LJW

Thanks for the replies.  I kind of suspected my brilliant idea would have been well and truly done to death already and that, even if it hadn't, the infamous French red tape might scupper our efforts.  We wouldn't sell up here and move down with the hope of starting up such a venture without giving it a try first - we're thinking of renting out our place and having a year down in France to suck it and see.  Would give us a chance to suss out the potential market, chances of finding paid work etc etc.  We have 2 young children so their needs come first and would also like to see how they would cope with the French education system.  It really does seem very difficult to make a new life there from what I've read on the forum, so a pipedream is probably what it will remain................. Thanks again!

Bit of a bizarre post as we are thinking of doing this some years from now but the thoughts we are currently having to enable us to live in France are....  - buying a property with outbuildings not far from Montpellier  - converting some to make decent accomodation for paying guests  - converting one to make a teaching classroom and offering residential business english courses to companies etc Both husband and I are degree qualified and have many years experience working in Finance/Business in London (I am qualified accountant) and speak not too bad french.  Both of us are planning to complete a TEFL course specialising in business english in the near future. Is this a completely ludicrous idea or is there any scope at all for it to provide an income for us to realise our dream of living in the South of France?? Total pipedream at the moment but would be grateful for any thoughts from teachers/gite owners etc........ Cheers

Thanks very much for the reply.  We live not too far from Limoges but haven't yet been brave enough to drive in.  Could you possibly give me an idea of where Trocadero is and we will venture out when we're next there. Thanks again Leisha

We're trying to buy a couple of cast iron style beds for our place near St Benoit but have no idea where we can buy them.  They certainly don't need to be antique - we just need iron beds as we figure divans might get a but damp over the winter.  We were thinking of buying a couple from Ikea and dragging them over (if that gives you a rough idea of what we're looking for) but would prefer not to as our car is a little on the small side.  Happy to travel anywhere in the Central region if anyone has seen anything that might be suitable.  Can anyone help?? Many thanks

We have a property we are renovating near St Benoit Du Sault which has an orchard and lawn.  We can only make it down to the property a few times a year at the moment and are starting to despair at spending our breaks attached to the strimmer.  Would anyone be interested in maintaining the lawn and/or orchard over the spring/summer?  I imagine it might need looked at once a fortnight?  We have a strimmer (which I can't get to work at the moment despite it being less than 6 months old - although I have just read some interesting tips on the forum on that one so who knows) but it may be better (and more time efficient) if the relevant person had their own mower. I have no idea about costs etc, so would be grateful if anyone could provide me with more information. Best regards LW