Platini

Thanks for the feedback Gemini_Man and Deauville I wanted to purchase from someone local, but took the opportunity (as I was coming through Bordeaux on Thursday evening) to purchase an MTD (20cv/107) from Leroy Merlin. I got a good deal, but delivery was expensive. Obviously, the distance is an issue if I get problems. Just as well I took my chance to purchase one. My heart sank when we arrived at the house. The lawn had reverted back to a meadow in the time since our last visit, and the grass (much of it clover & weeds) was between ankle and knee height. I did the mowing over a day and half with lots of wine and food breaks. Help! I've got soooo much to learn about owning a holiday home in France. [:'(] Platini

Thanks for the reply Gemini_man   I will be doing my best to purchase a mower and get it delivered this weekend. Barring any other options, there is local shop in Montpon that should be able to do this, and they do have a service dept.   We have several visitors (family/friends) using the house in the coming weeks/months. In return they will be mowing the lawn and doing other gardening chores, but there will definitely be times when I will need the services of a gardener. Therefore, please provide details of your hourly rate/charges.   Thanks Platini  

In November of last year we acquired our holiday home in the Dordogne near Montpon (close to Villefranche-de-Lonchat.) As expected, it has been quite a learning experience (one of the reasons we have done it), and, of course, certain situations are proving to be difficult. Running the house from a distance presents various challenges. So far, we have managed to visit the house one weekend a month, with longer trips planned at Easter, in the summer, and at Christmas.  The main problem I have at the moment is acquiring a ride-on mower for the 2 arces of lawn. In Montpon, I have been to the shop near Expert, the garden centre heading up to the A89, and Briconaute and can’t really find what I am looking for at the right price. I hate paying over the odds, and tend to use the internet to get the best value for money. A have found a mower on the internet (a McCullough with a 107cm cutting radius for approx. 2100 euros), but as I am not at the property most of the time getting it delivered on exactly the right day is proving difficult. Therefore, your advice would be gratefully received on the following: 1)      Are you able to recommend any other shops/options in the area for acquiring a ride-on mower? 2)      Is anyone able to recommend a local gardener who can mow my lawn on several occasions a year? Please advise soonest. With the onset of spring the situation is getting desperate. Many Thanks Platini