IF you buy an older property in France there is a good chance that it has some unique architectural characteristics.
However, this can sometimes cause problems when you are looking to do some work and are keen to keep it in context with the rest of the building.
A good way of ensuring your plans are in keeping with the existing property is to contact the departmental representatives of the Maisons Paysannes de France.
This is an organisation that supports the sympathetic restoration of old buildings and provides useful advice on repairing and working on properties without modern modifications.
The group has representatives across France and contact details are available on the website.
The site also includes simple hints and tips, for example two or three bars should join the slats on shutters on windows, a ‘Z’ shape was not common.
Whilst the use of concrete on exterior walls should be avoided as this seals in any moisture and means the house is not able to breath.
Maisons Paysannes de France also run courses so that you can get your hands dirty and learn the real techniques of yesteryear.