Penny Osborne

Articles in France by Penny Osborne

From neglected shell to quirky seaside retreat – renovating a property in France, part one

From neglected shell to quirky seaside retreat – renovating a property in France, part one

When I moved to Normandy in 2017, I had little intention of embarking on a renovation project. Having left a stressful job behind, my aim was to kick back and relax for a while, before easing my way into paid employment. But when I set eyes on a neglected fisherman’s house for sale in one of the prettiest villages in France, I knew I had to have her. This is my story of how I gave this sad old lady with spectacular views a new lease of life. 
Building your own home in France, part 3: finding a builder

Building your own home in France, part 3: finding a builder

Once you’ve found your perfect lot of land in France, you’ve got your architect to help you put your dream home down into an actionable plan, it’s time to find a trustworthy builder or developer. Penny in Normandy investigates how to find the right builder for you, how much to expect costs to be and what you should look out for.
Build your own home in France: architects and planning permission

Build your own home in France: architects and planning permission

Those of us who enjoy browsing property websites, either because we’re moving house, or just dreaming of a new life abroad, have often come across the term “architect-designed’ home. This phrase conjures images of swooping ceilings and imaginatively designed kitchen and bathrooms, but what does this term really mean?
Build your own home in France, part 1: buying land

Build your own home in France, part 1: buying land

If you’re making a life-changing move to France, maybe you want to make it perfect. And one way to do that could be to build your own house. Think how thrilling that would be. We’ve all imagined it. What we would like, what our priorities would be, what it would be made of and most of all, what the outlook would be, from rolling fields, glittering seas, charming vineyards, to soaring mountain ranges….
Five years to the Paris Olympics

Five years to the Paris Olympics

A century after the Olympics were held in the City of Light, Paris will again celebrate sporting excellence by welcoming the Olympic flame in 2024. And this time, it won’t just be sports fans cheering, it will also be property owners.  For those quickly off the blocks, those buying investment property in Paris will be blessed with a golden opportunity to enjoy the games and enjoy a substantial uplift in value.
Green travel to France

Green travel to France

Whether due to eco-concerns or pure traveling pleasure, many property owners in France see accessibility by train, ferry or (electric) car, rather than flying, as a vital part of their property search. France is even attracting more buyers who are unwilling to fly to Spain and other Mediterranean hotspots. With many of us keen to do our bit where possible, what are the alternative modes of green travel to France?

Pin It on Pinterest