Juanita Franke's Selection of French property for Sale

About my area

The Périgord Noir is the distinctive Dordogne country: deep-cut valleys enclosed by the water-smooth cliffs the rivers have eroded., with fields of maize and sunflowers and dense oak woods. Plantations of walnut trees, flocks of grey geese and prehistoric-looking stone huts called bories are hallmarks of the Périgord Noir.

It is a region of rivers, with the majestic Dordogne and Vézère winding their way through unspoilt landscapes and varied scenery offering the perfect backdrop for all sorts of outdoor activities.

In the valley of the Vézère the overhanging cliffs are riddled with caves that have been used as dwellings and sanctuaries for thousands of years. It was here that the first skeletons of Cro-Magnon people were unearthed in 1868, and here, too, that an incredible wealth of archeological and artistic evidence of the late Stone Age people has since been found.

The prehistoric cave paintings are the absolute highlight of Périgord Noir, remarkable not only for their great age, but also for their exquisite colouring and the skill with which they are drawn. There are many renowned prehistoric sites such as Lascaux, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac and Sireul, among others.

In the Périgord Noir, gastronomy is a way of life. Nature has blessed the region with an abundance of excellent produce. A huge selection of delicious regional produce can be admired and tasted at the many local markets held in the Périgord Noir.

The Périgord Noir, with Sarlat, one of the most famous towns for medieval art and history in France, in its centre, is renowned for its gastronomic traditions, relaxed way of life and internationally renowned cultural sights.

Wasn’t it time to come and see for yourself…

About me

In 1998 I moved to Marquay near Sarlat and I knew then that I had finally found what I had been looking for, my piece of paradise in the Périgord Noir.

My two passions in life have always been restoring old properties and cooking. The latter I did professionally. During my years in England together with my partner, we owned and ran a successful restaurant, and no surprise it was French cuisine. Later when I lived in Mijas in southern Spain I started an outside catering business. Then I moved to a ski resort in the French Alps and opened a Piano Bar.

I loved the mountains and enjoyed skiing in the winter and long mountain tours in the summer but still I was searching………… until the day I arrived here in the Perigord.

Now cooking has become my favourite hobby. I can take time to search for the special ingredient in one of the many markets abundant with colors and flavours.

My other passion, restoring old properties, which until recently was just a hobby, has now become an important part of my life. I am happy that working as an agent for LI gives me the opportunity to discover many beautiful properties and meet interesting people.

If I can help you to find your dream house then, I would say, I have really and truly succeeded.