La Maison neuve

The field is a big one. At the top of the slope, two cows. This is the meadow where Philippe and Annick Olivier milked their herd for almost forty years. Nearby is the main farm building. For just over a year, Philippe has lived alone. Annick died suddenly. This year, Philippe will retire and give up the tenancy of the farm. He sells the machinery and parts with his animals. In the meadow just nearby, he is having his new house built. It is difficult to talk with the builders, to plan so that his furniture will fit into the standardised floor areas, and to ensure that the family will come there at holiday time and that his life’s savings are well spent.