Our sixth Anniversary of Living in France

At 4 am on Friday 30th September 2005 Karen and I drove from away from our old lives in Surrey to start our new adventure in Provence.

We didn't speak French but were excited at the prospect of a new challenge.

One thing we had promised ourselves was to drink champagne and watch the sun setting from the top of our village, and for six years we have never quite got round to it until last night, the 30th.

From here there are stunning views to the East & West  over the Luberon Valley and mountains.

And it was a perfect warm evening and sunset.

We initially settled in our village house, but it soon became clear we needed outside space, if for no other reason than our boys who were rather shocked by the lack of a garden.

And so we purchased Les Cypres which required just a little refurbishment throughout - this is when we first viewed it.

And on our second day after moving in a huge storm deluged the pool with mud!

There was some work to do but we were ready for the challenge.

After some work it was looking a little better!

A new coat of render and painting the windows and shutters made quite a difference.

We loved living at Les Cypres, and from the number of repeat visitors our clients do too!

But for us, it was time for our next project

On the 6th November 2005, just 5 weeks after arriving we stumbled across this piece of land, and as the say in France it was a 'coup de coeur' or instant love! a blow to the heart - we had to have it!

And because of the access issues it became necessary to buy the adjoining land where we went on to build Le Chene.

April 2008 Le Chene under construction.

You may well be aware of all this if you have followed my blog over the years.

But we are still frequently asked  three questions.What was here before we built? See above!

The second question is did we build all of  it? Yes, this is February 2008.

And February 2009 - note we were parking on the terrace outside the gites and our first clients were arriving in May!

The third question - does it get cold here?

Yes it sure does! whilst blue skies are the norm, temperatures can  fall to as low as minus 15 at times.

And today, gradually the gardens are getting more and more established as we had planned.

And the gites are increasingly popular.

Le Chene also has a loyal client base with many repeat clients already booked in for 2012.

We have had a wonderful six years, our client base is worldwide allowing us to meet and make friends with so many interesting and friendly people.

Here is to the next six years!