markspence

Hello again everyone. I continue to read with amazement the input that everyone has made. Ian and Steve made a couple of points that have a particular resonance with me. I don't necessarily want to earn my fortune, as i don't really have much reason to do that these days. Wife and kids have all departed. I think i'm looking for a decent quality of life following a dream that has been around for maybe 15 years in the back of my mind. The wish for a bit of freedom. Money isn't the be all and end all of my argument, as i want to earn enough to sustain a modest but better quality of lifestyle. Costs for one aren't massive, so a huge income isn't actually the answer to my problem. I don't want to be hand to mouth, but i'm not chasing riches beyond my wildest dreams.Hence the original thought about a small house, 1 or 2 bedrooms, and the income to pay for my food and wine bill.as well as the taxes etc. I agree about the hard work aspect of the discussion, and i'm not afraid of that, but i'd like to strike a better balance between the work and leisure aspect of my life. i think life in england offers you less chance of that these days, and i know that the french attitude to life always seems so much more balanced in that respect. Now that i don't have anyone other than myself to please, (not by choice) I suppose it's a bit of "me" time. Thank you all once again, and i will continue to read all of your comments and advice with immense interest. Regards Mark  

Hello again everyone. Thank you for the overwhelming number of suggestions that have been put forward. There's so much to digest that i'm going to print all of it off and go through it bit by bit and see if i can absorb all of it. i didn't expect quite so much of a response, and i'm very grateful indeed for all of your comments. Even the negative one's, as they tell another side of the story, and keep my feet on the ground. i think the suggestion of renting at the moment is a good one, however the only downside of that is that it will eat into my capital while i'm considering my next move, but i like the idea of a different view every morning, so i'll be giving the idea of a motorhome some thought as well. it's one i hadn't even considered, but it does sound appealling. i'll digest all of your comments, and i'll be back on soon probably for more advice. Once again, thank you all so much. Mark Spence  

Hello everyone. Firstly, i'm overwhelmed by those of you that actually took the trouble to respond to my posting. Thank you so much. Your comments have been both helpful and amusing, so thanks for the smiles and advice. And no, internet paranoia doesn't put me off. I've got a built in filter for that sort of stuff. I'm going to follow up the advice given and do some more research to see if what's vaible, and i think the point about drawing the parralell between doing the same in the UK and France and comparing the two is a particularly good point. As is the one about renting a property in the first instance. Part of my motive for moving is obviously quality of life, and i wouldn't expect to live as i do in the UK, however my living costs for one person are a lot less than i'm paying here. Did i understand correctly that there if i applied for residency in france that i might be eligible for some form of benefit. I find that hard to accept, and it's hardly the introduction that a new country would want to me. i imagine that renting in France is broadly similar to the UK, unless someone can tell me otherwise. Finally, i think the piece of advice about "doing it before it's too late" is particularly relevant. Hope i've not missed that particular boat. Thanks one and all, sincerely. Mark Spence  

Hello everyone. I'm at a bit of a crossroads in my life, not of my own making, but it seems i have a divorce looming. I'll be splitting the house with my wife, which will leave me with around £70k. Now i'm nearly 50, been clerical for most of my life, and it's time for a change. I have very little of the french language, but i'd like to buy a house, perhaps in the vendee or brittany, sort of semi retire, and perhaps spend my time looking after a few holiday homes for people who can't live there all year round. You know the stuff, bit of maintenance, get the shopping in for when they come on holiday, mow the lawns and that sort of thing. The point that bothers me is. I don't speak french very well. In fact, it may be said that my grasp of french is very poor. That said, i have always enjoyed having a go, and on the times we've visited france, i've scrabbled by, rather badly, and have always found that if i at least had a try, then i was rewarded with a patient smile, and someone would come to my aid, usually speaking english better than i can. i will be buying a conversational french cd at the earliest opportunity of course. Now am i  barking mad, or is it realistic of me to think that i could do such a thing. I'm thinking small house around 30 - 40k euro maybe a bit more, and then supplement the meagre income off the interest of the remainder. Will someone give me either a reality check or tell me i can do this. I'm reasonable at DIY and that sort of stuff, and i don't mind gardening if i have the time, which is something i'd like to have lots of. I can cook and that sort of stuff, and i enjoy meeting new friends. Sorry to burden the forum, but i think i might have a chance of doing this. If i have, what problems am i going to hit. Aside from the language that is. Perhaps someone can direct me to a good website that will give me the answers i'm looking for. My dream is that with the advent of so many people buying homes in france, that the sort of thing i would be doing might be a useful service. i know that a lot of neighbours might do this for them, but maybe an expat living on site would have some appeal. Who know's. Will someone tell me the truth please before i do something really daft and regret it. Thanks for reading, and for those that feel they have the time to reply, thanks in anticipation. Mark Spence