What was the garden like originally? Was it overgrown? Why was a tractor needed and what’s the problem with the Yucca plants, that were there?

Having purchased Magnolia in March 2019, we thought we were going to be fully renovating the Gite, installing a swimming pool etc. But no.

From the very first day, we were made aware of a roof and after a few visits the need for a second toilet and fixing the ensuite became priorities.

The largest piece of work we would do, took place in 2020, the replacement of the main house roof. Discover what we did in addition, in 2020.

2021 was the year that the major renovations and improvements were completed.

Most notible was the renovation of the attic space, the gite roof and barn floor. Sadly some of the heavy machinery also damaged hidden pipework, which had to be replaced.

From 2022 onwards we could take a little break and focus on improving quality-of-life experiences.

We continued with decoration, notibly the staircase.

We also tidied up the whole outside experience, especially the drive to the gite and the gravel paths. This made a huge different to out outside living experience.

2023’s focus has been to get the house ready for potential rental in 2024.

But one very good decision was to repoint the barn walls. It will turn it into a space that can be used for many things.