bakerino

Abri   The big differnece in price may be due to the fact that sometimes vendors try to sell their property with different parcels of land.  Once we saw a property that was up for sale with two agents with a variations of about 80000 euros.  it transpired that the owner was willing to keep some of the land and therefore willing to accept a lower price for the house and a smaller parcel of land. We also bought privately despite only having basic english and the vendor speaking no english.  we also drove around and saw this house, rung the number and it went from there.  We also appointed our own english speaking notaire and made a big saving on agents fees.  However we do have to deal with all the things an agent would do for you such as make sure the meters get read, get connected ect.  So far in our experience there has been no problems. Have a good luck round at agents and on the net and you will get an idea of prices so you should have a reasonable idea of what things cost.  We found an agent who was honest and up front and told us before we viewed that the vendor would be prepared to negotiate by xxx, I think contrary to belief it is not the agents that lead on price its the vendor. (well thats whet Ive been told)  Fix your self a realist budget and stick to it, we were told french vendors are offended if you negotiate, but and the end of the day they want to sell so dont be afraid to negotiate  an d you amy find the agent is prepared to cut his fees back a bit to secure the sale.  I think it is abuyers market at the moment most of the houses that we looked at back in March are still for sale and so are reduced.    

I suppose like everyone we are looking for peace and quiet.  We like to plaY golf (I know the French don't)  walk the dog, gardening.  However we do have a 9 year old son who needs a little more than that.  But he's happy to go out with the dog and mess about on rivers so long as he's spending time with us.  But then occasionally we do all like to be entertained, with the odd film, bowling, swimming and a sit and relax in the town with a wine or coffee and play cards.  

Hi where would you recommend, by the way we do ski but that was not on my mind when choosing.  However it would be nice to be nr a bit of life in the evening, but this appears to be difficult in france.  By bit of life we just mean being able to go out occasionally in the evening after 7pm. Is there anywhere in Charente you or anyone would recommend????

Hi we have been house hunting thid last year and will be returning again in a few weeks. Can anyone give me an insight into place west of Angouleme, Cognac St Brice, Jarnac.  Do this places go completely dead outside of summer or are they dead in summer?  Any info would be great Thanks 

Thanks all, the reason I queried it was because when we were recently in the Dordogne, nr Sarlat there was a notice up at the Marie that said Staffies should be muzzled. This has now cleared it up.  Thanks 

Do staffs have to wear a muzzle in public.

Dont suppose you know its web site? ive tried looking it up on the web but no joy yet. thanks

HI Bakerino has let me post a message for her as she is not well A FRIEND OF MINE WHO WILL BE TRAVELLING ALONE TO ANGOULEME PROBABLY IN SEPT/OCT NEEDS A B&B FOR A FEW DAYS WHILE THEY HOUSE HUNT. THEY WILL BE ARRIVING FROM LILLE ON THE TGV AND ALTHOUGH THEY MAY HIRE A CAR AT SOME POINT ONCE THEIR SETTLED they will need to be able to get to the B&B easily either by foot or taxi.  Can anyone help please. Many thanks  

Where is this beautiful bridege?

I think Ive lost the plot here I've just realised that Evian is not in Languedoc.  Sorry looking back my posting wasn't that clear I actually meant I would only like info on that region (we can only cope with one region at a time) We have done Brittany, loire Valley, Limousin, Rhone Alpes.   Please respond and tell us your secrets, we are comming over in less thann two weeks and would like to be in the know so we dont waste to much time travelling round parts that wouldnt be suitable.

Can you buy places with a garden in Evian

Can anyone give me info please on the area.  Also could you direct me towards any links for b&b. Thanks 

Sorry Im probably being really thick but I know nothing about this area Is perpignan 66 also I presume it is a fairly large town.  Could someone tell me the name of any nice villages near by where we could get a property with a garden. We are comming over ina couple of weeks and would appreciate some insider info. Thanks 

We have been looking for a property in France for some time but have had difficulty in deciding what area to focus on as each region seems to have plus points.(and some negatives) However we would like 1. Warmer weather 2. Close proximity to Skiing 3. Somewhere we can sit in a cafe and people watch 4. Golf courses within 1 hour Is Perpigan the place for us?  If not please let us into your secret we promise not to spoil it.  

Ian Now your know why i said "stupid" what is "composter" please.

ALCZAR Why nervous!  because Im stupid because I'm a female because I'm middle aged because its the unknown because Ive never travelled alone in France before because I have a poor command of the language because Im frightened of being attacked I could go on Any way you have made me feel a little better, i just didnt want to be in a postion where there was only me and a little old French man travelling in a compartment (Id be the same with a little old English man or young man at that   Any way is the train full with lots of people or Staff. From a very timid lady  

Hi Has anyone used the train  from paris to Limoges.  I am thinking of travelling this route and am a little nervous of travelling on my own. Should I be?

Thanks will get back to you when we get to the next stage. 

Hi Does Clugnat have its own primary school? will i easily be able to get in touch with "jo" once weve settled.  The bar sounds the palce to be for info and drinks so we will definately give it a try when were over in the next couple of weeks. You dont happen to know the name of the couple running the bar do you? Thanks  

Carol That is great info, when you have bad health its always a worry however I must say the good old NHS has always treated me well.  I also am 45 and have had two lots of heart surgery now (born with probs) and am under review for another op.  My mother is very concerned that should I go to France I wont receive the care or it will bankrupt me.  I receive LTIVB so by what you have said it shouldnt be to bad.  Thanks thats been comforting  

Benson Did you mean your husband is "French" or "French registered".  Will it be easy for my better half to get registered in the gas/plumbing side?. Hes going to do an LPG CORGI qualifaication before we come over, does he need to get all his Qualifications translated.   Raining its not even raining here, in fact Ive been out supping wine on numerous occasions this week and have even got a watch mark from my tan.  matbe good old blighty isnt that bad.

Benson I think houses are more expensive nr Clugnat as a property we have seen in Bourganeuf with 4 beds and pool is somewhat cheaper than a property in Clugnat with no pool.  Any idea why?

Benson your as mad as me on the PC at 6am in the morning.  That aside thanks all of you for your comments.

My experience of France so far has been restricted to holidays and I must say I have'nt found it cheap.  Ive found eating out to be on a par with the UK and drink to be expensive considering how cheap it is in the shops. So the question is " Is it really a third cheaper to live in France"  My brunt question would be if a person had no morgage and no renovation costs could a family of 3 plus dog live off say 2000 Euros a month to include modest socialising such as "get to gethers at home " and the odd treat for the boy and the "old man" if they deserve it .   Seperate question please tell me there are golf courses in Limousin or I'll never get him to move over, also where is the nearest ski resort.  Cor we sound right posh now duck.. he can dream

When you say in this area do you mean in Clugnat itself.  We are over in les than two weeks so will definately visit the bar, do you know its name or is it the only one. Cheers