I think it was during the Easter school holidays in 1973; I was 25 years old, and was on holiday in S W France. I lived on the N Wales/Shropshire border at the time, but was teaching down in Sussex.
We just happened to look in an Estate Agent's window, and saw a property advertised that grabbed my attention. The agent said he'd take us to look at it, and we drove quite some distance south to a tiny village in what looked like a perfect setting.
We pulled-up outside the gates (below), and I could immediately see that the property was not only extensive, but also very beautiful. It had a huge range of stone barns and outbuildings, and also came with one hectare of land and a very productive Chestnut wood.
"I'll have it" I said almost at once. It simply had that look about it that was difficult to say no.
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The UK was still not yet in The Common Market at that time, and buying foreign property was filled with pitfalls. We had to pay a 10% deposit, and had six months to find the rest of the money (or lose the deposit). I had to return to Blighty, put my house on the market, and deal with all the seemingly endless administration (including a medical examination in Harley Street). It was a crazy six months. We actually arrived at the French lawyer's office with just one day to spare.
I had driven down with all our furniture in the back of a hired van. When we arrived at the house, the wife of the vendor family was there to greet us (the house hadn't been lived in for a few years, and she'd ben doing some basic cleaning). She went to the barn, brought out a bale of hay, and placed it in the huge fireplace. When I saw her lighting it, I imagined the whole house burning to the ground. Luckily it didn't.
I cannot remember how or when we had the water and electricity connected.
That day was in September 1973, exactly 51 years ago.
In those carefree days, I took everything in my stride. The administration was endless, the financial side was a nightmare, and my French at that time was 'schoolboy rudimentary'. I certainly wouldn't do it today, even though the process is far more simple.
I must have been friggin' crazy.
No, not crazy, just young, full of dreams and the energy to carry them out. All that hassle and hard work brought you a different lifestyle, the best for your family and future. You could write a book a out it.
ReplyDeleteYou know you can turn your blog into book?
I have written a couple of books about France, and my life there.
DeleteI NEED the one about your life there. I was going to ask for more pictures and stories, but you have the book already. I can't imagine. Wonderful.
DeleteIt's out of print. It was called 'Je t'adore 24'.
DeleteNo parlevou Francais.
DeleteWas it ever in print in English?
DeleteIt was in English.
Deletethanks. I will browse the interwebs to find it then.
DeleteWhat a massive project to take on at a relatively young age Cro. When we are young we can deal with such things so much better. When I watch Escape to the Chateau DIY, I always think that I would like to have renovated a Chateau but that is a huge project and could be a money pit. You also have to be a Jack of all trades and have so many skills. That would have been too much for us. I admire you both so much for what you did and, it proved to be such a success. XXXX
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how quickly one learns certain skills. I managed to most things other than electricity or plumbing. I think I spent most of my time either building or gardening.
DeleteYou were realising a dream Cro., so lucky at such an early age. Most of us have to wait until we are older or retire, then the dream is slightly different!
ReplyDeleteYes, it was all good fun, and luckily I was able to afford it.
DeleteOh to have that drive and energy still!
ReplyDeleteIt's just a dream these days.
DeleteYou weren't crazy Cro - you were brave like Dan Dare! And you had Lady Cro as your co-pilot. You could have travelled "to infinity and beyond" just like Buzz Lightyear.
ReplyDeleteI wish I still had that bravado; it's a battle to get to M & S these days.
DeleteYou were NOT crazy. You took a chance and did something wonderful for yourself and your family. What a great story.
ReplyDeleteLooking back on it, it was a bit of a rash decision. But we all enjoyed ourselves.
DeleteA very good kind of crazy.
ReplyDeleteI hope so.
DeleteThe joy of youth. I did something similar and decided to emigrate across the Atlantic at the age of 22. Landed in a city knowing no one and neither of us had jobs. We worked on the principle of if it didn’t work out we could always return. Stayed there for 35 plus years, other than a tour of a couple of years in Australia.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds very brave. Good to know that there are other 'throw caution to the winds' adventurers out there!
DeleteSmart move buying a big property at age 25. In my 20's, I bought 6.5 acres of woodland after seeing a "Land For Sale" sign. Over ice cream cones at a local shop, while cows were grazing, I purchased. A few years later marrying a Brit and together building a 5 thousand sq. ft. home.
ReplyDeleteI look at container homes now and think, that would be great overlooking the sea from a cliffside.
I've always wanted to buy some woodland here in Sussex, but I fear it would be extremely expensive these days. The idea of a hidden Shepherd's Hut, tucked into some untouched woodland is still very appealing.
DeleteI suppose you coped with a little help from your friends.
ReplyDelete