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French Connections

Find Holiday accommodation in France

Are you happy to have a French holiday home that is let when you’re not there or do you dream of living permanently in France and running gîtes or a holiday let? In the latest issue of French Property News magazine, our own Glynis Shaw looks at both the delights and challenges of each lifestyle, based on her years of experience working with owners.

Two French Connections owners are featured in the article.

26 years ago Tim and Lizzie Drake bought their holiday home, Bel Arbre, (above) a five bedroom stone farmhouse near Cazals in the Lot with large grounds, a swimming pool, tennis court and glorious views. The couple spend 7 to 10 weeks there each year – often with their family - and they still say the purchase is the best decision they ever made. “We wouldn’t move permanently as the balance between London life and our French home is perfect”.

Ten years ago Gerda Maria Brotherton-Ratcliffe retired to France to live at La Grange de Cezac, (above) the chalk stone farmhouse complex in Cezac, Quercy Blanc, that she and her son had bought. “We did a lot of renovation work and then I met the owners of French Connections as they were just starting out – and that gave me the idea to let our barn to holidaymakers. It took me a few years to settle, but now I’ve integrated well and have a really nice life here in France.”

As well as practical considerations, the article discusses business and finances, lifestyle, French language and the ways in which ‘la vie francaise’ can tug at our heart strings and enrich our lives.

The October issue of the magazine is on sale now, or you can subscribe to the digital edition. Soon you can read the feature in our Press page, along with lots of other fascinating articles.