Bargains in the Aude



La Rentrée (back to school) has finally arrived. For me this now heralds that delightful stretch of rising at 6am. I said delightful ? This morning the sky was a clear deep inky blue with stars dotted alarmingly bright, galaxies stretched far away and the hooting of an owl nearby breaking the eerie silence.

Soon the deluge of walkers, artists and writers will emerge all seeking inspiration and tranquility from the region that has played host to the sun seeking crowd of holiday makers in the high season of July and August. Now the house hunters also appear clutching details from the numerous Immobiliers (Estate Agents) of the Languedoc. Their aim, to find that elusive bargain tucked away, an undiscovered gem waiting to be snapped up complete with beautiful original features. Add onto that a spectacular view, preferably of the Pyrenees, a discreet and unspoilt garden with room for a pool, situated in a small village closeby to Carcassonne airport so they can jet in regularly courtesy of Ryanair's bargain air fares. 'How did you find this wonderful house' ? is a regularly asked question. 'I rather think it found me' is the reply !

Meanwhile the Autumn is a time for new ventures, exciting projects and unexplored horizons. I'm hoping to combine my love of all things old and shabby chic alongside photography and writing to launch Sally's Chateau, an on-line site of items painstakingly sourced down here in the Aude, the only criteria being that I have to love it ! This sounds good until I have to remind myself that with a 20 room house I do have a tendency to hoard somewhat and the phrase 'I'll just keep this little find' rings true.

Meanwhile the day has dawned fresh and clear, so rather than sit here working, the impulse to go and savour the moment with an invigorating walk in the countryside right here on the doorstep of Le Chateau, beckons.

Bargains in the Aude will have to wait.

Comments

Grouse said…
I cant wait to see them.......I adore shabby chic and French shabby chic is wonderful.....I think this idea is simply inspired- dont know why its taken so long!

Actually I am feeling positively old and shabby myself this morning.......alas not chic...
Crystal Jigsaw said…
Beautiful. I will see it one day. I feel old and shabby every day.

Crystal xx
Mary said…
20 rooms to fill erm I think if I had that much space I could never get rid of anything!
Un Peu Loufoque said…
My whole life is shabby and not at all chic I think Grouse and I may need to form a club, never mind we can aspire to own your wonderful finds in due course!!
LittleBrownDog said…
Here's another one waiting with baited breath for Sally'schateauonline.com!
Ah, la rentree - I think this is my favourite time of year. House to yourself at last and the weather's still, for the most part, lovely. Wish I could come for a visit - you're definitely on my list!
Suffolkmum said…
I'll join the shabby but not very chic crowd. Seriously, I love Frnech shabby chic, can't wait to see what you've found. I also love this time of year, so mellow yet somehow invigorating.
Pondside said…
Shabby here too but verging on ragged sometimes - chic? I wish!!! Somehow it all seems so much mor glamorous when it's French!
Faith said…
Are all purplecooers shabby, or just pretending to be? I really am and never been chic in my life. Love to see all the shabby chic items online. 20 rooms.... I have 5! not counting kitchens/bathrooms.
Faith said…
PS Is Im no wallflower (ebay) you? or am I being thick?
ChrisH said…
Ooh good, I'm looking forwards to seeing your finds.
Sally's Chateau said…
Faith, I'm No Wallflower is my whizzer computer friend who has very kindly agreed to do the website for Sally's Chateau and forefit her place on my blog, now there's a friend for you !!

And I don't believe a word about you lot being shabby but not chic, and old ? pooey all in the mind.
Frances said…
Hello Sally,
I tried to leave you a message this morning (it is still barely Thursday here as I write) but my server kept failing me.
What was it I wanted to tell you? That every time I read your blog I want to escape from this city. That you are incredibly gifted with words and pictures. That you should indeed pursue the idea of a shop that could make use of your wonderful eye. And, that I wish that I could be along with you as you go to local markets and find the treasures that you do find.

I think that was about it.
Best wishes. xo
have just been all the way down to the tomatoes...in a catch up exercise..all the blogs read soooo well together...hope you are keeping them as a journal or similar.Beautiful pictures too.
Love the term shabby chic. Wow 20 rooms that is pretty impresive.

Calmer now in the village, but we are still full. Looking forward to time without guests - always feel a little on edge when guests are around.

Looks like we are all having a bit of an Indian Summer now . . .
CAMILLA said…
Apologies for not popping over sooner Sally, oh my goodness, always trying to catch up with everyone's. I like "shabby & chic", and look forward to seeing and reading about your finds. Try and keep me away from an Antique Stall or Antique Shop, I always appear with something that I adore and must have.

Camilla.x

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