Cool

Not as cool as this :) In winter, the fountain basin is normally dry, the water just draining away. In summer a nifty little brass filter is fitted, which maintains a depth of about 10 cm of water in the basin, keeping the square cooler and providing a source of constant entertainment for kids. As well as being a very useful place to keep bottles cool à l'heure de l'apéro.

It's not unknown for people to sit with their feet in it, and one of our house guests claimed that he looked out of the window in the early hours one morning to see a group of people cooling their nether regions after a night out. Occasionally the plug gets blocked with leaves, and then we get an "infinity fountain" as the water reaches the brim.

The weather has cooled off today, which is nice -- a very comfortable 27C. C'est l'heure de l'apéro -- santé !