Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Smallhold Farming and Rural Living => Property, Buildings, Equipment and Alternative Energy => Topic started by: RobRob on October 12, 2013, 10:42

Title: French farmhouse
Post by: RobRob on October 12, 2013, 10:42
I have an opportunity to buy a farmhouse in need of renovation in France. I would love your input and tales of your experience of moving to and living in France.
I have the needed skills to renovate a property but as regards keeping animals and day to day living, I know their would be many unexpected obstacles and unusual things to encounter and overcome.
Let's hear your stories and your advice please, thank you, Rob
Title: Re: French farmhouse
Post by: Aunt Sally on October 12, 2013, 11:26
Are you writing a book ?
Title: Re: French farmhouse
Post by: RobRob on October 12, 2013, 13:29
I would love to but my writing skills are only average.
Title: Re: French farmhouse
Post by: John on October 14, 2013, 20:28
Whereabouts in France? Will you have a job or be self-employed or ?? You know they changed the law re healthcare for those below retirement age?

Do you speak French?
Title: Re: French farmhouse
Post by: Trillium on October 15, 2013, 03:31
This is a couple who moved from the UK to France. Perhaps you can contact them:

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq6R0eFBTG11_vb6fWPo2yA
Title: Re: French farmhouse
Post by: nannytroll on October 15, 2013, 14:18
I moved here to renovate an abandoned smallholding 6 years ago. Still loving the life. Main advice would be , if you don't already speak french,  learn !!Be patient with bureaucracy, it moves slowly. If you like a more relaxed pace you're halfway to fitting in. :)
Title: Re: French farmhouse
Post by: sunshineband on October 15, 2013, 18:35
I agree that the way forward is certainly to be able to speak at least basic French.

Buy a good book on smallholding - start reading!!

Start modestly with animals/birds until you are more knowledgeable. Plan where their housing is to go relative to your accommodation, as you won't want to have to move it.

And it sounds a great opportunity.

What will you do for income?

Title: Re: French farmhouse
Post by: MalcW on November 01, 2013, 11:12
We had a place in France for 10 years. As others have said, learn French - I did evening classes and amazingly ended up getting an 'A' level.
Make friends with your neighbours; ours were a godsend.
Get a specialist dictionary of building, plumbing etc. terms. I got one that was broken down by subject, and it was invaluable.
Be aware that when you go to your local builders merchant, armed with all the required specialist terms, they WILL ask you something you hadn't thought of. Just ask them to show you.
Unless you are well away from everyone, don't do noisy jobs on a Sunday.
Above all, Have Fun.