As 2024 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on a journey that has been as challenging as it has been rewarding. French bureaucracy, with its labyrinth of paperwork and visa processing, has been a formidable opponent in my quest to set up my business in France. At times, it felt like I was … Read more
If you have been following my portrait paintings and would like to see the finished pieces together with these amazing artists work then please join us at the Petite Gallery in Monsegur from 11 October to 17 November A really exciting exhibition exploring portraiture – a wonderful way to spend an autumn afternoon.
I visited Maison du Fort in July 2024 for a week’s art retreat. I knew Leesa quite well beforehand as we’d lived in the same village in Sussex, UK and I’d attended some of her workshops and exhibitions. But apart from that I didn’t really know what to expect. I’d never been on an art … Read more
It’s been a while since our last blog… we have been absolutely up against it preparing for our first art retreat in June for nine guests. The Studio was completed in March and was looking fabulous for our first holiday family to come and have a lovely art day and lunch with us. So at … Read more
NOVEMBER – SOURCING & MAKING So, I have found the house to be a treasure trove of beautiful vintage furniture, linens and crockery. However, there are gaps. The family took a few treasured, or actually expensive, items (an amazing painting from the office – that I was hoping they would over look – fat chance!) … Read more
I can’t believe we have come to the end of our first year in France. What a year it has been! So, the arduous task of renewing visas for work begins and I’m waiting on the French Government to OK my business plan – which is like starting completely again and forecasting over 5 years … Read more
Lindfield to Lauzun or should I say Montignac de Lauzun. If I had wondered why a successful local artist would drop everything and move to Lauzun, as soon as I arrived at Maison du Fort all of my questions would have been answered. The beautiful manor house, in beautiful grounds, surrounded by beautiful countryside in … Read more
Bertie and I spent the most amazing two weeks volunteering at Maison Du Fort. I had not seen Leesa for several years after leaving her weekend art classes and had last met Alastair and Cersei way back in 2011! I noticed Maison Du Fort’s volunteering scheme on Leesa’s Instagram and could not help but get … Read more
So the start of May, the 1st, is a significant bank holiday in France known as La Fête du Muguet. Long associated with spring, renewal and luck, lily of the valley blooms everywhere and the beautiful fragrance fills the Manoir’s front garden, It is given as a gift and it’s thought that the tradition of offering … Read more
March has got away from me. I think with the start of spring and the garden beginning to open up, the start of the month was magical. The month was stormy in terms of billowing winds – good grief the roof creaked (actually thought it was coming in one night!) and it snapped a tree … Read more
Maison du Fort
80 Route de Monbahus
Montignac de Lauzun
47800
France
Siret number 938 669 330 00012
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