Mike1958

We are due to take ownership of our house in Luchon at the end of September but at the moment have no idea when we will move over. I am looking for help or advice from fellow members with the following. 1. Local property management (short term) 2. English speaking local French accountant 3. Recommended builders (plasterers) 4. Recommended plumber (gas and heating) 5. Taxi or minibus services from Blagnac/Pau to Luchon 6. Skip hire and rubbish disposal Merci pour votre assistance... Regards, Mike

Both myself and my wife are keen skiers and have recently brought a 5 bed roomed house in the Pyrenees. Though approaching what some would call middle age, we are relishing the challenge of a new life in France. We would welcome some first hand advice as our intent will be to generate a small income from providing catered accommodation for walkers and skiers alike. Reading all of the various forums on tax I believe that the "micro" would suit as in reality we are only looking to earn enough from the prime weeks in winter and summer to keep us for the rest of the year. My wife will have a small pension paid into a UK account, the rest will come from advertising our accommodation where hopefully our travel background will be of use. On the basis that we are likely to earn either slightly more or slightly less than 25000E per year, is my understanding right that as a B&B/Chambre d'hote we would receive a 72% allowance for costs from income, and then from what is left (i.e. operating profit) we would have to pay tax/social contributions which on average equate to around 30%. Based on the above have we thought it through correctly, or have we missed the plot. Any pointers would be gratefully received. Many thanks, Mike

I am moving into a house on town gas with a Chappee boiler (the larger of the Messine models). I have managed to dig up the manual from the Chappee web site which I hopefully can get translated however I have a few questions which hopefully fellow readers can help with. 1. Does anyone have or know of where I can obtain an English version of the manual (if there is one). 2. I do not remember seeing any form of timer or control panel, is this common or if not can I easily have one installed. 3. I gather from a friend that they are extremely robust, however i have no idea how old the boiler is - any ideas regarding which century they are from (or at least to the nearest 5 years) 4. Are they a combi type boiler that provide instant hot water or does it all have to go through the tank. Not a great subject, but one that undoubtedly someone has come across before. Many thanks, Regards, Mike

I am looking for a good LHD drive 110 (up to 12 seats), or some advice on Land Rover specialists in France. Many thanks, Mike