Success Story #1: Turning a Chapel into a family home

After spending 5 years in a rented flat where they didn't feel at home, my sister Claire and her husband were looking to buy. They acquired a chapel and its presbytery on the outskirts of Paris. They turned the set into their new family home.

At first, half of their friends admired their vision and tenacity; the other mocked the quirkiness of the project. For sure, hardly anyone really believe they would achieve anything.

One year later, the chapel has become a large living room with very high ceilings. They created an extra level for the master bedroom that joins with the presbytery. It includes three bedrooms for the children on the same level, and a big kitchen on the ground floor.

To go up and down, they customised an industrial set of stairs that are usually used in factories.

I will post pictures as soon as I can.

Lesson 1: Don't be afraid of your ideas
Lesson 2: Being a bit eccentric isn't always expensive
Lesson 3: Think "custom-built" (windows, bookcases, doors)
Lesson 4: Ikea for basics
Lesson 5: Don't be afraid of colors (light purple walls in the living-room, red in the master bedroom)
Lesson 6: How about glass windows indoors?