Well I found the apartment. Yes, readers, my quest is over (subject to long and drawn out legal process).
The apartment is a fixer-upper. Not a great choice for a rental, I hear you say, but really all the fixing up needed is a lick of paint and some new doors for the kitchen units. Anyway, I've negotiated some rent-free weeks to cover the costs (well done me. I did this in French too, I'll have you know).
I'm happy to fix it up a little, because it's in a great spot.
In a neighbourhood with shops, bars and cafes. 20 minutes walk from my favourite bars/shops/restaurants in the Marais, ten minutes walk from Opera Bastille, and on the 1-line - the metro that runs through the heart of sightseeing Paris....
So now I enter into French legal hell and will no doubt have to produce blood samples from both of my parents (anyone got a spade?), suggest the right wine for six menu combinations and identify five different types of mushrooms by smell alone.
The realtor has already asked me about my 'status' in France. When I told him I'm employed by a British company and get paid in the UK he staggered backwards and gasped. Really, he did.
Enough already. Let's see how this goes.
I'd love to get really excited about it, but I remember the near-coronary that I had when I found then lost then found this place in Lyon two years ago.
I'm going to aim for an emotionally detached interest in the process and not get involved until I know it's mine and I have a key in my hand. I won't plan room layouts. I refuse to get into thinking about colours and furnishings. I absolutely will not be planning my life in the neighbourhood.
So, I was thinking, the smaller bedroom could double as a dining room, and I could do a great black and white theme, and those curtains I saw last week would look great, and when friends stay we'll definitely take breakfast at the cafe downstairs and oh lord, I'm channeling Lawrence Llewelyn Bowen....
21 commentaires:
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you - exciting news. How long do you have wait...or is that a silly question?
Softy, it could take a week, it could take six....who knows? Certainly not a poor etranger like myself...!
Darling you can't deny your very nature - accessorising is in your genes...
Shall I come over and help you break it in properly?
Enda, what can I say. It's what separates us from the straight boys.
Lewis, you are more than welcome kind sir.
But be a doll and bring a paint brush with you....
Oooh! I've got everything crossed that I can - eyes included!!
How I love decorating! But why such legal drama? Aren't you renting and not buying??
I believe happiness is right around the corner.....well - okay - maybe next week or later...but still!!
Good news, I'm starting to imagine a Parisian life through the summer, did you get the balcony? I love a balcony.
Congratulations on finding a new home! I work for a housewares retailer. If you were in the US I'd send you an overpriced imported housewarming gift probably made by one of my long lost cousins in the Philippines! ;-)
I hope all the legal stuff works itself out! The best thing about a fixer-upper is that you can completely make it your own. Good luck with everything!
very excited for you. i hope it all works out.
Aims, the french love their legal stuff. Renting can be as hard as buying over here...
Lola, alas no balcony. I saw a beautiful apartment with an amazing balcony, unfortunately it was only large enough to keep dolls in...such is life though eh? compromise, compromise...
Hey Mike, feel free to send gifts regardless!! I'll sign for anything... ;-)
Marjolein, that's part of why I've taken it - so I can do something with it that is a bit more to my liking....
Red, thanks for that, no doubt you'll be able to read about how it goes here over the next few weeks.....
would you like me to crochet one of those poodles to put over the lavvy roll for you?
The legalities sound like a nightmare!
Keeping it all crossed for you too. When you're finally through that front door you can let Lawrence L.B run wild!:-)
Now I'm starting to understand why we have to use the government issued rental contracts here. It must be a French thing.
Go on give in get out your frilly shirts,toss those curls oh and see of you can get someone else to do the work while you talk concepts and motiefs
VM, yes please. In powder blue.
Lane, me too, everything is crossed. Inner LLB on standby...!
Tornwordo, if Quebecois bureaucracy is anything liek France then you have my pity. It could be worse, though - it could be Italy!
Breezy, the frilly shirts are waiting in the wings. The real estate guy seems very hopeful for me though...which is a good start.
Well done you - that's great news. And great news for me too seeing as my bags are packed and waiting :-)
Conortje - ha ha, keep em packed, there'll be room at the Inn. BTW, you any good at painting?
'Fixer-upper' is a brilliant word. It always makes me think of Timon from The Lion King.
Hope it all works out.
Hey Ben, exactly - and my new kingdom is definitely a fixer-upper, there's no question of that!
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