Town or Country?
Exciting change afoot.
Joan
5/31/20253 min read
We have never doubted that country life was for us. After a brief start to married life in London, we decided to move to a simple cottage by the coast in West Wales, where B. practised subsistence farming. It was an idyllic life in a beautiful setting. But of course it wasn't perfect. London had been exciting, with lots of friends. Country life was often very hard, particularly in winter. We eventually returned to live and work in a small English town. With early retirement, came France, where again, we chose to live in the middle of the countryside. Every day, we wake to the view across the valley, and the sound of bird song, and vow never to leave.
For the past twenty years or so, we have had to work hard. A large plot of land brings responsibilities which never go away. Moreover , in order to supplement our pensions we built a gîte and welcomed guests. Such a lot of work, but it has all been great fun. But with increasing age come increasing problems, and our chosen life-style is no longer quite so easy. We have sold our large gîte, and now have our French neighbour. So, as reluctant as ever to leave this beloved spot, we have decided to purchase a small pied a terre in a town where we will be closer to medical and transport facilities if the need should arrive. But more than that, we will be able to enjoy a taste of town life without having to make a full commitment. So where is this to be? After a lot of thought, we have chosen to buy a tiny flat in the town of Sète. So, you will be hearing more about this busy, but very beautiful town, which has been called 'The Venice of the Mediterranean.'
We recently visited our notaire in the nearby town of St André de Sangonis to proceed with the first stage of the buying process. Notaires act as agents of the state in these matters, and it is their duty not only to oversee the contract of sale, but also to collect the due taxes. The last time we completed this process was in January 2002, in this very same place, and so this occasion was redolent with memories. Our notaire was friendly but efficient as she rapidly worked her way through a sheaf of papers, so fat that it would seem to have used up half the pine trees from our forest.
When choosing a base, we had to rule out buying a flat in one of the beautiful Haussmannien buildings that line the canals. There are often two or three flights of stairs to navigate, and one day we may need a lift. But we have still chosen 'style over substance.' Rather than buy a slightly more spacious flat in one of the many tower blocks around the edges of town, or close to the sea, where tourists come and go, we have found a tiny modern flat in the historic Avenue Victor Hugo. High up on the sixth floor we will look over the tops of the plane trees which line this beautiful boulevard with its many cafés and brasseries, and enjoy a glimpse towards the étang and the mountains beyond. If I miss an open view, I can feel comforted by the Theatre Molière, a beautiful nineteenth century theatre a little further up the street, and Place Stalingrad, the beautiful square nearby, where fountains play, and a large market is held every week. But for now we must wait until the necessary procedures are completed, and the 'Acte de Vente' is signed by both parties. Watch this space.
