From neglected shell to quirky seaside retreat – renovating a property in France, part two
With little practical experience, I took on a project to renovate a sad and neglected grande dame on the quayside at the beautiful port of Barfleur in Normandy. Learning traditional skills from scratch, I managed to transform her into a quirky seaside retreat within a reasonable budget, with a mix of good luck, hard work and the help of excellent workmen.
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.
