A Visit to Point Du Jour – Progress, Hard Work, and French Delights

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of heading down to our little slice of France, Point Du Jour, knowing that with each visit, we’re getting closer to turning this place into the home we envision.

This trip was all about progress, with a hefty to-do list that included cutting a section of the floor out for the new staircase, clearing out a mountain of rubbish, and once again relocating the temporary kitchen—hopefully for the last time! But as always, there was time to enjoy the journey, the incredible French food, and the beauty of the surrounding countryside.

The Drive Down – A Journey to Remember

The drive down to France is always something special. There’s a sense of excitement as the miles tick by, taking me further away from the everyday hustle and into the world of rural restoration. This time, the drive was particularly spectacular—the roads were clear, the weather was crisp but bright, and every stretch of countryside along the way seemed to shine in the winter sun.

As I finally arrived at Point Du Jour, the house stood waiting, a work in progress but full of promise. It was cold, but the clear skies made for some incredible views, especially at night. The stars were so vivid, and with no city lights to interfere, it felt like I could see the whole universe stretched out above me.

Making Way for the New Staircase

One of the biggest tasks on this visit was cutting out a section of the floor for the new staircase. It was a job that had been on the list for a while, and getting it done felt like a major step forward. With careful measuring, a lot of patience, and a fair bit of muscle, the section was removed, paving the way for the next stage of the project. Seeing the space open up was incredibly satisfying—it really helped visualise how the finished staircase will transform the flow of the house.

Clearing Out the Rubbish – A Fresh Start

A major milestone of this trip was completely clearing the house of rubbish. Over time, between renovation work and previous clutter, things had piled up. But this visit marked the moment of taking everything out, finally revealing the house in its true form. There’s something about clearing a space that makes the whole project feel fresh again, like resetting the canvas before painting. It was hard work, but standing back and seeing the space open up made every aching muscle worth it.

Sleeping in Tents Indoors – The Best Way to Stay Warm

With the house still in its raw state and the nights biting cold, sleeping arrangements had to be a little creative. The solution? Tents—indoors. Not only did they help keep the warmth in, but they also kept the dust at bay. With camping mats and warm sleeping bags, it was actually quite cosy, and there’s something quite fun about waking up inside a tent, knowing you’re still inside the house.

Working Remotely – A Room with a View

One of the best surprises of this trip was how well the hotspot worked for remote working. Sitting in the house, looking out over the lake while working, was a special experience. There’s something incredibly peaceful about listening to the water flow over the break point and stream down into the land opposite. With a good coffee in hand, it was the perfect setting to get work done—proof that I can balance this renovation project with professional responsibilities.

Moving the Temporary Kitchen – Again!

Yes, it happened again—the temporary kitchen had to be moved. This time, though, it was shifted to its final location, even if it’s still in a temporary state for now. There’s an art to setting up a kitchen that’s not quite finished, making sure everything is accessible while still keeping the space functional. Hopefully, this will be the last time it has to be relocated before the permanent setup takes shape.

A Drive to Rochefort – Exploring More of France

No trip to France would be complete without a little adventure beyond the house, and this time, it was a drive out to Rochefort. The town, with its rich history and stunning river views, was well worth the visit. The highlight was seeing the famous transporter bridge, an engineering marvel that’s stood the test of time. The river itself was beautiful, stretching out under the winter sun, making for a perfect moment to step back from renovation work and take in the beauty of the region.

The Drive Home – A Satisfying End to a Hard-Working Trip

Heading back to the UK, there was a real sense of accomplishment. The house is starting to feel more like a home with every visit. Cutting out the staircase section, clearing the rubbish, and moving the kitchen (again!) were all major steps forward. And, of course, no trip would be complete without indulging in some of France’s finest bread and coffee—fuel for both the body and the spirit.

As I drove back, reflecting on the progress made, I couldn’t help but look forward to the next visit. There’s still plenty to do, but the vision for Point Du Jour is coming together piece by piece. Until next time, the dream of a beautifully restored French country home keeps growing stronger.

A Visit to Point Du Jour – Progress, Hard Work, and French Delights