Our house here in Albi was built around the 12th century and was part of the defense walls of the town; the arch over the road was infact defended and gave a toll access to the city. Unfortunately I am not allowed to continue this practice. The building was built in Roman brick as is Albi including the cathedral, the city being awarded UNESCO protection. I bought the house in December 2013, began the total renovation in January and moved in during September 2014. I designed the house for Bea and myself with the studio apartment principally for family use and friends; we decided in August that it would be nice to offer this space to others, our first guest arrived at the end of August. The house has underfloor heating hence not so many doors in our part of the house, we retained some of the old features and brought in other aspects principally art. There is a small bridge so as to speak which links the first floor to the garden which offers utterly stunning views plus the sunsets, this area at one time was another building, the map prepared for Bonaparte shows this in 1796, the following town map, 1866 depicts a space, soil was then shipped in at some point.

I am Scottish married to Béa who is French, artist and who has the finest gallery/boutique in Albi, 7 minutes from the house. I work as a Project Manager for house renovations but also new builds here in the SW France, over the last 12 years I have completed over 40 major renovations plus new houses.

Albi city with its world famous cathedral, bishops palace, 12 century bridge linking the two banks of the Tarn was awarded UNESCO protection several years ago. You will find museums, cafes, a host of restaurants, night clubs, theaters and just the joy of walking around.