Our new book is designed for anyone who has bought (or is thinking of buying) a place in France - whether it is a dilapidated manor house in need of total restoration, or a charming little cottage that would benefit from a bit of freshening up.

With 224 pages, and more than 170 full colour illustrations, this is a book packed with ideas, inspiration and know-how, aimed at all kinds of people renovating in France. Some readers may want to do most of the work themselves, while others may intend to hand the whole project over to the professionals. Whichever route is taken, How to Renovate aims to show what's involved in renovating traditional homes in France - from the initial planning, through to choosing the right materials, and how to put it all together.

Written in an accessible, non-technical language that assumes no prior expertise in building or renovating, the book takes readers step-by-step through the various parts of a project: from the initial approach and planning, through to the major work on walls, roof, interior floors, and potential loft conversions. It also looks at ways of creating more individual kitchens and bathrooms, and at ideas for exterior landscaping and swimming pool projects.

The book also includes a 64-page technical guide - 'The Basics' which runs through the details of the buying process, how to get the power, water and so on sorted out, plus a look at the French building trades and how to work with them. It also includes more detailed technical information, with a description of the planning permission process, and the guarantees that protect your rights as a consumer in France.

Of course, a renovation project in France is usually aimed at creating an enjoyable holiday home, where the owners can start to become part of a new community. So we also have a short chapter on how to build friendships with the new French neighbours: it won't tell you everything, but it does include a brief guide on that inherently French style of greeting people: kissing!

Here are just a few of the kinds of questions that this book will aim to answer:

Why is my high pressure water tank dripping when it heats up?
How are canal tiles fixed to the roof?
I have installed central heating in my stone farmhouse, but why does the building never seem to warm up?
How can I get electricity connected to my property?
How thick should the pipes be to drain the waste from a washbasin, and what is the recommended slope?
What's the safest way to connect the gas supply to my cooker?
How much space will I need for my septic tank?
How can I get planning permission?
Can I put a window in the side of my house, overlooking my neighbour's garden?
I am thinking of building a new house in France. What's involved?
Should we expose the stone on the outer wall, or cover it in a render?
Why is our roofer not keen to use the reclaimed tiles that I have just bought?
How do you install a damp-proof course?
What sort of electric heating is available?
Can I get double glazed windows that still look OK with an old house?
I want to put a new upper-storey floor into a barn. What are the options?
How can I find out if the field next to my house might be built on over the next few years?
We want to put up new partition walls for a bedroom. What's the best for sound-proofing?
How are concrete swimming pools built?
What kind of bricks do they use in France for new houses?

About the authors: David Ackers is a British interior designer who has been living in France for the last 20 years, working with French colleagues on a wide range of renovation and restoration projects for clients from around the world. Jérôme Aumont is a French freelance journalist specialising in the fields of building and renovating. He has contributed to a wide range of media, including France's biggest selling DIY and renovation title, Maison & Travaux. Paul Carslake is a journalist, editor and fluent French speaker, with a background in motoring and technology journalism before getting the French renovation bug.

What the experts said about our book
"Well-researched and clearly written, this is an invaluable guide for anyone thinking of buying and renovating an old property in France." Oliver Cockell, bi-lingual British architect, based in Perpignan.

"At last someone has produced the book that asks and answers all the right questions about buying and renovating in France." Pierre Weingaertner, architect based in Aix en Provence, specialising in renovation projects for British clients.

Press coverage
The book came off the press two weeks ago, and we have already collected some newspaper coverage (including a piece in a big French regional paper). Here are the first of the bunch. There will be more in the next few weeks.

"The authors have a wealth of knowledge about what French renovation truly entails.' The Independent, Property Overseas.

"Superbly illustrated...with an element of humour too...There is an amazing glossary of building equipment terms, and even a section with some essential tips on some of the French social customs. This book will not only help you avoid misunderstandings with your builders, it will help you get along with your French neighbours too." (Translated from the French) Ouest France

How to Renovate a House in France
Published by Ascent Publishing, 224pp, paperback, 250mm by 250mm
170 colour photographs, 50 black & white images.

Contents summary

1) The Right House - p8
What kind of house do you really want in France? We discuss the options, from the tiny holiday cottage to the eventual retirement home. And is it ever possible to make a killing on French property?

2) What's the Damage? - p20
A run-through of all the trouble-spots to look out for when buying a house. Plus an introduction on how to get the building work going.

3) The Approach - p34
How good a job do you really need to do? We compare the 'purist' approach to restoring old property with the more pragmatic, quicker, and cheaper routes. Take your pick!

4) Reclaimed Materials - p46
If you want to add a bit more authenticity and beauty to your project, you can go out and buy it. A guide to what's around.

5) Roofs & Walls - p58
The heavy-duty work needed to get your house weatherproof. We look at the various roof styles across France, and how to make your stone walls look good.

6) Sorting Out the Inside - p74
More serious building work here, with a guide to damp-proof courses, new upper floors, and options for how to deal with your interior walls.

7) Making Wood Good - p88
The charm of flaking paint and 19th century fittings on windows, shutters and doors can quickly wear off if they start to fall apart. How to renew without ruining the look.

8) Lofty Ambition - p100
Creating a room in the roof can add value to your home, as well as extra space. A guide to what's involved.

9) The Cave - p110
If you have a spare basement or outbuilding, you could turn it into a French-style wine cellar. It's also a place where blokes hang out together, and helps bonding with the neighbours.

10) Kitchens & Bathrooms - p118
Creating an individual kitchen or bathroom, with a bit of French style to it, is not as difficult as you may think!

11) Fireplaces - p128
It's not just a large part of the French population that is addicted to smoking. Many big fireplaces are too! We try to find out why. Plus some tips on wood-burning stoves.

12) Terraces & Gardens - p136
If you are renovating inside, you could renovate outdoors too. An introduction to some of the ways of using space outside the house.

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