Bienvenue

Ever since spending time in France as a teenager I've had a passion for this country, I knew I would live here one day. 25 years later and after much searching I finally realised my dream of owning my own slice of France when I bought a house in the village of Villeneuve-Minervois. Naturally my dream house needed work (a lot of work); its character had vanished beneath ugly 60’s lino, crazy carpeting and a bewildering array of wallpaper. The kitchen contained just an old sink and the bathroom; well let’s just say it needed work! Of course the plumbing and electrics along with everything else needed replacing too!
Being a single parent with a teenage son plus a full time job in the UK I look back now and wonder why I never questioned my decision or indeed my ability to turn this run down village house into a home. I am a sensible level-headed sort of person, what on earth possessed me to take this on when I could have bought any number of fully renovated, habitable homes? I cannot answer that question with logic; my decision to buy was entirely based on the fact that "it felt right".
It’s still very much work in progress, but at least now it’s habitable; I would even describe some rooms as comfortable. My teenage son adores it, and visits, with an assortment of friends, as often as he can; to me this proves the appeal of France. Who would have thought a small village without a shopping centre would be attractive to teenagers?
The Minervois is a beautiful area of France; it’s a privilege to spend time here. This land of mountains, lakes, landscapes and vines bring me peace.