Silly me... I was so excited to sign the lease and move in to our new apartment that I underestimated the gulf that exists between having a space to call home and making the space feel like home. Like many Parisian apartments, rentals don't automatically come équipée or aménagée meaning they don't include basic appliances like a refrigerator, oven and stove. And in our case, we don't have a single closet! No complaining here though,... we're slowly equipping and furnishing the space, and as of yesterday we were able to cook a simple meal :)
Even though the four of us are still camped out at night sleeping on the floor side by side on mattresses and eating meals on unpacked cartons, our hearts are full. The Haussmann space I envisioned is ours, and many mornings when I hear the whirr of motorbikes and see the sunrise over the avenue of creamy white facades, I have to remind myself we're here in Paris to stay, at least for a while.
Our apartment is in the 5th arrondissement, at the foot of Rue Mouffetard and a short walk to either Jardin des Plantes or Jardin du Luxembourg. I can't wait to show you around the neighborhood...
What a beautiful ceiling and white woodwork. And those open windows and tiny balconies just say, Paris! to me. I love hearing how much you love Paris. I was the a year ago exactly, and I think it's time to come back.
ReplyDeleteYou chose a perfect time to visit Paris last year Cynthia! The city is unfolding so beautifully with the coming of Spring. Hope you get to revisit real soon :)
DeleteWishing you much happiness in your new home!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Isabel :)
DeleteLucky you! I lived in that quartier many years ago—and still miss it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Alexa, I'm just discovering this part of the 5eme, and just love it! Also peeked at your Paris blog and will be visiting often :)
DeleteExtremely wonderful pictures…and lucky you…I know the area where your apartment is. Have fun furnishing!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Karen... will do :)
Delete--and I can't wait to stroll around Paris with you as you share your days! Your place is perfect, Catherine. So beautiful! Being content with sleeping side-by-side on mattresses and eating out of cartons on the floor in Paris sounds lovely to me! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Charmaine.... I've really enjoyed sharing slices of my move and adventures in Paris with you on IG! Seems you're right there with me :)
DeleteHow beautiful and what a lovely location! I can't wait to seem more photos! Félicitations, Catherine!
ReplyDeleteMerci beaucoup Melinda! We had very specific requirements about our location, one being that it had to be close to the boys' schools, and this was met perfectly - we are a 7 minute walk away :)
DeleteCatherine, oh I am in love with the details I have seen so far! You must feel so blessed to be living the dream quite literally!
ReplyDeleteMA
I really really am MA,... you're exactly right! My post should have been titled: Feeling Incredibly Blessed :)
DeleteIntricate molding...parquet floors...fabulous views! Camping indoors sounds like fun (for a little while). I bet the boys are loving all the space to play. Enjoy it all, Catherine - and look at it from your children's eyes.
ReplyDeleteThe boys have adjusted to city life quite well - and so quickly Barb,... they amaze me, truly! Thank you for the great reminder too, I won't forget :)
DeleteLovely and clean and contemporary. Before you know it, it will truly be "home" for your family. What a fun adventure!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Sharon,... we're seeing its evolution into a home and loving each moment of the process. The boys however don't seem to mind having no home for their Legos ;)
DeleteCongratulations on your gorgeous and chic new place and I am sure it will soon feel like home! Enjoy the whole process and enjoy your new life and surroundings ��
ReplyDeleteWill do D :) I can't thank you enough for your always encouraging and kind emails and comments throughout my moving process... xo
DeleteTotally swooning over here! Catherine, this looks amazing! The life surrounding your new home sounds amazing! I'm thrilled for you to be living a dream life!
ReplyDeleteThat is soo wonderful! Congratulations on finding your home - which it will be! - and I love that area. (Stayed in area during my last trip there in summer, still remember that wonderful boulanger pattisier at 18, rue Mouffetard:))
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Lulu! Oh and I love a personal recommendation,... will definitely stop by this boulanger :)
DeleteI'm so glad I found your lovely blog! I come on more visits for sure.
ReplyDelete(and I link to you in my blog :)
Linnea
Aw thank you Linneas, I'll come visit too :)
DeleteOh, but it already looks so magical! It will all come together and such fun you'll have pulling it together. I look forward to progress photos!
ReplyDeleteKathleen, I have only visited Paris so many years ago, but can recall enjoying it so much even in my (much) younger days and short visit of a few days. It was interesting to read that many pats do come with alliances or even closets. But, the views make it appear to be a wonderful living space. Good luck and looking forward to seeing more of your lovely photos of a city you so obviously adore.
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely glimpses of your new home!
ReplyDeletelove these calm peeks into your apartment as you make a home in it ... you will always remember these special moments of sleeping on a mattress surrounded by boxes :-)
ReplyDeleteCatherine,Oh how I missed coming here and visiting your world...the apartment is beyond breathtaking!!! Keep the snippets coming of your new home.
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