LaRue

Thanks for the replies, buttered is how it looks so I think you are right.[:)]

Would like to have the cottage repointed but not to show all the stonework. Have seen a lot of houses which have just say 20% of stonework showing, almost like in between pointing and rendering. Any idea what this style might be called?

Thanks for the advice ,have decided in the absence of evidence to contrary , to stick with copper

Started renovation of cottage in auvergne and am undecided whether to use copper or per for internal use. The house will be empty for most winters so I'm seeking advice as to which is safer/more reliable against freezing damage although system will be drained as far as possible. Also, is it recommended to empty the hot water tank? Does anyone have experience of leaving electric heaters on auto throughout the season.[8-)]

Useful replies, thank you all

Does anyone have any advice/experience of how to become a taxi driver, been doing this for 10 yrs. in uk but certainly seems more difficult here. Local company has vacancies but needs drivers with diplome conducteur ambulancier. Checking on net this looks like a paramedic qualification! All advice welcome.

You could look at a mini sewage plant, www.neve.fr the Topaz range is for 5 people and, in theory at least, doesn't need epandrain piping.

Go to www.prospectuschezmoi.com click onto the bricolage link. You should get a screen of catalogues, click onto the brico, the picture not the name and you should get a reduced catalogue about 64 pages

Thank you all for your advice, the space is an unused room and there will be no change to external walls other than dirty water pipes out, so I don't think I will be needing planning permission. However, since I will be asking madame le mairie if she will approve a mini station d'epuration without soakaway pipes I've decided to just let her know what I'm intending to do. Many thanks all.

Got a small cottage in auvergne with water and electric but no toilet/bath room. Want to split empty space on 1st.floor into bedroom and bathroom. I am comfortable doing this work myself, my question is, am I breaking any law ?