A Dream Come True
She’d never even been to France but Australian Annette Charlton had always dreamt of buying a holiday home there, and the reality is even better than she imagined. (French Property News)
Well, its been about twelve months since our story was published in the UK International ‘French Property News’ Magazine and with so many new readers joining us over at A French Collection I thought it might be worth a share this week. A sincere thanks to every one of you who have either recently joined or been a loyal reader for some time. I love each and every day that I see new readers joining us … can you believe it … that’s right each and every day!
I am so happy that we can help so many others to learn and enjoy France + All Things French
So sit back and read the article below…
You know when something is going to be perfect don’t you! You know that deep confident feeling that it will be ‘just right’. Well, as I expected France has lived up to my expectations for our family. Ask me to explain exactly why I needed to buy a holiday house in France when I had not even set foot in the country, and I live on the other side of the globe, and I can’t give you a straight answer. I do know however, that when we are in France we relax and know we’re where we belong.
Our purchase fulfilled a dream of mine that had been secretly bubbling away as I read books about others relocating to France; watched British reality TV showing others renovating châteaux or rebuilding piles of rubble into barns; cooked French cuisine for my family and learned French at a nearby college. I couldn’t get enough of French music and films; all the while dreaming of what it would be like owning a small home in France.
After deciding that if others could do this then so could I, my thoughts turned into action and I got down to the business side of things. I searched property sites on the internet, read property magazines, talked to international mortgage brokers, questioned my accountant and found a translator.
My property research enabled me to create a wish list. The property needed to be relatively close to both Heathrow and Challes de Guille Airports for easy access, not have a huge garden to maintain, not require major renovations (this would not be possible on holiday trips with three young children in tow) and have an attractive price tag as our Australian assets would not be taken into account by our mortgage broker. I also wanted a rural village setting with at least a local Tabac as I believe a thriving Tabac or café keeps a village dynamic and alive. It also ensures you never run out of the essentials, fresh baguettes, cheese and cold wine.
So with my husband agreeing (albeit still a bit skeptical) to at least have a look at the homes I had short listed with various immobiliers (french real estate agents), finance approved and one child in tow we headed over to France. We decided to spend a few days in Paris and this is where disaster first struck. My husband’s wallet was stolen on a metro station on the first day leaving us with a mess to fix up with our banks and no cash. This did not bode well for me as my husband preferred to buy in the south of England and was accompanying us more to see my research through than to definitely buy a house. I was sure this theft had done it, and we’d never convince him this was ‘the place for us’!
Anyway with matters sorted after lengthy international phone calls made while sitting in the place de Notre Dame, Ile de Cite, we continued on with our plans. We admired Paris, then drove all over the countryside from a quirky quaint family hotel at Loudéac looking at lots of homes and eventually choosing the last one we were shown. Our last agent cleverly kept the best of his to last and we fell for it – hook, line and sinker, or maybe chimney, garden and village! This three storey stone home only needed a little work in the attic but otherwise fulfilled all my essential criteria and the village was pretty and vibrant. It is nestled amongst rolling hills and numerous chicken, cow and wheat farms.
After a very lengthy process we stepped over the threshold of our cira 1889 stone cottage. This was a welcome achievement as family and friends had all committed to a huge Christmas holiday with us and we only settled three days prior to all of us all boarding our flights from Sydney International Airport. Whew, talk about stressful. I was dreading the possibility of a huge hotel bill from accommodating all our guests because we had not completed the purchase in time and they had committed to their travel.
Our local villagers have readily and warmly accepted us as part of their tight knit community always eager to learn more about Australia and our way of life. They still cannot believe that we chose their nondescript village above all others as our ideal location, and this makes them feel very proud.
Our Mairie (town mayor) immediately took us under his wing introducing us to the local farmers and residents after coming to check out the new residents of his village when he saw us pulling down the “vendre’ sign (for sale sign). In the generous spirit of the French he also took us to a huge soccor game at his home team’s stadium as his VIP guests while his wife feed and babysat our young children. We have remained firm friends with our Mairie and his extended family, managing to catch up over a drink or meal each time we visit.
We know however every now and again our very public mishaps and mistakes are secretly giggled about; and graciously excused away, with a ‘oh, that’s okay, its just those crazy Australians”. Just like everytime we do the gardening in 0°C; or when our chimney caught fire and burned for the next two days, requiring major work; the time we invited the local drunk into our home (forever trying to be hospitable) who promptly entered our lounge room, ogled our beautiful daughter then fell asleep on the lounge. As we could not wake him or shift him we had to enlist help from the barman and one of his customers (no doubt hoping for a quiet drink) to escort him home and away from our daughter for the night.
We announce our arrival every holiday by hanging either a Christmas or home decoration on our front door for all to see. This usually brings a flood of visitors to welcome us back, often bearing gifts of warm fresh goat’s cheese, farm eggs or freshly picked flowers. This generosity always overwhelms us. For our part we support our village Tabac, local butcher and café as much as possible. We also have purchased all our house furniture, whitegoods and home décor, garden items and clothing from local shopping areas. We feel so thankful for being able to experience all the amazing cultural, historical, natural and gastronomic wonders of France we try and reciprocate where we can.
It is with sheer pleasure we walk the surrounding countryside picking wild flowers, complain about the vast number of flies that want to share our outdoor summer meal, admire our elderly neighbor who still tends to her vegetable patch in the winter snow and enjoy our family meal times eating all the fresh produce France is famous for. And it is with admiration that we watch the hard working farmers rumble down the narrow main street, with only inches to spare, on their huge harvesters and tractors late into the still quiet summer nights.
I wish my adventurous Romanian grandmother was alive to share some of our experiences. She would have delighted to see us travel the globe, offer amazing learning experiences to our children and fulfill our dream, regardless of how inappropriate or unlikely It seemed to others at the time.
So that’s how our Australian family ended up buying a holiday home in rural Brittany and filling our days in France with adventure and experiences and our days in Australia working to keep our dream alive and growing together as a family.
I encourage you to follow your dreams big or small because
‘For A Dream To Come True You Must First Dream It’
À See you here again shortly … Annette xx
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This article was shared with #FarawayFiles, #AllAboutFrance and #TheWeeklyPostcard link ups where you will find other amazing articles on travel and France.
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Loved reading your story Annette! i am in the beginning stages of my search for a second home in France. My husband has reluctantly agreed. I keep watching youtube videos of france and lately of la belle Bretagne so that he can see the beauty of that country. Its been a long time dream of mine, my mother’s country and now that she has passed away just a week ago, I hope to make this dream come true. I share her passion for France.
I look forward to continuing my search. Merci encore!
carmen
Dearest Carmen,
I send my sincere condolences to you on the passing of your mother.
How lovely to also share her passion for France, her homeland.
Wishing you the very best in the search for your second home and hopefully we get to catch up together over in Brittany.
Annette xx
Annette Charlton recently posted…A Dream Come True
Annette, I didn’t know this story. It was so inspiring to read it. For some reason, certain places tuck with us. It is hard to describe the reason. I have been saying for a long time that I want to live in Spain. As a Latin American that kind of makes sense since there are some connections to the country and, of course, I speak the language. But, this year I returned to Germany and, boy, something just clicked. I imagine myself living in a small town close to Frankfurt. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Oh Ruth, that sounds really nice – Germany is such a diverse and interesting country. Village life is very strong in Germany also. You know when it clicks don’t you? I hope it works out 🙂 #TheWeeklyPostcard
Annette Charlton recently posted…The Little Breton Bistro: Book Review
Oh Annette, you are well and truly ‘living the dream!’ I am so thrilled you made this happen for your family. What an adventure!
Katy recently posted…A visitor’s guide to London’s famous parks and gardens
Katy, thanks for that. We all benefit from living amongst the farms and slowing down a bit each trip. Very blessed 🙂
We have to admit, last fall in Nice, we started to stop and read the listings in the immobiliers’ windows. Granted, it was just (literally) window shopping, but it did plant the seed of a dream. Looking at the prices, we were struck by how “do-able” this is! Great to see your success story. It’s definitely motivational! Thanks for sharing it on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Rob+Ann recently posted…Reef to Ruins: Where to Go for the Best of Belize
Yes, I believe once you commit to a goal it seems to get easier to make a reality of it. Small or even large sacrifices seem worthwhile. I wish you every success in making it happen. Take one step at a time and never give up. #TheWeeklyPostcard
We just moved to France in the Bourgogne a few days ago and we are very interested in reading your articles about your experiences. George doesn’t speak French and there is still lot of paper works to do. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Oh Wow, that’s exciting! Is this a permanent move or a long term stay in France? I am sure you will enjoy life very much once the paperwork and formal stuff is dealt with. I have just subscribed to your blog so I can read about your new life/stay in France. I am also delighted to have found your twitter feed – I will enjoy your shares over on that too. Best wishes Annette #TheWeeklyPostcard
Annette Charlton recently posted…The Little Breton Bistro: Book Review
Your front door is so beautiful! And that’s a clever idea with the decorations, too. I’m always inspired by people who have a dream and don’t let anything (even Parisian pickpockets) get in their way! I’m so glad your French dream is working out for you, long may it continue!
Rachel recently posted…Expat update: Month 3
Hi Rachel, thanks for popping over to A French Collection. I’m glad you enjoyed our story… please visit again for another dose of France and all things French 🙂 Thanks again… Annette
Annette Charlton recently posted…The Little Breton Bistro: Book Review
Beautiful story! I was in awe with the French culture when I was growing up too, Annette. I loved everything French. I’m glad to hear that your dream came true. It’s clear to me that your heart belongs there. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks Anda, yes it really is my happy place. I have been fortunate enough to travel frequently with my hubby and 3 kids and we’ve spent time in many countries but France is the one with a hold over us all. I am very grateful for our opportunities 🙂 #TheWeeklyPostcard
Absolutely beautiful and amazing that you pursued this dream of yours and you made it! Congrats! The French countryside is breath-taking and dreamy, isn’t it? I’m glad to read that your neighbours welcomed you to their village and you have settled in well. Truly awesome 🙂 #TheWeeklyPostcard
What a lovely comment Kat, thank you. Yes, our neighbours are lovely and we enjoy their company and well wishes. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Annette Charlton recently posted…A Dream Come True
What a heartwarming story, Annette! Especially loved reading about how the villagers have welcomed you and made you feel at home there. Small-town solidarity is really something special! I haven’t spent a lot of time in rural France – let’s just say Paris was just ok for me – but I’m glad France is so much more than Paris!
You are right, France is so much more than Paris… even though I LOVE Paris!! I really think being welcomed in a small village is something that you initially work on by showing kindness and generosity first to your neighbours and then of course they will shower you with even more friendliness and generosity.
Annette Charlton recently posted…A Dream Come True
That’s such a good point about showing kindness and generosity to your neighbours first! I’m moving to a new country myself in a couple of months and it’s definitely worth bearing in mind 🙂
Michelle recently posted…Otavalo’s Hidden Gems (Part 3): Why you should visit this crumbling museum
WoW. The most I did is to rent an apartment in Paris without seeing it, but buying something…ohh that’s another story! I can’t wait to read more about it!
Gabriela, so glad you enjoyed what I wrote. I am writing about our purchase story and adventures in instalments under the category of ‘Our Story’. You’ve inspired me to get busy with writing another instalment now. Thanks … Annette
Annette Charlton recently posted…A Dream Come True
So inspirational! Thanks for sharing your story and so glad things have worked out well. I actually have been thinking about investing in property internationally, but haven’t had much time to really research it yet. I need to get on that. #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Anisa recently posted…Plan Your Own Sintra Tour
Anisa, I really recommend doing as much research as you can. For us it saved so much time when it came to physically inspecting areas and homes – and time was something we were very short on! Thanks for your super link up #TheWeeklyPostcard
Annette Charlton recently posted…A Dream Come True
You’ve really inspired me with your story, Annette. It does seem extraordinary that you were so determined to buy a holiday house in France when you had never visited before. How thrilling that it has all worked out for you. You make the house buying part sound so simple and your villagers sound just right. I’m fascinated by how often you manage to visit – given that your home is thousands of miles away? Thanks for sharing this wonderful story on #FarawayFiles
Clare (Suitcases and Sandcastles) recently posted…Faraway Files #40
Thanks so much for your thoughtful words Clare. It is a bit odd, but I think our family is a wee bit odd! 🙂 My three kids have all regularly travelled internationally from about 6 weeks of age so the long haul flights are second nature for us. Even our sports are a bit extreme, yacht racing, international windsurfing for our youngest, motor car racing for our middle child and my daughter has settled into mission work after giving go-karting a go for a while. What can I say … we are those Aussies that the French villagers shake their head and laugh at!! #FarawayFiles
Annette Charlton recently posted…A Dream Come True
Amazing! For years I was against the idea of a vacation home as I didn’t want to feel tied down to one place, but more recently, I’ve been rethinking this… maybe it’s because I finally found a place I love enough to keep going back to year after year… Obviously you’re story is making the case for me! What a lovely story and how wonderful for you!! #farawayfiles
hilary recently posted…Las Vegas: Beyond the Strip
ugh… your story* 😘
hilary recently posted…Las Vegas: Beyond the Strip
Hilary, I really do think that if you are passionate about the area, the people and their culture that visiting regularly is wonderful. It shouldn’t tie you down completely however, I think travel to other countries and trips away from your base are still important. We have found that taking that approach certainly has worked for us. I wish you every successful in finding a perfect vacation home 🙂 Annette #FarawayFiles
Annette Charlton recently posted…A Dream Come True
What an inspiring article! Sounds exactly like what I dream of every day! My husband and I are constantly talking about moving, but don’t know where. We just know it needs to be a half-timbered town, near an airport, with a small yard. I thought I found the right town a few weeks ago, only for it to get seriously flooded a few days later. I guess that was a sign not to move there. Will pass this article on to my husband! #FarawayFiles
Lolo recently posted…How Travel Has Ruined My Life
Lolo, How lucky are you that the flood came when it did. Your list of what you are looking for sounds very well thought out. I would not give up on your dream, another perfect home will be found I’m sure. I do hope my story helps your husband. It was very challenging on many occasions with lots of late night international calls and urgent documentation being airmailed – not to say the stress of the final settlement date being so delayed at the beginning. We’ve found we have to be flexible in accepting what goes wrong at the house and take the attitude that life is short and should be lived at its max. Best wishes with your house hunting… Annette #FarawayFiles
Annette Charlton recently posted…A Dream Come True
I love hearing the story Annette. What a special bond you have with your adopted home. I can’t say that I had a driving internal need to live in Scandinavia before we moved here (I also had never been here!) but know that it has become a visceral part of me living here. (I also have a funny story about a drunk neighbor trying to get in our apartment when his is the floor below!) Cheers from Copenhagen, Erin #FarawayFiles
Haha, I bet your neighbour woke you in the middle of the night trying to get back into his apartment, albeit the wrong one. I am glad you now live where you do because I love your articles and photos. Such lovely shares from you. #FarawayFiles
Annette Charlton recently posted…A Dream Come True
What a great story! Good for you for following your dream!
Keith Van Sickle recently posted…The Best Value Wine in France? (and a secret picnic spot)
Thanks Keith, its great to share the fun with family and friends.
Annette Charlton recently posted…A Dream Come True
Lovely story. We visited Brittany two years Go and found it truly amazing.
Thank you for visiting our site and your kind words. I agree with you, Brittany has so much to offer for the tourist and the resident. I hope you get to enjoy the region again. Annette
Annette Charlton recently posted…A Dream Come True
Hi Annette,
It was very inspiring to read about how your French adventure got started. You had a dream and made it come true.
I was just wondering if you ever received my book. It should have arrived by now.
Best,
Margo
Thank you Margo and yes, I have received your book. I am loving it. Review to follow shortly. I will re-tweet my tweet about the book 🙂
Annette Charlton recently posted…A Dream Come True