WJT

I had the impression that Orsanton was female

Hi Andyh4, gosh, that puts me right off painting and spraying it myself. However, I meant that perhaps we would give the bombs a try before leaving the property for a few months, not hours like my neighbour

When we bought the house last year, the house was inspected for termites and asbestos which is required of the seller by law in the Dordogne.  We stupidly didn't see the small print, the report declared that the property was termite free but a box was ticked stating (in French of course) that the property had other infestations.  We have had several specialist companies out and they have stated that we have an active infestation of Capricorne. You CAN hear them with the naked ear. In fact you do not even have to try, we can hear them just going about our business (maddening). We were told that this is classic for Capricorne.  We have also been told they only eat the softwood just as Motorhead said not the heart of hardwood. However, we have also been told if they were left untreated for many years they could potentially do structural damage. I am now worried about our French neighbour because he said that he will set the bombs off and leave the house for a few hours and return. He then repeats this a few weeks later to ensure that the eggs are killed off.  He has not mentioned anything about any health hazards. Anyone (French in particular) that we have spoken to about this say that every old house in the Dordogne has them and you just get used to living with them .  This is the reason we are looking for other ways if we know the injections are hit and miss for 4,500 euros we are willing to give it a go.  By the way, we met an English couple that live there full time and spent 8,000 euros (converted barn with loads of beams) for treatment and still have them. The company that provided the treatment gave them a ten year guarantee and so far the fellow has come back a few times for further treatment and they still hear them. More confused then ever now but still like the idea of giving the bombs a try just don't know how we will be able to do it again a few weeks after the first one.

I thought it was hilarious, maybe not everyone is familiar with the Little Britain sketch (hard to believe though).  It is difficult enough for some to make the decision to move to rural france but must be even harder for a gay couple, it must take a lot of courage. I know there have been a few other gay couples on the site but I would be interested to know how you are received in your village. Hopefully, you don't run into too many prejudices like what we have just seen.

Hi, the only thing I have seen on it was a brief note in one of the French magazines (sorry, forgot which one, I look at most of them   ) stating it in a matter of fact way that it will be in operation in 2007 and there were several UK carriers interested.  Would love to know more as well if anyone has any further information.

Hi Motorhead, very informative and has definitely put doubts in my mind about using the bombs. We do know we have an infestation because we can hear the Capricorne (longhorn beetle) very clearly eating away at the wood (quite maddening in fact). One thought is perhaps it would be safe if we set the bombs off when we are ready to leave and the house would be unoccupied for a few months or do you feel that it would still be a danger?

We showed a few devis on some work we need doing to a few of our French neighbours. They were quite shocked and were aware of the artisans in the area having two prices. We are still unsure about what we are going to do but feel uncomfortable going ahead with someone local at three times the fair price just to appear friendly.  We were specifically warned about a few in our local village!  You can be one of the English that will accept anything not wanting to send something back or complaining about poor service for fear of causing upset. Or you can gain respect by demanding value for money. At the moment the artisans are so busy they can take advantage, in our case give a silly price and if accepted they may fit you in. I personally believe this is all about to change with the slow down and we will be looking to receive devis from other artisans more keen or just wait a little while. In my humble opinion, you do not need to be a mug just because you are an Englishman in France .

Hi, we have had this discussion recently on another forum. There appears to be some sort of bomb that is said to be very efficient. I have read that treatment by injection is really not effective for a number of reasons. A neighbour in France also swears by these bombs. We have a heavy infestation of active Capricorne, when we return to France we plan on using these bombs ourselves after learning a little more about it. If you would like I will let you know how we get on, that is if you can wait until November, unfortunately, that is when we next plan to visit and give it a go.

Paul, I hope you don't mind me jumping in here again. Would you consider cutting grass for hay the same as planting crops? As I have mentioned before, we were told as long as he only cuts and does not put fertiliser and animals on the land that this would not be considered cultivating. We also have a letter signed by him when we purchased the property giving up any claims that he may have had prior to us purchasing. I am really hoping that this will be enough and we do not need to address this matter again. But of course we will do if it is necessary.

Hi Musicmusic, just sent you a PM. Thank you

I have flown on Ryanair to Nimes for about £1 (without taxes) a few years back. I know they also fly from Montpellier. Just an idea but could you not get a cheap flight to Stansted from Montpellier and go on to Prague or wherever on Ryanair form there. This is what I thought we may do from Dordogne in the future when we live there full time.

[quote]Hello all I posted a fairly detailed reply to this issue some time back, as we have gone through the official channels with our farmer in order to make sure there are no problems. If anyone wants to...[/quote] Hi Feuillant, is your agreement for cultivating or for cutting hay? By the way, we could not understand why it appeared to be so important for the farmer to continue cutting for hay, we since learned that they are really not as interested in the hay as they are the EU subsidies. Apparently every hectare counts towards how much they receive. I am not sure how it works but it must be somewhat lucrative for them.

Oops, just read KD's original post again. It may not be a problem with 1 hectare. I seem to remember the Notaire mentioning that a problem could arise if you have over 2 hectare's being worked by a farmer (of which our's is over two). I could be totally wrong so I am sure it would be highly recommended to look into it because as you mention your land is definitely be cultivated.

[quote]We had a similar situation when we moved in and were advised, by the agent immobiliere, that if allowed to continue a "contract" could be deemed to exist and the farmer could obtain a permanent right ...[/quote] Chas, was this for planting or for just cutting for hay? When we bought our property the farmer had been cutting the fields for many years. Prior to us signing the Notaire had the farmer sign a paper waiving any rights to the property. We have been told as long as money doesn't exchange hands it would not be a problem for us. However we were warned not to allow him to put animals on the field or to put fertiliser down. Both of which he wanted to do. To use fertiliser it could be seen as working the land and give him rights. If I were the poster I would definitely get advise. Our advise about animals and fertiliser came from the Agent making a call to an advocate (sorry forgot the dept. name) that specialises in agriculture. He said that the book that contains the laws in this area is huge and is highly specialised and the Notaire may not understand fully. We are still not completely sure if we are protected from the farmer claiming rights even in the situation of simply cutting grass for hay three times a year. For the original poster, chances are the farmer may be a gentleman and there is no need to worry but he may have rights. If this is the case for us in the future this is what we are counting on from our farmer even though we have addressed the issue.  

Hi Zeb, try E-bay (ebay.co.uk), there are many original large abstract art oil on canvas available. Just go to the Antiques and Art section and click on Art. Most show postage for the UK as well as other parts of Europe which in most cases appear to be very reasonable, some very reasonably priced art work as well.

I had the same craving. That is the one thing I really miss when in France (not to mention english Maltesers). I know it is not in this region but if anyone knows where to buy them in the Sarlat area in Dordogne, I would love to know. By the way I do love the onion ones with egg and onion mayonnaise.  Been back a week and have had it every morning so far to make up for the three months in France I had to do without.

I had a similar problem with the agents at times and we knew the area we wanted and had the euros in the pocket, as you stated. I feel that many of the agents have had many time wasters and dreamers and it was me that had to stay in contact and pursue in most cases. There were one or two agents that were very helpful and I really wanted to buy through, unfortunately, it was the property that dictated not the agent and I am sure they are aware of this. I could not imagine a situation or expect an agent to spend a lot of time with me while I decide where in France I want to buy or just browsing so to speak, unless of course you pay for this service. By the way, someone please correct me if I am wrong but I do believe there are companies that do offer this service for a fee and will do research on your behalf.

Have heard but have not been able to verify that the airport south of Brive will be open in 2 years time. My husband read an article stating that it will definitely open in 2 years time in spite of a few local protests. It did say it would service in particular the Perigord Noir region and that several low cost airlines were bidding. Can anyone verify or have any other information?

It is funny that a firm and the number can be mentioned on the site but when someone has had a very bad experience with said firm the post is deleted. However, the first post is left as almost an advert for a very poor service indeed for the possibility of others being hurt !

John Reid clearly said the announcement from the US government was made on FRIDAY when everyone was told to stay away from London if at all possible. Another example of the press on such matters. No matter what is said now, those that choose to believe this story will continue to try and cause a rift.

We are looking at doing just this. We are having a window made into a door with about seven steps down to the garden. We have a quote for a concrete base foundation covered in stone on the one side that would be exposed and the seven stairs made from stone. The devis came to (not including the door opening) 2,590 euros. Does this seem reasonable? We have thought about having the stairs in wood but would much prefer stone. Any advise would be most welcome. Thank you in advance.

[quote]Agreed! BTW - Legal hunting of birds and animals protects them from over-population by controlled culling.[/quote] Some say that about wars.

I must agree with Inceni, I do love cats (although a dog owner) and I understand the nature argument. However, if the poor cat was in the wild and trying to survive it is a different story but if it has a good home and is being fed, I say put a bell on its collar. It is no longer necessary or nature in my opinion. I think if we have one for a pet we should take responsibility.

Hi Ray, I don't see the comparison but now that you mention it, I don't own a cat but if I did, I would put a little bell on it's collar to give the birds a fair chance. I have often wondered why owners of cats that provide good homes don't do this.

Hi, I did not receive the email, this isn't the first time I have had a problem. I am not sure but I think that LF still have my old one before they changed it, it is the same as before except they changed from .net.co.uk  to .com.  I will try and update now if possible. But thank you very much for the information and the link. You have been very kind, just such a shame you will not be there sooner than August.