Mike GOLDSMITH's selection of French property for sale

About my area

The Maine et Loire, is one of the 4 departments that make up the Loire valley region of France, it is also a UNESCO world heritage location. It is often said that the Loire Valley provides the border that once crossed means you have entered the Southern part of France where we enjoy longer warm summer days. There are acres of sun flowers and beautiful countryside with more than a thousand charming Chateau Domains and their scenic vineyards. The area has many interesting places to visit and things to do. Saumur is one of the wonderful towns with its historic buildings and bridge over the river with the stunning Chateau overlooking the town. The region enjoys a good road network which is great for visiting the wealth of activities and places within a short drive such as the zoo in Doue la Fontaine and a truly spectacular showcase of re-enactments at Puy Fu Fou, Futuroscope, and the award winning Oriental Gardens near Chateau Colbert near Cholet. There are many lakes with swimming areas and forest parks with walks and cycle routes and the coast is within easy reach. The Loire River itself is truly breath taking, the river is dotted with bars and restaurants along with the interesting labyrinths of troglodyte caves and “caves” to visit to try and buy the wine of the region directly from the growers. To the South of Maine et Loire is the Deux Sèvres which is in the Poitou-Charentes region. The area has become very popular due to the property prices being very reasonable. It has a wealth of heritage and beautiful countryside .The mild climate makes it one of the sunniest regions of France and the people are very relaxed and welcoming. As with Maine et Loire, there is a good train service to Paris and London using the TGV and Eurostar. The nearest ferry ports are St.Malo (4 hours), Cherbourg (6 hours) and Caen/ Le Havre (5 hours) all offering daily services to ports in the south of England. The area has a stunning ever changing landscape from sunflowers to vineyards. It has great walking and cycling with easy access to local lanes and organised routes across open countryside and woodlands. The pace of life is relaxing and tranquil. There are many family run restaurants with excellent local produce ranging from gourmet to rustic. Poitou Charente is renowned for its own micro climate giving long sunny days. This area boasts many things to see and do, historic towns and markets, the Marais Poitevin (green venice) with its canals and walks. If you want to live in France or buy a holiday home, or run a small business, there is a great choice of properties that represent excellent value for money. The Deux Sevres is central to the airports of Nantes, Poitiers, Tours and La Rochelle for low cost flights.

About me

When my wife Carol and I first met, we both realised very early on that we shared the dream of having a holiday property abroad, we wanted to find somewhere that was not too far from UK family and friends but far enough to feel that we were truly living abroad. It soon became clear that France offered us the opportunity to fulfil our dreams. In 2008 we started looking and realised that the Loire and North Deux Sevres regions seemed to tick off all of the items on our wish list. Thanks to the internet and a helpful Agent it didn’t take too long to make up a shortlist for us to visit. We love having family and friends come to stay with us and share with them everything that we fell in love with all that the north of Deux Sevres and south Maine et Loire have to offer. We soon fell in love with the country, the slower pace of life, the warm climate, and the beautiful countryside not to mention the wine and vineyards. We have made some lovely friends here and enjoy all that the area has to offer with numerous festivals, great markets and pretty villages to sit and enjoy a coffee or a beer. It took us 5 years to renovate the property and we are now very happy with what is now our main home, yes, what started off as a holiday home is now our main home. Due to work events back in the UK during 2013, we sat down one evening and compared our UK lifestyle and French lifestyle, it suddenly dawned on us that there was no comparison, as long as we could find work then we know that we should move to France. Back in the UK, I sold solutions to the Public Sector, mainly NHS and Local Government, I never saw myself as a “Salesman” but more of a “consultant” someone who enjoyed and was respected for helping and guiding decision makers to make the best choice for their requirements. When I met with Leggett’s I soon realised that they were a company that would provide me with the support allowing me to carry on in the same vain but now helping prospective buyers realise their dreams here in France. Whether you are looking for a second home or to live here, please do feel free to contact me at any time with any questions or help that you might seek with your search. If you are looking for accommodation for any of your viewing trips, please ask about the availably of our annexe.