Reference Material for Restoration / Barn Conversions

[Bobc]

Some reference books that we have found invaluable in our work and may be of help to anyone with large-scale restoration projects particularly barn conversions and any work involving timber framing :

Building the Timber Frame House The Revival of a Forgotten Craft
Tedd Benson & James Gruber Simon & Schuster ISBN 0-684-17286-0

First-class reference book with detailed drawings explaining how to cut by hand every type of joint used in timber framing although an American book, the joints and methods are the same as though used on the timbers in French barns.

The Timber Frame Home Design, Construction, Finishing
Tedd Benson Taunton Press ISBN 1-56158-129-1

Tedd Benson is probably the world authority on timber frame construction and this book provides comprehensive information on building with wood. Invaluable for the chapters on methods of concealing wiring and plumbing within buildings with open timbers.

Timberframe The Art and Craft of the Post and Beam House
Tedd Benson Taunton Press ISBN 1-56158-281-6

Not a technical manual but an study of 29 timber frame homes with superb pictures and drawings. For anyone with a large open French barn with exposed timbers and who needs inspiration on how to create a living space within it.

The Art of the Stonemason
Ian Cramb Betterway Books ISBN 1-55870-225-3

Probably the best reference book around on working on stone buildings. First-class drawings.

All of the above books can be obtained from Amazon.

Three very good monthly magazines:

Fine Homebuilding
Taunton Press www.finehomebuilding.com

American, but many of the techniques are applicable in France particularly in using modern materials such as I-Beams for spanning large areas in barn conversions, etc. Very good value on a 2 or 3 year subscription.

Fine Woodworking
Taunton Press www.finewoodworking.com

Journal of Light Construction
Hanley-Wood www.jlconline.com

For our property clients we have put together a comprehensive list of sources of materials, suppliers, etc. This covers everything from builders merchants to sources of old oak beams, antique French door and window fittings, etc. The list is fairly specific to northern Lot-et-Garonne and southern Dordogne and is in MS Word format. If anyone feels that a copy might be useful to them, then e-mail me on the address below and I will be happy to send you a copy.

Regards,

Bob Clarke
Le Grindoux Properties
[email protected]
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/grindoux