EP12: Celebrating 6 months in France
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- čas přidán 29. 06. 2024
- Where has the time gone? If someone had told me a few years ago I would move overseas and buy a beautiful home in the South of France I would have laughed! But here we are 6 months later.
In today's episode I show you what we've completed in that time at our beautiful Maison as well as the current renovations in play. We've been busy and some days worn out from all the work and then we take a day to explore the region to remember why we moved here. 'We're retired', I have to keep reminding myself! An ex Army Officer and CEO/mining executive trying to slow down now in our golden years...
The best thing about making this life changing decision 6 months ago is that we can say we tried and live without any regrets. Isn't that what life is all about? France is teaching us many things, take the language for example!
It's also taught us to roll with the punches and learn to accept a different culture, system and pace of life which more often than not slows down all our renovation plans. Most importantly it's taught us to accept things,
practice our patience and have a laugh at foreign differences and trivial frustrations.
Darlene you are both doing a top job, it is also great to see that you did not bite off too much and buy a Chateau, your Maison is so beautiful and what you have planned will be absolutely magic. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey- God Bless you both 🙏🏰👍😇🦘🇫🇷
Thanks so much and I agree! We considered buying a château, but I have learnt that a property of this size with so many external buildings to renovate as well will keep us happily busy for years to come. We don’t need any more than that.
What a beautiful kitten! Thanks again for sharing your beautiful life ❤️
Thank you too! She’s growing up fast.
I’ve always dreamed of renovating a stone house in the south of France. Unfortunately it’s too late for me so I’m living the dream through you both. Your home is gorgeous. It was furnished beautifully - so lucky to inherit these pieces. Can’t wait to see each room once you are finished. Greetings from South Australia ❤
Hello South Australia 🇦🇺 I’m sorry to hear that it’s too late for you but understand what you mean. You have to be realistic with the amount of work required to do. I’m 50 and am now starting to feel the constant work on my body. I couldn’t imagine trying to do this later in life just quietly! Thank you for watching and for your lovely encouragement. x
I miss your wonderful acceptance in the amazing Daglan.Meeting all the grand people you have in your life was just awesome. That is not your chair to share to have as l have first claim a rest to support an interant fossil. Lots of love to you and your electrical man. Come for a visit here to wonderfull land of smiles
e claime
Hello dad. 😁 We will be there with two more in tow. Are you prepared for more social soirées? The chair I fear is mine my dear though in winter it now sits idle. Love you and glad you got to experience this little valley in the south of France. It’s cold now but the radiators are back in and warmth has returned to the Maison. X
Hi Darlene & Sean / Shaun ? from West End, Brissie on a very wet day ! I just watched your video working in the garden planting roses & peach tree,my favourite fruit!
Love the beautiful iron pergola 👌perfect for a french garden !
I moved to Australia forty years ago from the UK and tried in vain to grow roses 🥀 without success the weather is just to hot !
France is one of the countries I never visited,even though it was close to the UK
I just love the rustic character of french homes and the beautiful furniture and decor, you can find in Brocantes,markets ect !
Good luck with finding the perfect tiles for the new kitchen. I’m sure you’ll have no trouble finding beautiful french tiles pre-loved or new !
As an Artist could you design your own tiles?
Anna from chateau de la Le Fleur, created her own french design with the help of a french tile maker !
Good luck 🥰
Hello West End, Brissie! Wow that’s a great tip, I like the idea of preloved tiles. I too tried growing roses in Brisbane and failed. My garden over the years became a tropical oasis instead which I do miss but it was definitely time for a change. I went to a brocante in Gordon and bought some wonderful things which was so much fun, will share in next vlog! Thanks for watching along.
Beautiful❤❤
The yard is looking superb and great juice for outside furniture. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you and it’s my pleasure Cynthia😊
Terrible with auto correct. It should have set great choice
Hi there Darleen, Shaun & furry friends !!
We're new to your lovely channel and thoroughly enjoying each episode: thankyou for taking the time to share your adventure with us all.!!
Your ideas are beautiful and so creative. Love seeing how you've settled into a new way of life in Europe.... it's so Brave !!
We have just returned to the UK..after collecting the keys to our new house in Chaillac France.( a little north of Limoges)..
We have lots of projects to do in our new place too. And I'm looking forward to seeing your transformations and gleaning inspiration for our new french home and garden.
So keep smiling , laughing and living the dream !! ❤
Big hugs for Jack, Chewie and Maisie Gray..
And best wishes from a damp South Wales ,UK !! 😊😊 xx
Thank you for your kind msg! Jack, Chewie and Macy send big hugs right back at you. 😃 How lovely to know I can maybe help influence what your looking to do in your new French home too! It’s all very exciting, slightly overwhelming and eventful when you take on a project like this as you very well know. I’ve driven past Limoges but haven’t yet visited. Have you bought a renovators delight? Or something more manageable? I have been trying to find time to complete my next vlog but you’ve just given me all the motivation I need. Thank you and thanks for following along. 🥰
Hello. I am planning to move from Brisbane to the Dordogne too! I can’t wait. Saving a bit more to have enough to buy the right little place. I am a CZcamsr and often talking about my dream to move to France ❤
It’s wonderful when you can turn a dream into a reality! Even though I love Brissy im glad we’ve done this. Good luck with your plans and I’m happy to help if you need info with anything re: moving related.
Ohhhh - what a site for a vine (table grapes!!!!)
Oh my, you have achieved so much. Darlene, you certainly have a green thumb. All your gardening projects have worked so well. That rotten ivy is everywhere and the roses are beautiful.
Also loving your sympathetic interior decoration style and your enjoyment embracing life in France. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much Kim! ☺️
Greetings from Perth (WA). I really enjoyed your video. You're living my dream. 😊 Thanks so much for sharing. Cant wait for the sequel 😍
Awesome! Thank you Julie. 😊
Magnifique jardin
Vos peintures sont superbes
Bravo à vous deux pour les aménagements que vous réalisez avec très bon goût
Vous êtes dans une très belle maison et jolie région
Les gens sont sympas là-bas😍😍 😍
Merci beaucoup. Nous avons bien choisi, mais une chose avec laquelle nous avons eu de la chance a été de trouver une communauté aussi chaleureuse et merveilleuse. Quelle chance nous avons !
The garden is really coming along. Planters look very colourful. Rats!!! You cut it off before displaying the wall paper!!! Good luck with the kitchen
😂 Promise to reveal soon and thank you! it’s been a lot of trial and error.
What a wonderful compilation of your achievements in only 6 months! So proud of you hunni, you are turning your dreams into reality! 👏 Welcome to the family Macy Grey! 😻 Loving the inspo for the kitchen (patterned tiles for your splashbacks would look amazing I think and I can't wait to see the new french doors go in!). Keep up the great work and awesome video production. Love you heaps xoxoxo
Thank you sis! 😍😍😍😍😍😍 I miss you 😢😢😢😢😢😢 Can’t wait to see you in a couple of months 💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗
Love your vlogs. Thank you.
Merci beaucoup and thanks for watching!
De rien Darlene. J'admire votre bon gout. Je vous envoie des calins du Canada!
Lovely friendly vlog.Such a super little kitty who is very lucky to have been found.You bith look so at home with your area and new friends.So enjoy.😃🌞
Thank you Allison 😊
Love the bells 🔔.
Kitchen design looks fantastic
Thank you so much 😊
Your painting is beautiful ❤
Thank you so much 😀
What a great Video Darlene…you are so beautiful in front of the camera….except that was a bit of a tease not showing the wallpaper until next time! What cute accessories on the buffet cabinet. The garden looks so much better, and so does the entire place. I love planting fruit trees on any property I own. One child still in High School then hope to realize a dream and buy in the south of France. I lived in Chamonix in my 20’s ski modeling. And hope to meet you one day soon!
Thank you for your lovely msg! I do enjoy learning about France through people’s experiences and places lived. I see chamonix is right on the Switzerland border, another place we will have to visit as Shaun is an avid skier. I think every dream should be realised particularly buying a beautiful home in France. Bon chance and merci Robyn. 😊
Lovely. It is lovely that you are sharing your journey. Very calming video and inspiring!
This country is so different to Aus I just have to share these once in a life time experiences. So glad you are enjoying my channel 😊
Oh, I was so happy at the end of the kitchen tour... I was,,, please, pretty please,,, CUT that wall back,,, LOL,,,& you were! YEAH!
So funny! I must admit I love symmetry and as soon as I saw one door lead into the kitchen from the living room, but the two French doors on the other side I knew in my mind, it would have to change! 😂
@@DarleneLavett You have a great vision for the kitchen. BTW, I love the pattern tile! However, it might be interesting to use both pattern & plain in specific areas! Keep up good work!
🦋😘
It’s coming along quite nicely 🇨🇦
Thanks Canada!
You may have to move the light fittings in your sitting room as they will no longer be symmetrical once you install the new French doors.
Not everything has to be symmetrical.
True but I’m like that, I may be a bit OCD 😊
Love the outdoor furniture 💕
Merci beaucoup!
Anna from "How To Renovate A Chateau" CZcams is hosting a class teaching how to make custom wallpaper. Could be worth asking questions of her.
Yes I’ve seen her vlog on wallpaper design. It’s just wonderful and a great idea!
La Dordogne vous attendait pour être encore plus belle 💐
Merci! The Dordogne is a dream come true. 😊
I would love to see weekly videos of ur channel I love ur channel 😊
Thank you! 😍 I’m so proud of getting one out every two weeks now but will see if I can do one weekly. Never seems to be enough hours in the day.
The arbour/ pergola will complete the area, and the wisteria is gorgeous.
You’ve both been very busy.
I think so too. I have to be patient now and look at the pillars in parts sadly until Shaun can address that project! Haha
I am impressed with all that you have done!!!! I knew you would both create a beautiful outdoors!!!! It takes years, gradually, but you had a good start with what was already there. What a cute kitten, and what a lucky one to have you show up and take them in. Thankyou for being a kind heart!!!! Love your room plans!! Best.
Thank you very much Heather 😍
You are so much more beautiful without the heavy make-up, Darlene ! It makes your idiosynchracies stand out and you look more... french ? Happy 6 months anniversary ! :-)
Wow, thank you! That gives me a little more confidence 😊
Absolutely beautiful! You were talking about the stone planters, don’t they have like a 2nd hand/rummage estate stores where you might be able to get some. Enjoying your channel and your adventures
Thank you! And yes they do, it’s called a brocante (flee market) and they are fantastic but stone pots are very hard to come by and when you do find them they are very expensive.
Little Macy Gray must have known she would be rescued by the right people. She is beautiful. I wish I could get half as much done as you both have in 6 months. The house is coming along nicely, and I think your plan for camouflaging the hanger is great, and the jasmine will smell lovely.
Thank you Daisy! 😊
Thank you for sharing your journey. My husband and I (also from Old) are heading to southern France in Feb do a recy with the view to move there in the next two years as part of our retirement plan. Would love to touch base if there is the chance when we are there.
Amazing, that is so exciting! I’m happy to share our experiences as the learning curve is steep here but well and truly worth it.
We have that exact light in our kitchen we found it in U.S. and had a friend send it to us in Sydney.
Oh wow! That’s so cool. Okay so funny story I wasn’t able to find that type of light here in France, but I found it in the UK on wayfair.com and had it sent to friends in Northern Ireland who have a holiday house down the road in Daglan and they then posted it to me. I thought that way I can get the light that I want and just pay for the extra shipping which was around €70. Well I didn’t realise I had to pay another €70 on top of that for the VAT tax when I went to get it from the post office! 🤭😂
OMG my fav video to date 😍😍😍
Hello darling! Thank you my friend. 😍 I can’t wait for you to visit at which time I will vlog about our Dordogne shenanigans.! I think that one will be a lot of fun! 🫣😂😘
Living the dream. Very spiffy. Are there any Brocante near you. They seem to have the best dark furniture ever. Anyway enjoy.
Yes there are! So many wonderful pieces and trinkets to discover. Will show you more of my visit to a brocante in my next vlog.
The kitten is so adorable. I love your creativity and how to make your dream to become a reality. You both are admirable. Wishing the very best. I will be in south of France next October/November and will explore your area a bit and hopefully we can meet. I live in perth, by the way. I look forward to your next vdo. ❤
Thank you so much it would be lovely to meet! You are more than welcome to come and have a look at our property when you come to France , we should have a lot more completed by then 😀
Bonjour, Just found your channel today. Welcome in France. I really love the place, the house you have bought in this magnificient village.
Bienvenue en France, votre maison est magnifique encore plus après les rénovations bien entamées. 💯💯
Bonsoir et merci! Daglan est parfait, mon mari et moi adorons notre nouvelle vie ici. 💗
Love it all! Thanks for sharing. ❤
So glad! Thank you 🙏
Loving your style, the garden is looking beautiful. Enjoy you videos ( lots of before and after)
So nice of you, thank you.
So happy to see that Macy Gray is extending your family in the Dordogne!! I’m a cat mum of 8 at the moment, all rescues but all pedigrees at the same time.
My eldest Siamese just turned 21 aka 100 human years on the 1st of November.
My latest adopted Persian addition is just about 1 year old, so lots of energy and running after my middle aged very loungy kitties of 10 years plus trying to play with them. 😂
Love your latest update vid! Lots of love from Dubai. ❤
Hello Dubai! I would love to see what a day in your life with 8 cats would look like! My close friend lives in Abu Dhabi and she does the same. Saves strays, desexes them and then rehomes where she can. Macy Gray is beating up Jack a lot at the moment. He might be big but he’s the scaredy-cat! Thanks for reaching out and saying hi 👋
Hi Darlene, really lovely that you are taking the same to reply to my comment! Bytheway, my name is Natascha, so next time you know who reached out to you from Dubai. 😉Lots of Love, xxx
BRAVO ! Vous avez de très bonnes idées, bonne continuation . A bientôt .
Merci beaucoup! ☺️
Garden looks beautiful
Thank you 🙏
Mis felicitaciones por el trabajo realizado. El jardín ha quedado encantador 👌
Merci beaucoup! I wish my French was coming along as well too!
Siii 👏
"Maison" in English is house, in case you forgot 😅
Macey Grey 😽
I'm enjoying your videos thanks! I am curious to know how easy it was to make new friends with the language barrier. Do some of your friends in the village speak good English, or have you learnt conversational French already?
Hi and thank you for watching along and for your interest! Most French here speak a little English which certainly helps us with making new friendships. We have also been studying La francaise with weekly language classes for the last 5 months. It’s slow but as we have moved here permanently and not just during the summer months (like other expats), they seem to have welcomed us with open arms. We’re investing in the community and so they are making an effort with us too.
Good to know. All the best! @@DarleneLavett 😃
beau couple ... vos chiens font ils bon menage avec le chat ..? lol
Thank you, that’s lovely of you! And well the dogs are now getting used to Macy Gray but they all like to keep their distance!
Loberon is a good alternative to Maison du Monde
Agreed! I do like Loberon but haven’t bought anything from them yet. Thanks for the tip!
I've only purchased shower curtains from them, but they were pretty expensive... I might try some of their Christmas decorations @@DarleneLavett