if you intend using a different material e.g. render. Repairs don’t need a permit but amending the appearance whilst conducting repairs does, for example repairing a roof/adding a roof.

What’s the fosse all about? If your property comes with a fosse septique (septic tank) arrangement for waste water etc, make sure you know where it is. New regulations state that if you don’t know the location, you’ll have to put in a new one and that’s a big expense. If the seller can’t confirm location, this may be a chance for price negotiations. Estate agents are aware of this requirement but many brush buyers’ fears away – don’t be fooled.

Septic tanks: Permission is required to install a new one and you will probably need a survey conducted plus completion sign off.

Helpful words and phrases

Permis de démolir – Demolitions permit
Certificat d’urbanisme (CU) – Outline planning/planning in principle
Déclaration préalable – Minor works, this planning form supersedes the Déclaration de travaux
Permis de construire (PC) – Planning application for a building permit, an architect must be employed to submit this form.
Déclaration d’ouverture de chantier – Commence work on site
SHOB (surface hors œuvre brut) – gross floor area

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What are the top skills you need to run a successful holiday let in France? People, preparation, practical building maintenance, parler francais? All are important – and most property owners already know more than they think.

People skills

Owners and hosts are in the hospitality business, so be friendly, put yourself in the place of your guests and remember how important their holiday is to them. Prioritise customer service and be willing to go the extra mile. Keep any challenges in proportion with clear communication, tolerance and flexibility. Being  adaptable is key to facing unplanned events like illness.

Be sensitive to guests’ needs for privacy. Some love to mix while others want their peace. Your skill is to sense which applies when you first meet your guests. Some of our owners at French Connections find it works well to have Saturday arrival, Sunday quiet day for settling in and Monday welcome evening where guests meet over a communal meal and get in the holiday mood.

Building and maintenance skills

Being able to tackle building, plumbing, carpentry and electrical jobs is useful for both initial conversion work and ongoing maintenance. You can keep costs down and anyone you do employ will respect your knowledge. If you really are unsuited or physically unable, maybe a friend or relative would come for a holiday in return for their skills.

Building work usually involves buying materials at French stores and builders’ merchants, which can mean a fast learning curve in the use of specialist French terms!

French language skills

Speaking French means you can assist guests, deal with tradesmen and integrate with the community. To improve your skills, join a class in the UK or France, take an immersion course or try the latest self-testing way or other methods of learning online. Even if your accent never seems like a native, try to drop your self consciousness and fear of errors and give your skills a go. Effective communication matters more than accuracy!

Business skills

Anyone who has run a business before will have transferable skills to make projections, create a business plan, handle budgets and manage finances. Think you have no business experience? Well, maybe you’ve run a household or managed a department at work, been involved in a club or charity committee, even sold belongings at a boot fair. All these will have given you useful skills.

In France you’ll still need to consult a French accountant or other expert to make sure you are clear and protected on issues such as inheritance, domicility and taxation. Running as a gite business in France is simplified by setting up as a micro entreprise. This is essentially a form of self-employment and involves less complicated taxation and book-keeping.

Visual skills

A good eye for interior design helps you furnish and present your property so that rooms look pleasant, welcoming and bright but are not cluttered or too personal. Get inspiration from brocantes or browse magazines and websites and visit stores that have room settings. Check out local buildings open to the public for French flair. Visual skills are also useful for planning the garden and adding colourful touches close to the house.

Communication skills

In your online advertisements or website you need to describe the property and the attractions and potential of the local area with clarity, economy and enthusiasm, which will be infectious to potential guests. Posting your advert and monitoring enquiries also needs basic computer skills.

When holidaymakers enquire, communicate with them in an efficient yet friendly manner and be clear with information such as travel options. Adopt a friendly tone in any information left in the property and in personal interaction always be polite, cheerful and positive. Never be tempted to share your troubles with guests!

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Ah France… the sweet scent of croissants, fine wine, delicious cakes and soft baguettes. A place to enjoy the sun and dine al fresco or laze outdoors drinking in the fresh air… unless you have a fosse septique that lets you down.

A foul fosse problem is a common occurrence for home and gite owners in France and one that can be difficult to deal with and impossible to live with.

How to make your fosse fragrant

It’s not difficult to make sure your fosse doesn’t “hum in the sun” – simply insert a specially designedodour filter, one that can quickly and easily be fitted by you (no specialist help required) and that is highly effective from the word go. The long lasting filters get to grips with pongs immediately and provide constant odour control. Make sure your gite smells sweet: If you’re a gite owner – that will mean happy customers, a whiffy fosse will get you bad reviews (just look on Trip Advisor to get the picture) and you can be sure that will affect future rentals.

How does a McBerns odour filter work?

Many people change their filter on an annual basis, it’s not an expensive item, it’s easy to install and requires no specialist knowledge or power source. A fosse will come with a “vent stack” a pole that sticks out of the ground and allows for odours and gas to escape, it’s a normal part of the process, and it’s this that can cause unpleasantness. An odour filter cartridge is simply fitted inside the stack and it doesn’t matter what size your stack is because inexpensive adapters are available in French plumbing stores if need be.

Choose an ecologically friendly cartridge that can be disposed of in landfill safely.

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Renovating property in France is what expats do! We love to upgrade, restore and make old buildings worthy again from barns to chateaux – but did you know that certain home improvements can result in significant income tax gains?

Jo-Ann Howell takes a look at just what tax relief and benefits are available to home owners in France who want to renovate…

Work on your French home that is (partially) reimbursed by the tax man…

It’s not just income tax where you can end up better off by renovating. On top of that, there are also funds and 0% interest loan structures available to French residents to enable them to carry out the works on their primary residence even when their budget is restricted.

Of course, there are certain rules and regulations to be respected, so read on to see if any of your planned renovations can be partially reimbursed on next year’s income tax bill, and if you may be eligible for assisted funding.

2016 Home Improvements with Tax Benefits

France is conscious of the need to improve its environmental footprint, and as such all home improvements with tax benefits are designed to improve the energy efficiency of your home.

Properties & People who are Eligible

The property eligible for tax credits on works carried out must be your primary residence, and the building must have been completed for more than 2 years, and both owners and rental tenants are eligible.

Works that are Eligible

• The purchase of thermal insulation materials for at least half of the glass walls in the house.
• The purchase and installation of thermal insulation materials for at least half of the external walls of the house.
• The purchase and installation of thermal insulation material for the insulation of the whole roof.
• The purchase or replacement of boilers and other heating or hot water production equipment running on wood or other biomasses
• The purchase of hot water production equipment that runs on renewable energy.
• The purchase of condensing boilers or energy production equipment using a renewable energy source.
• The installation of individual meters for heating and hot water in apartment blocks and cohabited buildings
• The installation of charging stations for electric vehicles.

Since January 1^st 2015, only companies boasting the RGE label – Reconnu Garant de l’Environnement : Recognised Guarantor of the Environment, are qualified to carry out the works in your home and satisfy the requirements for tax credits.

To find RGE professionals near you, consult the government website: http://www.renovation-info-service.gouv.fr/trouvez-un-professionnel By entering your Postcode, Town, your distance from the Town centre and the type of work you are planning, you will have a list of recognized companies to approach. It is always advisable to get more than one quote and an obligation for the company if the cost of works exceeds 150€.

Speaking of costs, let’s get to the good part – what you can get back!

Note that there are limits to spending that also need to be respected:

Over a 5 year period, a single person can spend up to 8,000€ on eligible home improvements, and a couple can spend 16,000€. Any dependents add 400€ to the available envelope, so for example a single Mum with 2 children can spend 8.800€ on improving the energy efficiency of her home.

Tax credits are calculated at 30% of the full invoice for works carried out, inclusive of VAT at 5.5%. Although VAT for works carried out on your primary residence is already charged at a reduced rate of 10%, works for energy efficiency improvement benefit from an additional reduction.

So if having the roof insulated by an RGE firm costs 2,800€ including VAT, the tax credit entitlement is 840€ the following year, and the single Mum with 2 dependents above still has a budget of 6,000€ to spend over the next 5 years.

Declaring the Works to get the Tax Credits

The French impôts do not withhold money that is owed to you; if my single Mum’s household revenue means she does not pay any tax then next year she can expect a cheque from the tax man for the 840€ credit earned this year.

To get that cheque, Mum had to declare the 2,800€ she paid in the corresponding section of her supplementary tax declaration for environmental quality of the home, using form 2042 QE.

What if you need financial help to improve the energy efficiency of your home?

The 0% Eco-loan – Eco-PTZ – is a government subsidized loan available to any individual wishing to improve the energy efficiency of their primary residence, regardless of their income level.

Application for the Eco-PTZ is made via a financial loan institution, including some banks, and must be accompanied by a detailed quote from the RGE firm who will carry out the works, or their invoice if works are already completed. Note: works must be completed within 3 years of application for the Eco-PTZ.

So there you have it; the what, how and when’s on improving the economic footprint of your home with the help of the French tax man.

By Jo-Ann Howell at French Admin Ssolutions

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Renovating a rundown old farmhouse or barn, a little cottage or even an abandoned chateau in France is an appealing prospect for many of us. For wannabe renovators, France offers a plethora of brilliant opportunities in the country, city and on the coast. Whether it’s a simple fixer-upper or a full-on restoration job here are some key tips for beginners to help make that dream renovation project successful.

Beginners Guide to Renovating in France

Before you buy: Do your research before you sign on the dotted line of the sale and purchase agreement…

Surveys: The notaire (French equivalent of conveyancing solicitor) will arrange for a survey but it’s not an in-depth evaluation like you’re used to in the UK. If you want a full structural survey then consider hiring your own surveyor.

Sources: Ask your immobillier (estate agent) or notaire for recommendations. Request validation that architects or engineers have the necessary qualifications for surveying.

RICS Organisation has a list of surveyors most of whom are British working in France. Click on box marked “Find a Surveyor”. Confirm registration to operate in France and have professional indemnity insurance for building surveys.

Be aware that there are often many caveats in contracts that act as a get-out clause for the surveyor should something be discovered later that was not picked up in the survey.

Consider hiring a local builder or “maître d’oeuvre” (building contracts manager) to take a look at the property.  This should give you a good idea of the work involved and the costs of doing it. However you won’t get a guarantee this way.

A good survey may provide leeway for negotiation on the price of the property and can minimise risk.

Tips to help you find your dream home in France
5 Key tips for finding cheap properties in France
3 Things you should know about buying property in France

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Chateau Le Mung is a neglected 800 year old chateau in southwest France, or at least it was until a family in Australia decided to love, honour and restore it…

This is not a DIY job of the type that most of us would consider though many of us would dream of doing just what this family have.

This is a very special, enormous and extremely challenging home improvement job.

When Gerald Bromley saw a photo of an abandoned chateau in France on the internet in 2014 he was smitten, it was love at first sight. British born Mr Bromley turned to his wife Sheryl who comes from Wales and said “what do you think, shall we buy it?” She laughed and told him to be sensible. They were living in Sydney, Australia at the time but were looking to return to Europe to live.

However, the haunting beauty of the 800 year old chateau with its white towers and gorgeous slate tiled roof stuck in Sheryl’s mind. She found herself dreaming about it, thinking about how she and Gerald might be able to bring it back to its glory.

Just a few weeks later Sheryl and Gerald Bromley flew to France and made their way to the town of Le Mung, situated on the banks of the River Charente in Poitou-Charentes. They hired a car, and, full of anticipation, drove up to the Chateau gates and unequivocally, irrevocably fell in love.

Sheryl says that the sight of the deserted and neglected castle at the end of a long way drive way in an overgrown park took her breath away. Almost in a daze the couple opened the rusty wrought iron gates and drove slowly up to the immense chateau doors. Hearts beating, hardly daring to voice their thoughts, they turned the key the agent had given them and…

They woke up.

The fairy-tale moment was over in a flash. Filthy dirty rooms covered in animal droppings were what lie behind those beautiful doors. The photos on the internet had never indicated the reality of what was really to be found inside. Sheryl says “years of complete neglect meant that the only visitors had been birds, bats and boars”. The chateau had become a wild animal den. The ballroom was much loved by local bats, the ancient flagstones echoed to the sound of scampering rats as Sheryl pushed open doors and let light into rooms that had seen none for years. The searing sound of shutters being flung wide scared off a wild pig that had been the acting Lord of the Manor.

As Sheryl and Gerald toured the castle they knew it would be too much work, too expensive.

And this story should have ended right there. But it didn’t.

The couple couldn’t stop thinking about what that ballroom could look like if it was restored. How beautiful a claw foot bath would look in a bathroom, how those ancient tiled floors would scrub up.  They wondered what lie behind the doors they couldn’t open. They ran their hands along the walls that had been there for 800 years and they walked around the turrets, each lost in thought.

By the end of a very long day they were convinced that the chateau could be saved.

They flew back to Australia and called a family meeting with daughters Sarah-Jane (and her two children) Naomi and son Jacob. How would it be, they asked, if we all went to France to do up a chateau and turn it into a gorgeous boutique hotel?

This is clearly a family of dare devils because not long after, having sold homes and belongings and anything else they could think of, the entire family upped sticks in August 2014 and travelled to Le Mung, a 20 minute drive from Cognac.

Like the famous Chateau de Vincennes which was also built in the 14th Century, Chateau Le Mung was probably originally a hunting lodge though little is known about its early history as yet. The chateau certainly wasn’t habitable but ancient workers’ cottages in the grounds could be quickly renovated so that the family had somewhere to live straight away. Sheryl, Gerald and Jacob are professional plasterers (gyprockers) who had worked on historic buildings before. The girls though had no experience of DIY and Sarah-Jane confesses that it has been a real learning curve and a great deal of hard work, blood, sweat and tears. “The worst part has definitely been the grounds, clearing decades of overrun brambles and massive weeds has been awful but it has to be done… every minute of tough grind is worth it though ” she adds.

“We’ve uncovered gates, wells, water towers, an old laundry, secret paths, ancient graffiti on the walls… every day is a discovery and a joy.”

The family work seven days a week and are prepared to do whatever it takes to save the Chateau Le Mung. They’ve replaced roofs, renewed walls, repaired windows and doors and are planning to paint and furnish the rooms and restore them to splendour. As they have peeled back the layers on this ancient and historic building and its umpteen outhouses, the family have uncovered some extraordinary treasures including an enormous greenhouse that has been covered for decades.

Sheryl advises “We’ll definitely be retaining all original features and keeping an old look to the place but with mod cons. We’re aiming to open the chateau as an absolutely gorgeous, truly special hotel”.

The work has moved on at a tremendous pace, and just as quickly the captured the imaginations of thousands of people. Without a website, the family shared their journey on Facebook in photos and videos and in just a few months the Chateau Le Mung Facebook page attracted thousands of intrigued followers, an uplifting community from all around the world who have been enjoying the unfolding drama and beauty of this remarkable project.

See the Chateau Le Mung in all its glory in our Photo Gallery

Additional feature on the Chateau le Mung

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