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A French Collection

France + All Things French

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Twelve Years of Living in France

Annette Charlton from A French Collection

Reflecting on our Twelve Years in Brittany 

You may know that recently I spent time at my second home in Brittany, France and if you follow my blog or social channels, you'll know it's been some time since I was there due to Covid travel restrictions imposed by the Australian Government. 

I spent time with friends, worked hard cleaning and doing jobs around the house and garden, as well as a good amount of antique furniture shopping and I visited some charming little villages not previously explored by our family. While there I also reflected on what the last twelve years in France has meant to our family and how it has changed our lives. I thought I'd share my reflections with you all.

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Maintaining A House In France From Afar

My French Country Home

Maintaining A House In France From Afar

Are you dreaming of owning your own slice of rural heaven in France?  If so, have you wondered how you would maintain a French house from afar? And is the reality as good as you may have dreamt?

I say the reality is even better than the dream and buying our holiday home in France has been one of the most satisfying and rewarding things we’ve ever done.  Don’t be deceived though into thinking that means it has always been easy, it has had its challenges, but it has been wonderful and I cannot imagine my life’s book without its ‘French Chapter’.

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Annette Charlton

Annette lives with her family between their homes in France and Australia.  She’s been featured in International magazines including French Property News, on numerous blogs and travel websites and appeared on ABC National Radio. You can connect on Instagram or Facebook.

www.afrenchcollection.com

What Living in France Means To An English Expat

Thomas carrying baguette into Helen and Merv's beautifully renovated stone barn houseWhat Living In France Means To An English Expat

Moving from a comfy English farmhouse in Devon to an old stone barn that needed major repair deep in the French countryside is a big move that could’ve ended badly.  But for English expat couple Helen and Merv, it has given them the quiet, rural life they dreamed of and much more.

When I catch up with Helen and Merv on my trips to France, I am always in awe of the beautiful way they describe the benefits they’ve experienced since moving to rural France.

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Annette Charlton

Annette lives with her family between their homes in France and Australia.  She’s been featured in International magazines including French Property News, on numerous blogs and travel websites and appeared on ABC National Radio. You can connect on Instagram or Facebook.

www.afrenchcollection.com

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Annette of A French Collection

BONJOUR ET BIENVENUE

Bonjour, I’m Annette, an Australian who’s been living part-time in Brittany since buying our second home in 2009 in a tiny farming village. With extensive time in Paris, visiting châteaux and gardens, historic sites and towns, and exploring my region of Brittany, A French Collection is your go-to for everything French. Enjoy A French Life with me!

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