Our new life and venture in France began in February 2003.

Existence in the UK seemed to be getting harder rather than easier, me working nights and Paul long days – a true case of ‘never the twain shall meet’. After much deliberation, and a lot of research, we decided to sell our house in the South West and move in search of a different and new life across the Channel. Having visited France many times before, the slower pace of life and unspoilt countryside was appealing.

28th February 2003 brought the completion date for our UK sale, and the 1st March found us, a large lorry full of belongings, two cats and three dogs in the Channel Tunnel, heading for France and our rented accommodation.

We had already found our ideal little house and so rented a house near-by for a couple of months while the legal paperwork for it's purchase was being finalised. We moved in on 8th May ... without water, electricity or sewage connection. However, several weeks later (and never again), we had hot and cold running water, a toilet and the luxury of a bath and shower. Needless to say, a fight ensued to see who could get in the shower first!!!

The cottage is about 200 years old and quite small. As you can see from the photos a great deal of TLC was needed. The garden is large with beautiful views across the valley and after major works tackling 30 year old brambles is now laid to lawn with shrubs and trees.

The village of Badecon le Pin is small with about 700 inhabitants. It has a post office, 2 cafes, a butcher, baker and even a hairdresser! On the map, it is situated in the Centre Region of France, the Indre, Department 36, and is about 55 minutes from Limoges and the airport.

Six years on, we have done so much to the house but here is still a long way to go - working for a living makes it hard to have the time to do what you want, but we are winning, slowly.

Since registering with the Chambre des Metiers in 2003, we remain positive and continue to supply clients with good quality hand made joinery from French oak.

To sum up, although the change to our lives has not been easy, we have settled into French life and know we made the right decision to leave England.


Paul and Julie