One couple’s decision to buy a house in France
Wondering how other clients finally decide to make the move to France?
Here is information from an interview I recently did with a couple who have recently moved to France to run a bed and breakfast business in Gers.
1. How long did it take to make the decision to buy a house in France?
To be honest I’ve always dreamt of living in another country and Kristina, being originally born in Latvia wasn’t always wanting to settle in London either. After chatting one night early on in our relationship, we found our dreams of moving to France were shared with equal gusto. From that moment we have been formulating a plan to build a life there as soon as possible. Buying a house in France has been our dream.
2. Did you consider any other countries?
I am a quarter French, not that my speaking skills would give that away, so I have a strong draw here. Nowhere else quite appeals as much either. I flirted briefly with the thought of running a vineyard in Italy but the realisation of having to wait over seven years to sample my own label of vino was too much to bear!! Property in France definitely had more appeal.
3. How many viewing trips did you make before finding the right house
Amazingly just the one! We fell instantly in love with the beautiful 17th Century farmhouse in Gers that we have bought. It is an existing gite rental business and has been a great success over the last ten years. We have so many ideas and so many opportunities to develop the property too. It’s so very exciting to be buying a business in France.
4. What period elapsed from initial decision to buy to finding the right French house?
We have been scouring the internet for months for the right combination of living space and gite business so it has been a long slog. I’d say from our initial first search to finding the ideal home, it has taken us 12 months. We are pretty fussy though!
5. What made you buy a house in Gers?
We wanted to be south west ideally and after a lot of research into the region, we found it ticked all of our boxes for our requirements. We wanted a warmer climate, so that was a given, easy accessibility for airports, of which there are two, attractive scenery, many, many places of interest to explore and also close to the mountains for the air and of course the skiing. We have chosen a town which is quiet and beautiful but also bustling markets and friendly locals who bend over backwards to accommodate new arrivals.
6. I believe you are moving full time to France, could you tell me why?
Yes we are settling down here for good and running the gite business ourselves. It’s a huge change from what we are used to but are so excited to make it a success. London doesn’t appeal to our lifestyles anymore and we can realise our dreams in France now.
7. How do you think your lives will change?
We both lead very busy lives in London and are totally ready for a complete change. We are both actors and have appeared in many Hollywood movies. So you can imagine the change of pace it will be. I am also a partner in a Sports Management Agency but this will continue from France. My partner is also a professional photographer and interior designer so we will be able to use her skills with the decor.
8. Do you have any fears about the move?
At the moment our excitement is dulling the fear. Then it immediately comes back when we realise we don’t speak the language! To be fair, my A-level French is creeping back rapidly so that will soon, too become a distant fear. We couldn’t be happier with our decision and we encourage anyone who is afraid to make their mind up to buy a property in France to just do it!
Bon chance!
With huge thanks to Dominic, and Kristina
