Shutting down...

For those that plan to visit someday this will be an invaluable guide to help set up your visit as well as close out. If I've missed anything it is my fault. I'd welcome feedback from people who visit and find things slightly different than I outline so that i can make adjustments accordingly.

April 22nd, 2009

For this blog I am going to focus on the shut down procedures so that anyone who wishes to spend some time at La Ferme du Vieux Chateau can do so without worrying too much about the dos and don’ts of the place. The key rule is of of course to leave the place as you found it. Think of it as National Park, what you bring in you must take out and what you mess up you should clan up.

For those who might want to stay here you can contact me directly for further details and a schedule of costs associated with staying as well as your responsibilities when you are there. Also you can consider opening up as largely being the reverse of closing up so this list will always be a helpful reference point whether coming or going.

So here goes; Closing up!

Laundry: We’ve already discussed doing the last load the night before. This morning you’ll bring it in, fold it and put it away if it stays, pack it up in your luggage if it’s going.

Dishes: Collect all the dishes that have not been done. Do them and put them away where they came from. Wipe down all surfaces, particularly tables you have used and the stove and refrigerator.

Carpets: Lift up carpets, shake them outside and roll them up leaving them sitting in one of the chairs. Do not leave them on the floor.

Food: Refrigerator-clean out all perishables and dispose of them. Wipe out the shelves and ensure that nothing remaining in there will go bad. Non-perishables should be placed in the sealed plastic boxes you found them in whether they are in containers or not. No food item of any sort should be left out. The spices, in the large wooden bowl on top of the refrigerator should be double bagged and left there as they were when you found them.

General Cleaning: Sweep up and vacuum the floors as required. Any linens that were used please use to cover furniture. All furniture should be covered with linens. There is an ample supply, which you would have seen when you arrived. Please do not spare using coverings. The coverings that were on when you arrived should have been washed then and made ready to reuse at this time.

Trash: Recyclable trash should go into the garbage container with the yellow cover in the barn. Non-recyclable trash should go into the community container in the Place du Vieux Chateau. Glass bottles should be taken to the disposal station near the church in Montaud.

Outside: Bring inside all loose items, tables lanterns etc. ensuring that nothing is left out in the courtyard and that all loose things are locked somewhere inside. Install the security shutters on the main entry door on the ground floor. They attach by hanging on hooks with bolts securing the bottom of the shutter. Make sure the bolts are secured tightly...finger tight is fine but make sure it is as secure as possible.

Main doors with security shutters installed.

Water: Take your last shower and turn off the water. (Valve is located in the horse stalls at the back and to the far right.

Electrical: Turn off the water heater by unplugging it (light should go off) and turn out all lights.

Security: Lock all doors with the locks that were on them when you arrived. Close the main gate and secure with available lock. The keys are all on one key chain. When opening the padlocks to the main barn doors on your arrival, make sure the locks are left with the chains so that when you leave you’re not trying to find them again. Make sure to give the keys to Christian.

Main gate closed...this is the scene that should 

greet you and that you should leave....

forgetting the painting to come of course!

Note: At certain times of the year, notably in the summer, fires are forbidden due to high risk. Please ask Christian for his advice before starting any fires outside. A fire inside is a great comfort but generally requires that the door remain open so you get enough draft to go up that huge chimney…its worth it but don’t try to have a fire AND keep the door closed.

I’m sure I’ve forgotten something but I’m sure that a little common sense will go a long way towards ensuring that all is taken care of. Have a great experience!

Michael