The topics of this blog are Armand-Jean du Plessis, Cardinal Duke of Richelieu, and the IDEAL CITY built on his command next to his magnificent CHÂTEAU on the borders of Touraine, Anjou and Poitou, in France.

Wednesday 16 September 2009

Work continues at 16 Grande Rue


These photos show stages in the renovation of the main dépendance range of the inner courtyard of 16 Grande Rue .  This 1635 hôtel particulier - individual mansion - is being saved; pulled back from almost complete dereliction.  The restoration techniques of the old building can be witnessed and it never fails to amaze how the construction techniques of centuries past can so easily be revived by the artisans of today.




These pictures show the restoration of the old roof and roof lights.  Protected buildings such as this one are required to use 'authentic' materials: in this case real slates, new tuffeau repair masonry, zinc guttering and lime plastering.





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