Well step one of buying a house in France kicked off today with an electronic signature on the Compromis de Vente!
This preliminary agreement begins the paper trail which is part and parcel of French administration. The final settlement should be around the second week of November, when we hope to move into our “new” home.
We looked at 16 homes over the last month and a half, 10 around the Dordogne and Lot-et-Garonne area before moving a little further north to view 6 in the Charente
Each viewing scored a mark out of 10 for suitability, charm, area and local amenities. OTT perhaps but as we walked through the gates on this viewing we looked at each other and said 11!!
Sickening, after my 18 months of online viewing and contact across the world with various agents, Chris looked at a website the night before a full day of viewings and said let’s add this one to the list!
So what caused the warm, fuzzy feeling? A 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom “converted “ farmhouse with 2 big barns, a part converted studio, an attractive small garden (no acres here) within its own walled courtyard. Oh and did I mention the heated pool😊
Now when it comes to the interior there’s just a bit of redecorating to be done! Those that visited us in Newlands Arm soon after that purchase will see similarities in the current colour scheme!
Anyone fancy a painting holiday?? Think we’ll be kept busy for awhile over the winter months. All perfectly habitable but perhaps a consistent colour palette throughout?
Now all this needs is an easel in the corner and paints of a different sort.
Our closest village is just a 2km cycle ride away and the French language skills will be put to good practice as our immediate neighbours are all French farmers.
So, here we go on the next adventure as we countdown to a new life in France keeping the doors open for old friends to visit.
Congratulations on finding your new home guys. It looks charming. Love following your adventures – it’s a great way to keep in touch with us poor sods back in Australia. Looking forward to seeing you transform the interior.
Hey Sal, hope you’re all coping ok over there?? We’re waiting for the second Covid wave to hit us here as we head towards winter.
Will update as we progress.
Take care and cheers to any of the original Glenvalians that remain. 😊
Hi Sue & Chris,
Love your potential new home and wish you both many happy years there. Your weather is certainly more pleasant than our current wintery blast. Who knows, one day we may even be able to venture over to your neck of the woods 😀
Fingers crossed for a date in the not too distant future Anne and Alby.
Look forward to seeing you here one day 💕
It looks beautiful Sue.
Thanks Jill, we just fell in love with the”Frenchness “ of it!
Think it may also be improved with a bit of internal decorating😊
Well done Sue and Chris. That just looks sensational and I am sure you will be so happy there. We very much look forward to coming to stay and see it in person. And what about the swimming pool!!!
Hello again. What is the name of the village or nearest town and I will look it up on the map!
Hi Liz, we look forward to as many friends as possible visiting-one day!
The nearest village is Aigre, a little NW of Angouleme.
Looks absolutely gorgeous and sounds like a heart thing. That’s how it was with me and Wanswell Court! Can’t wait to see in the flesh and prepared to paint, carpent or brick. Can even remember a certain expertise with explosives if demolition required. Hope all goes well. Love to you both. Richard
We’ll have the jobs lined up for you and look forward to your visit!
Love Love Love Sue and Chris. Great to see your patience and research rewarded. Bill and I are very excited for you.
My research Robby!!!! Chris picked this one out the night before we viewed 😂😂
Very exciting! Have the paint brushes ready!! After all…I think I’m on a huge IOU after all your help with Mum during lockdown!
Sorry you had to postpone your trip, let’s see what next year brings.
Hi – looks like the wait was worth it guys – can see the silver fox sunning himself by the pool with a G& T or a cider. When we’ve finished painting our house we’ll head over and give you a hand. LOL
Good news, can’t wait to see you special people you💕