FRENCH SERVICES

The Warns

Mr and Mrs Warn, Roy 57 and Gloria 58, raised their family in rural Chelmsford. He had to retire as a brick layer after a car accident and ran a small country clothing company from his back garden. They wanted to move but could not find a suitable property in England at the right price. They also wanted a change with a challenge.

With their two sons, one daughter and grand child they form a close knit family. Roy and Gloria did not take holidays and had only been to Boulogne once on a day trip. They had never flown before, so their family and friends were shocked when they announced their decision to sell up and move to France. They had friends who were already out there and feedback was positive and alluring.

They wanted a rural property but were not certain where. Jenny Gardner of French Services, a Brentwood based company, which helps people in their dealings with France, suggested the Limousin area and arranged a visit to a contact estate agent. As this was their first visit to France, Jenny booked them into a very French B & B where no English was spoken so that they would be able to assess how they would cope. This, they found very useful.

They fell in love with the Limousin area, with its greenery, woodland, lakes, rivers and grazing cattle and they found their ideal house on the first visit. Frustratingly they could not buy it there and then because they had yet to sell their English house. There are no chains in France. Once you sign the initial contract, after the 7 day cooling off period, the funds have to be available for the purchase or a loan agreed.

Roy and Gloria set about selling their home in Chelmsford. The French agent could not take the property off the market but Jenny kept all parties informed as to progress. The signature of the initial contract of purchase, 'the compromis de vente' was eventually done in summer of 2005 - in Mr and Mrs Warn's home in Chelmsford. The French agent, Philippe Delcombel, brought it over on one of his frequent visits to meet potential clients in Essex.

Roy and Gloria signed up for French lessons with Jenny and prepared for the move. They also took financial advice from local experts.

As their French house was not yet ready for occupation, Jenny and Philippe found them accommodation with an English couple who had been running gîtes near Limoges for 3 years. Roy and Gloria found it useful to listen to their experience.

The French locals have been welcoming and helpful. Many shopkeepers are happy to try out their English but are thrilled when the English settlers try to speak French.

English communities are growing up all over France and tend to work for and with their compatriots. This makes life easier for them but can be frustrating for the French. E.g. French businesses have to contend with bureaucracy of which, it would appear to the French, the English are unaware or are not seen to be complying with.

Roy and Gloria were determined to do things properly and have sought advice every step of the way. They have been in their French house for 5 months and are very happy. They've made friends with other English people but are also willing to try out their French. They stop for lunch; they have time for one another. One of their children will be joining them shortly.

Advice from the Warns:

• Do your research and get advice
• Find the right property
• Don't do things in a rush
• Talk to other people who have made the move : (contact Jenny)
• Learn French - even if it's only a taster
• Contact the DHSS in Newcastle to find out about transferring over to the French system
• Exercise caution, don't get involved in the round of favour doing for your compatriots, this can cause problems

When asked what she missed, Gloria said the monthly visit from the hairdresser and the English cuts of beef.