Up Timeline Viewing and Buying Property Condition In the Beginning Front Exterior Hallway Rewiring Bathroom Fitting the Kitchen 1st Floor Bedrooms Attic Conversion Dining Room Minor Difficulties The Garden Patio The Old Forge

Viewing and Buying

Having been on holiday in various countries in Europe, we spent some time considering whether or not to buy a second home in another country.  We explored parts of Spain and southern France, but high prices together with considerable distances came into the equation too.  We decided to focus our search on central France.  After much debate, we came up with some key criteria:

Structurally sound, but willing to do some work on the property;
Must be reachable by car from the UK as some materials may need to be imported and lo-cost airlines may not last forever;
Preferably in a country where we can speak a little of the native language;
Away from a tourist area;
Within budget;
Connected to mains electricity and water supplies;
Near to shops and a main town;
2 bedrooms minimum;
Peaceful and tranquil area.

We did some research through the internet, and also by watching various relocation TV programmes in the UK.  We soon established that the Limousin was the cheapest area to buy in France, it is served by two motorways and is a rural (and thus quiet) area.  With the assistance of Ebay and Google we were able to make contact with a range of estate agents and private vendors who were selling properties in the region.

After looking at several properties in the northern area of Creuse, described by estate agents sales pitches as "a renover" and one experience of being pipped at the post by another purchaser, we took another trip to the area to view another small selection of properties.

This time we fell across an old forge. Disused for several years, we were informed by the estate agent that it belonged to an old woman with dogs. Clearly it has not been used as the village forge for many years and had not been lived in for some time. However, apart from one small area, the roof was in good order and the walls sound.

The estate agent had lined up a local builder to give us quotes for the repair of the roof and for other ideas we sprung on him during our inspection visit. The property required quite a lot of work to bring it into good order, however, we could see there was a mains sewer cover right outside the property and the builder and estate agent assured us it would not be a problem to get the property connected to the mains sewer. There was already running water and 3-phase electricity to the site, so this would not be a huge task to get reconnected.

After deliberating over lunch we decided to make an offer on the property, which was immediately accepted. Having been caught out on a previous purchase we decided not to wait a moment longer and signed on the dotted line of the compromis de vente.

The proud prospective owners of a property in France, we stayed overnight in a local hotel and then embarked on the journey back to the UK, satisfied that our trip had been fruitful and we were on course to being owners of a property in France.