Getting under way

So, we started looking for our ideal place. We at least had an idea of where we wanted to go. South and warm was the instruction from the lady. So south and warm (more on the definition of warm later) it was. We decided on the Aveyron region because it has stunning scenery and a relaxed horizontal way of life. Also we had been down to the area on numerous occasions to visit our very good friend Gunter. No prizes for guessing which country he is from. He has lived in France for over 25 years so is well settled.

After looking at loads of properties on web sites we made appointments to view those we really liked and flew to France. Now I don't know what estate agents (realtors is that right?) are like in America but if they worked like these guys they would be very very hungry! Half the properties were "not available" what ever that meant? others were sold but they couldn't be bothered to take them off the website!! Those that we did get to see as substitutes were at best awful and at worst damn right ruins and the money they wanted wwooah was in fairy land. The agent would take us to the property then more often than not give us the keys for a self tour while they lounged against the car smoking a camel or Gitane (smelt like camel dung anyway). An interesting way to do business.

Needless to say we didn't put in an offer on anything. To the rescue came Gunter, he had heard on the local gossip network of a place for sale not 30mins from him. Off we went. Brilliant, it had everything we were looking for; view, seclusion (just what you need for nudist b&b) plenty of space and bags of potential. Only drawback, the price; 1,000,000francs or 100,000sterling ish.
not to be deterred we put in an offer at the notaires(lawyers) of 750,000francs and waited.

Whilst waiting we put our house on the market in the UK. Didn't think it would be too long before it was sold and we were on our way..... but that is for another day.....