Elle Gee

Thanks to everyone for the replies to my query. The link you suggested, Pomme, was a great resource and I am now happy to wait for our accountant to get through the busy end of year period.

We paid taxes this year way above what our accountant had calculated. She queried it and the tax office came back with a revised amount (and Impots refunded the difference) However the net amount of tax paid was still significantly higher than the accountant's estimate. The accountant now says she is too busy to query this further before January. Is there any time restriction for this type of query? Is it ok to wait?

I also live in 24 and we are allowed to burn garden refuse from 15th October - 14 February and again from 15 May - 14 June. Other periods it is not allowed. We have received a bulletin this week reiterating this . It is also posted on our local mairie site. I do know that friends in the Lot are not allowed to burn at all, so the rules for the Dordogne are clearly different!

Hi Angie We have 6ha of land and it is mowed by a local farmer and baled. It sounds like the arrangement you had initially? It has worked really well for us. He takes the bales away within a week of cutting the grass. However, one caveat - we were advised by our notaire when we bought the property to have a yearly contract with the farmer. Apparently, if you allow someone to use your land for x number of years without a contract, they have rights to it - which could have implications when you sell, or try to stop them using your land. So we have a contract which I reproduce each year, and our guy is very willing to sign it.

Apologies for taking so long to get back. But an update.... I went to the mairie and they were quite astonished that I was asking " It's in your property, right? " Actually I went back a second time (just to check!), with photos, and explained that I was worried because I thought the tree might have historical significance, but got the same story. So I took the plunge and had the tree removed, and so far no complaints from neighbours! BTW - we are still allowed to burn during specific periods (checked this with the mairie too)

Interesting! The circular from the minister was dated 2011, but does mention that there may be exceptions to the rule!! I've just looked on our mairie's website and it still says you can burn between May 16 - June 14 and October 16 - February 14. All my neighbours were burning last year, but they do abide by the rules re the dates. Clearly your neighbour burning in September is out of order, regardless of 'exceptions"!

Thanks Gardian - I will go and see the mairie and let you know the outcome. I asked my neighbour (French) and he was very surprised that I was even asking!! Said "but it's in YOUR property, so it's your decision!" But he did say that if it was protected in any way it would be in the sale agreement/ title deeds (can't remember which one). But I am still going to check with the mairie - better safe than sorry. I also found this model letter on the web, which might be useful - re asking for permission http://www.droitissimo.com/modele-lettre/demande-autorisation-abattage-arbre-commune

We have a huge Lime (Tilia) tree in our courtyard. It dates from 1848 - the date is carved into the stone surround. Unfortunately it is very badly cracked, so it is hollow for a long way down. It has been poorly pollarded over the years, so it is very lopsided and really ugly, let alone dangerous. I hate to cut down a tree as old as this, but really have no option. My question is do I need to get permission from the mairie to cut it? Anyone had experience with this? I am in the Dordogne. many thanks

Thanks Richard. I mailed Roots and Shoots - got a nice letter back, but they said we are out of their travel region. I'll give them a call now that I have read your message.

I am no expert, Angela, but was once told that distinct differences like this are fire scars. Might be the case here?

Many thanks for the suggestion, Colin. I've mailed the company that Nectarine recommend and will see what they come up with. But your idea is a good one - we have the Manor of Eyrignac close to us and I could ask them for advice.

Many thanks Nectarine, I've emailed them and will see what they suggest. Good to have your recommendation.

We have bought a property with an ancient Lime /Tilia that dates back to 1848 (it has a gorgeous moss encrusted stone with the date carved in, at its base) It has been pollarded and is not in great shape. I want to get a real expert in to pollard it this year. Could anyone recommend a professional tree surgeon in the area? We live 20 minutes north of Sarlat. Thanks.

Thanks Cassis, for the suggestions - still getting different feedback from people we speak to, and horrified by what some have had to pay on duties! I'll try the email option - hope I can get something in writing from them.

Can anyone provide information on tax duties for importing inherited goods from outside EU (South Africa) to a second residence in France? I spoke to a duoane official at Toulouse airport who said as it was an inheritance we would not pay any duties - if we were moving personal goods we would have to. But now our removal company tells us we will have to pay both taxes and VAT because it is a secondary home. I don't think it makes any difference in this situation, but in case it does, we travel on EU passports and are tax resident in the Netherlands. Anyone else been in this situation?

Can anyone recommend an architect in Eastern Dordogne area ? We are about to start renovations on a home in the Perigord Noir, near Sarlat / Souillac, and need some expert advice. Many thanks.