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Feels like the kind of place a farmer may offer some old buildings they don’t us anymore for sale for you to renovate or something.
Not to derail, but I'd look for somewhere with old farm buildings then put a new build on as the main accommodation. There are always plenty of old properties in France for sale due to the way inheritance is mandated and the fact that almost no young people want old houses.
hugo7-
I'd look for somewhere with old farm buildings then put a new build on as the main accommodation.
TBF, the accommodation bit is less important in terms of how energy efficient it is (although I would hope to power it mostly through solar/battery). The brewery is where I really want to be as 'off grid' as possible and, since it'll be a brewery, it'll need to be really clean too, so new build (probably metal) will be more important. Old farm buildings might look great and be plentiful, but if you stick a brewery in them, you're going to struggle to make a beer that isn't infected with something or other.
Ideally, I'll find an old place that's got enough land to build on and isn't in too dilapidated a state. Might be asking too much, but we'll see. My cousin's a qualified carpenter who's built his own place out in Brittany, so I'm gonna be drafting him in to help out (he doesn't know this yet).
ketsbaia
Amazing, sounds like you’ve done a whole lot of planning for it and found an area that would tick all the boxes! Good luck in your search for the perfect spot! Feels like the kind of place a farmer may offer some old buildings they don’t us anymore for sale for you to renovate or something. Loads of good kit companies in Europe that you wouldn’t have to pay huge tax and fees on if they’re going to France which could be a good option if you find a good wee spot of land too. It’s probably different there with the climate, but I’m so glad we went for a new build rather than renovating as I feel it would have been a constant fight with old buildings to stop them being damp or cold.
Really excited to hear more about this as it progresses!!
We got cracking on again yesterday, 8mm ply nailed at 75mm centres (phew..) on the gable ends for rigidity. Then we started on the walls which are fermacell fire barrier board because of all the batteries and power electronics. Fitted all the full boards and started on corners yesterday and dad and I will do all the other bits today before they head off this afternoon.
We also fitted 18mm ply to the back wall for where all the inverters and batteries will be mounted.
The joiner also finished the last run of cladding on the workshop!! Just needs to router a couple of the corners and then the flashings and solar panels should be going on on Monday which is pretty exciting, we’re getting close!!