Ellen, hailing from the Eastern Coast of the United States, met her current husband Joseph, originating from the Western Coast. After their marriage, they had three children and went on family vacations every other year. Ellen, who always dreamed of visiting France, was often teased by her family for always wanting to go there while they proposed alternatives.
As Alan and Joseph approached retirement age, they seriously contemplated moving to France and purchasing a property. Alan, a former businessman, discovered an affordable house in Lonlay-l'Abbaye, a historical village in Normandy, while searching for French properties online in 2014. The house, although shabby, fell within their budget and was potentially renovatable.
After conducting preliminary research on the charming village using Google Street View, the couple learned of the history of American soldiers who were supported by the French resistance during World War II. Deciding to buy the 400 sqm house without viewing it, they arranged for an initial inspection by a property specialist. Although initially listed for around $18,000, Alan and Joseph successfully negotiated and purchased it for approximately $13,000.
As the house was in poor condition, they approached a local contractor to commence demolition and monitor the progress from their California home. Joseph explained that the contractor would send regular updates and discuss the renovation plans with them.
Regular trips to France allowed the couple to monitor the progress of the renovations in 2015 and 2016. Having considered that renting in Paris was more cost-effective than buying, they decided to leave their old life in the United States behind in 2017.
Applying for a long-term visa at the French embassy took several months, followed by an administrative process which Joseph referred to as "settling matters." After selling many of their belongings, preserving only sentimental items, and organizing their affairs in France, they finally arrived in Paris in April 2017.
Embarking on a new life, they established connections within their new community and spent some time visiting the Abbey of Longlai to review the renovation progress. Most of their time was spent focusing on the renovation plans, specifically replacing the floors, walls, and electrical and plumbing systems. They sought good materials and researched the challenges associated with renovating old stone houses, ensuring that the original structures would be preserved. Although they had to replace doors and windows, they opted for replicas to respect the historical integrity of the house; they believed that the ghosts of the American soldiers who helped liberate the village would still recognize their home by the street.
Their aspirations were to transform the Tiny House into a comfortable second home and preserve it in good condition for future generations. The interior, however, would remain as it was, with minimal modifications.
Given the proximity of the house to the Abbey of Longlai, a medieval monastery constructed in the 11th century, all major alterations to the house's exterior required approval from both local authorities and the Architectes de Bâtiments de France (ABD). As a result, Alan and Joseph needed to adjust their plans and hire experts to navigate the complicated approval process.
Their journey was disrupted in 2020 when a global pandemic brought all renovation work to a halt. Fortunately, the work resumed once restrictions were lifted, and they completed the rough and finishing work by December 2021. The following year, new windows were installed.
Deeply proud of the transformation they've achieved, they expressed gratitude towards the builders who helped turn the dilapidated house into a charming property. Through their online blog, they documented their experiences in France and found that the cost of living and health care were substantially lower.
While they still miss their old life in California, they concede that the shift to France was a positive change for their health and wellbeing. "Our daughter thinks that moving to France definitively extended our life," Allen acknowledged. They also grew to appreciate the French culture, specifically their talent for enjoying nature and cuisine. However, they encountered some cultural differences and even language barriers, which they were determined to work on.
Exploring different areas of France helped them develop an appreciation for its diversity and beauty. They spent a significant amount of time adapting to French customs, forming friendships, and learning to communicate with their neighbors in French. As a result, their language skills improved, allowing them to engage in 90% French-speaking conversations with others.
In conclusion, Allen and Joseph's journey from a rundown house in France to a charming second home was fueled by their determination, resilience, and passion for their new home. Experiencing French culture firsthand, their family grew closer, and they found a new sense of purpose in their life after retirement.
Enrichment Insights:
To complete the assignment, I provided additional insights on the process of buying an old property in France and turning it into a livable second home:
- Researching online real estate listings:
- Look for platforms like French Property[1] to discover properties that fit your budget and preferences.
- Spend time reviewing detailed property descriptions and photos to visualize the property's potential.
- Consolidating your decision to buy:
- Develop an emotional connection to the property, as many people are drawn to the story and history of these rural properties.
- Put your trust in the property agent and take advantage of their expertise.
- Renovating the property:
- Conduct an initial assessment of the property's condition upon receiving the keys.
- Hire local professionals to provide expertise and guidance in navigating the renovation process.
- Obtain necessary permissions from organizations like the Historic Monuments of France to ensure historical preservation.
- Adapting to the French lifestyle:
- Explore areas of interest and immerse yourself in the French culture to develop a deeper appreciation of the country.
- Adapt to local customs and craft language skills to form connections with the community.
