Change of Address!
Posted by contentedsouls on 03/12/2015
We have had a great deal of difficulty in keeping this news a secret from you but, sadly, it has been necessary. As I type this on Thursday evening we are frantically packing. All being well, the crew of Matilda Rose are jumping ship to MV “Francoise” on Friday morning.
Meet Francoise. Francoise is 19.80mtrs X 4.07mtrs. She is a converted 1902 Dutch Tjalk (pronounced Challuk).
It was becoming very obvious that we had no thoughts of returning to the UK, so several months ago we embarked on the mission of finding our next home, in those months we had trawled the internet(pun intended) without finding the three things that were on our must have list.
Then we found Francoise. In no particular order, No1 on the list was that she must have outside space which allowed us to walk out of the wheelhouse onto the rear deck, where we could entertain and dine alfresco.
![rear deck [125720]](https://contentedsouls.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/rear-deck-125720.jpg "rear deck [125720]")
No2 was that she must have an island bed,
No3 was that she had to have a Galley that was an integral part of the saloon, and included in that she had to have a descent amount of working surface and storage.
and here is the rest.
contentedsouls 
caroline said
Congratulations, she’s beautiful, such character and wonderful lines.
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Lesley Kimantas said
Wonderful. I wish you the very best in this most beautiful vessel.
X Lesley
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Linda Carey said
What a difference it will make to your lifestyle . Looks so well cared for x
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Kath said
Wow! What a lovely boat, looks like she has a lot of character. Now you’ll have less chance of being intimidated by the ‘big boys’ 🙂
Kath (nb Herbie)
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Simon Heighway said
That is a very, very nice & tasteful piece of kit – Enjoy!
Simon
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Carol and George said
Very impressive, does she come fully furnished too?
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Ian Mccauley said
So nice inside, you won’t want to cruise. Tell Graham to fire up his blog and post some engine room and black water tank photos!
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contentedsouls said
Nagging him to obey you!
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contentedsouls said
Fully everythinged. Sadly, due to ill health, they have had to walk away leaving everything down to the cutlery and Dartington glass. At some point we will change the living area to sofas. She has been so well loved and cared for
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suenp said
Big smile on my face… 🙂 Those bunks look comfy! 😉
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contentedsouls said
You need to test them asap before you end up sharing with Sarah and Andy!!!!
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Paula said
Absolutely fabulous. I definately have boat envy!! Enjoy. Paula
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Margaret Budd said
Wishing you every happiness in your new home on the water,you will be surely very comfortable with plenty of room to move around with ease,how lovely Francoise is and so well kept,and all the comforts you need in your tender age,lots of love to both of you and animals too xxxx
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Kevin TOO said
Excellent, what a find, well done 🙂
So are you taking bookings for the summer holidays ? LOL
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contentedsouls said
I’ll send you a brochure!
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Nev - NB Percy said
+1 to see the oily bits and electrics – Beautiful boat, can it do coastal waters?
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contentedsouls said
No lee boards, but we’ve known people cross the Chanel without. We really don’t know because we have no aspirations in that direction.
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Jaqueline Biggs said
We are both thrilled down to our socks for you two. What a lovely new home which looks to be totally comfortable. I applaud you on taking the leap to go to France and try something new. Look where it has led you!! We look forward to the further adventures of MV Francoise.
Love Jaq and Les xxx
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Steve said
Lovely… I’d be happy on that! Do you have a buyer for Matilda Rose?
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contentedsouls said
She’s still full of our stuff at the moment but she is, basically, up for sale. We intended to cruise her down here between xmas and new year and empty her out and then put her up for sale officially. End of an era for us; she’s been a great home and provided some terrific adventures.
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Geoff said
My word I’m so jealous! If we were looking for a “fat boat” that would be just the ticket. Beautiful lines and a sensitive conversion. I’m sure you’ll all be really happy, but if you’re not give us a ring… 🙂 Enjoy!
Oh, and I’d like to see the oily bits, too!
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andywindy said
Wow Congratulations both! She looks absolutely beautiful inside and out. Francoise can certainly show a whole load of plastic Gin Palaces a thing or ten about poise and style! She has obviously been much loved and well cared for in her life so far, as I am sure she will be still.
I bet with all that beam the dogs still manage to lay right in the way though, you’ll have to be careful they don’t go swimming from the rear access when you are under way! With the guest accomodation looking that comfortable I can feel a certain couple plotting another cruise very shortly!
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suenp said
Already plotting Andy! 😉
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contentedsouls said
Spot on re the dogs; favourite spot is in the corridor! wouldn’t you just know it. Muttley has just walked all the way round the gunwales this afternoon for the first time and Baxter likes his bed outside on the bench. Daisy is sleeping on the dash behind the wheel and soaking up the sun. Neither dog are (voluntary) swimmers!
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Andy Healey said
Fantastic,stylish boat, well done.
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Kath said
Oh what a beautiful boat. I am soooo jealous. How are you at steering it? Good luck. Kath nb.bobcat
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contentedsouls said
Haven’t taken her out yet as the waterway is closed and the purchase was complicated; how difficult can it be ? Tee hee … how those tongue in cheek words will come back and kick me up the bum!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Watch this space
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Paul said
Bloody lovely. but we need to see the engine room xx
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contentedsouls said
Thank you all for your lovely comments. As you can imagine we are pretty chaotic at the moment and extremely busy. We will give you an update as soon as possible but I have another two car loads of ‘stuff’ coming tomorrow, Monday. Should get some time Weds/Thurs
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Wendie (Sue No Problem) said
She looks wonderful!! You’ll have to get a cat now, just so that you can swing it around!! Have a lovely Christmas to both of you xx
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contentedsouls said
Have you forgotten Daisy cat? I tried swinging her and narrowly avoided A & E – I blamed it on you!
Happy Christmas to you guys too xx
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Veronica Hayes said
I think you’ve bought the most beautiful barge – congratulations! I can’t tell you how very happy I am for you both. I wish you many, many happy times cruising in Francoise and perhaps one day, we’ll meet up on one of Europe’s waterways. Much love, Veronica xxx
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contentedsouls said
Thank you Veronica, it would be fantastic to meet up as I already feel I’ve known you forever.
Thoughts are with you both and your little girl through this wretched time; the price we pay for the good times xxx
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