We started to believe that it would never happen. The COVID-19 crisis put France – and its legal system – into lockdown, and movement and communications all but ceased. And then, a miracle: we were summoned by the owner’s notaire to the provincial town of Pont sur Yonne to complete the final stage of the sale.
On 28 May (the day after Sonia’s birthday) we drove down from Paris to the suprisingly busy town centre (the COVID-19 lockdown was still in effect), to meet with the suitably visored notaire to sign the final act. After an interesting exchange about the history of the house, some of which was described in the deeds, at 11.30 that morning, we walked out into the sunny street, and were the proud owners of the Vieux Château.
Another long drive and we arrived in Corvol l’Orgueilleux, picking the keys up from a friendly neighbour. Everything was as we had last left it (except with much longer grass), and it was as beautiful as we recalled from our first winter encounter.
That afternoon, meetings with helpful local artisans, we started to imagine how we would welcome friends and family – and some of the repairs and changes that would be needed, now and in the future.
Our close friends, Giles and Alexandra, also based in Burgundy, brought the champagne to celebrate! A stroll round the village and a chance encounter with some of our future neighbours confirmed that the village remains not only wonderfully unspoiled, but is also a welcoming community.
Le Vieux Château 