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.
Finding your perfect home in the Charente
Nestled in South West France lies the department of Charente. Boasting fantastic weather and countryside, it also offers great value for money when property searching. Whether you’re looking for a bustling and lively or more rural pace of life this diverse area has loads to offer. But how to decide where to live in the Charente?
What does the price of an average UK home buy you in France?
The average UK home costs around £230,000 – and for that, you’ll often get a semi-detached, suburban house with a small garden. If you sold that average home, however, and moved to France, you could find yourself the happy owner of a beautiful detached home, with a spacious garden, perhaps some period features and as many six bedrooms! Here’s our round-up of French houses for €250,000.
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?
