Laurens

Hello! We have been in France for 5 months now, the kids aged 8 and 10 are well (ish) settled into their school. We bought our flat as a temporary measure and are looking for something more permanent. This will have to be about 30 miles away, and the kids will have to change school. We are aiming to coincide the move with our eldest's move to her next school. Nearer the time we will make a big effort to get to know families in the new area before we move, and let the kids know what's happening. At the moment they seem not to be too concerned about the prospect of another move, but probably because they are so involved with coping with school, friends and activities at the moment. It's hard because on the one hand you need time to really find the house you want, and on the other hand it's more for the kids to cope with. However, if they are involved in the house hunt - they always come with us when we look round properties - then it might be easier. But cross one bridge at a time, I say, and good luck to you and your family! I say for all of us, we have no regrets about making the move. It has been hard at times, when the kids have no friends, dont understand what's going on, and miss all their friends and the familiarity of UK. But when I overhear them talking to others about life here, they are always very positive. They have started making friends, and enjoying all the extra activities that are available. The 10 year old has been scuba diving and horse riding, and with the school does sailing, orienteering, swimming, outside nature study, and in January goes on a 2 week snow school with lessons in the morning and skiing in the afternoons. The language is coming slowly, but surely, and the teachers are very supportive. My advice would be to come as soon as possible for the children to get used to life here, and take it from there. I must say, it is a wise thing to rent and house hunt in situ. That way you are more likely to find what you really want. Good luck! Caroline

We too went on holiday in September and came back with a house! However we got a flexible advance on our London house, at 4.7% which is pretty good. This pays for our french property and leaves us with 22 000 to spent on 1st stage of renovation (so we can live in it!!). Then we plan to move, and my husband will transfer to a french company. Hopefully we can get a french motgage to finish off the house. Hope this helps.