The house comprises a large kitchen, utility room with washing machine and dryer, play-room with a full size table-tennis table, music room/lounge with cassette tape and LP stereo player, "junior" play room / alternative guest room, box room, three large double bedrooms each with double bed and basic bedroom furniture, one room with 5 single beds, drawers and wardrobes. There are two cots. Two of the bedrooms also have en suite shower rooms, and there are two other bathrooms, also with showers. There is a huge (and unconverted) attic.
The kitchen has a large table seating up to 10. There are 12 chairs, two high chairs, abundant cutlery, plates, saucepans etc. There is a gas oven with an electric hob option, a double sink, a large Welsh dresser, corner cupboard and drinks cabinet. There is an American-style fridge, a dishwasher and a microwave oven.
The oven is gas with four hobs, one of them electric. The gas is supplied from a canister under the hob. New canisters can be purchased from the garage at the bottom of the hill. Please do not use an electric kettle as this will cause a power cut. There is also a microwave oven.
There are very few 'rules of the house' - the whole idea is to let you do what you want in peace and quiet, or however else you want to do it.
MACHINE & TUMBLE DRYER
The washing machine can be used at any temperatures up to 95° and heats its own water from a cold supply. After using the tumble dryer, empty the white container which can be detached from the bottom of the dryer and clean off the dust filter which is detachable from the inside of the door. The washing machine and the dishwasher should not be on at the same time otherwise there might be a power cut. If this happens, press in the black knob in the upper box on the post outside the front of the house. For the same reason, the washing machine and the tumble dryer should not be on at the same time.
FIRST AID AND EMERGENCIES
There is a first aid box in the kitchen drawer under the bread bin containing simple dressings, pills and ointments. The general emergency telephone number is 15. If you need an ambulance say SAMU when the call is answered. Call 17 for police assistance and 18 for the Fire Brigade. There is a payphone in Mansonville village square. For emergency plumbing or electrical problems ring 05 62 28 67 93 (M. Lovato). There are anti-mosquito plugs in all the upstairs rooms and a supply of replacements in the kitchen. The local doctor, Christine Sautede, speaks some English and can be contacted on 05 63 39 61 60 in Auvillar. The nearest accident and emergency unit is at the hospital in AGEN. For other emergencies requiring sympathetic English-speaking assistance (ie loss of possessions etc) we have friends nearby who, exceptionally, will be able to advise (Vanessa Verdier 05 63 94 12 67)
RUBBISH COLLECTION AND BOTTLE BANK
The rubbish should be taken to the communal rubbish bins regularly. These are located within 2 minutes walk of the house. Turn right out of the gates, then left at the cross-roads. The bins are situated 20 yards up the hill on the left.
There is also a bottle bank on the road leading out of Mansonville towards Auvillar and near the garage on the other side of the village.