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ABOUT US
Our
new life and venture in France started 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 Glastonbury, Somerset and move in search of
a different and new life across the Channel. Having
visited France many times before, we had fallen in love
with the people, the food, the unspoilt countryside and
the less stressful way of life (less stressful being the
operative words), and the good wine, a definite bonus!
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 rented a house in Saint Benoît du Sault (Department
36) for a couple of months, while the legal paperwork
for the purchase of our old cottage was being finalised.
On the 8th May, we moved into it, but without water,
electricity or sewage connection. 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 it first!!!
The cottage is about 200 years old, quite small, but and
as you can see in the photographs, in great need of TLC
and major renovation. The garden is large but also needs
major works, a quarter is under rampant brambles!
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 45 minutes from Limoges and the
airport.
We have done so much to the house since arriving, but
there is still so much to do. The renovations are slowly
coming along but, and for those who remember, it now
resembles Steptoe’s Yard!
 The lengthy and complicated process of registering
Paul’s carpentry business in France was completed and
when the Siret Number arrived, he started work on 1st
August 2003, making hand made doors, windows and
furniture for clients in French oak. He also undertakes
other carpentry/joinery works along side small domestic
building works.
The language is coming along slowly, fluency being our
ultimate goal, but our schooling, adult learning books
and tapes have never actually prepared us properly,
despite best intentions. We have made many mistakes,
some even embarrassing, but the important thing is to
try … and try we do!
Our animals settled in just fine and are in their
element. There are paths and woodland for walking and
bike riding and the countryside is beautiful and very
peaceful.
Our long term plans … well, who knows? Our plan is to
get the house finished, in between working for a living.
The major job this year is the need for a new roof, but
we will be oh so glad to see the back of the endless
building dust!
To sum up, although the change to our lives has not been
easy, we have settled into French life and know we have
made the right decision.
Finally, we would like to thank our families, friends
and all the people who have offered help and support to
us helping to bring our dream to a reality.
Paul and Julie
ABOUT BADECON LE PIN |
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