It’s something I hear more often than you might expect.
Guests arrive at La Grue Gites for a short break, usually looking for sunshine, peace, and a change of pace. A few days in, often over a coffee or during a relaxed conversation, they’ll say something like:
“We weren’t planning this… but we could really see ourselves living here.”
And that’s how it often begins.
Over the years, I’ve seen many guests go from holidaymakers to house hunters, and in some cases, to homeowners in the Charente. It’s never rushed, never forced — it’s simply what happens when people experience life here properly.
When a Holiday Becomes Something More
One couple — I’ll call them Jane and John — first stayed with us for a week in February. They’d seen one of our adverts offering comfortable winter accommodation and wanted a quiet break away from the UK.
They spent their days exploring nearby towns, visiting markets, and enjoying the slower pace of life. There was no agenda at first. But halfway through the week, they told me they were seriously thinking about relocating to France.
What surprised them most was how normal life felt here. Not like a holiday — but like somewhere they could settle.
Realising a Longer Stay Is Possible
Jane and John assumed La Grue Gites was only for short holidays. When I explained that we offer longer-term stays of up to 90 days, they were genuinely surprised.
For many people, this is a turning point.
A longer stay allows you to:
- View properties without pressure
- Get to know different villages properly
- Deal with paperwork calmly
- Live day-to-day life, not just holiday life
I explained our pricing structure, including how winter and spring stays are far more affordable than peak season, and what additional costs (like heating) to expect. Transparency is important — especially when people are planning such a big change.
Coming Back With a Plan
A few weeks later, Jane and John returned. Their UK home was under offer, and they’d decided to stay for 90 days while they house hunted.
By this point, their questions became more practical:
- Do you know a good estate agent?
- How do we deal with documents in French?
- Can we bring our dog?
- Should we ship our furniture from the UK?
This is where staying locally really helps. You don’t have to figure everything out at once, and you’re not doing it alone.
Making the Right Connections
One of the first things I did was put them in touch with Veronica at Leggett Immobilier. Veronica has lived in the area for many years and knows the Charente market extremely well. She understands overseas buyers and the questions they tend to have.
That local knowledge makes a huge difference.
Jane and John were able to view properties at a sensible pace, ask the right questions, and — most importantly — feel confident in their decisions. By April, they had found a home they loved and completed their purchase.
Why This Story Isn’t Unusual
Jane and John’s story isn’t unique. I’ve seen it happen many times.
What these guests usually have in common is:
- They give themselves time
- They stay locally rather than commuting back and forth
- They ask questions and accept help
- They experience everyday life before committing
Some go on to buy fairly quickly, others take longer, and some decide the Charente isn’t quite right for them — which is also a good outcome. Knowing for certain is far better than wondering “what if?”
More Than Just a Place to Stay
I’ve always believed that La Grue Gites should be more than just accommodation. When guests are thinking about relocating, they often need:
- Reassurance
- Honest answers
- Local insight
- A calm base while life feels uncertain
Sometimes that’s as simple as recommending a market to visit. Other times it’s talking through options or helping people feel less overwhelmed by the process.
Could This Be Your Story?
If you’re already daydreaming about life in France — or quietly wondering whether your next holiday might become something more — you’re certainly not alone.
The best way to know is to come and experience it for yourself, without pressure and without expectation.
👉 If you’d like to explore the Charente properly or talk about a longer stay while you house hunt, I’m always happy to help.
You’re very welcome to get in touch with me at La Grue Gites for an informal chat.