When a French Holiday Becomes Something More…
At La Grue Gites, we’ve welcomed many guests over the years looking to unwind and escape the UK for a week or two. But every now and then, a holiday turns into something bigger – something life-changing.
That’s exactly what happened with one of our recent couples (we’ll call them Jane and John). What started as a winter break became the beginning of a brand-new life in the Charente.
A Chance Getaway with a Big Surprise
Jane and John arrived in February, having seen one of our Facebook posts advertising cosy, winter-ready accommodation. They were just after a bit of sunshine and calm. But during their stay, something shifted.
They followed our suggestions for places to visit, took in the local markets, and enjoyed exploring the slower pace of life. By midweek, they told us, “We’re seriously thinking about moving here.”
We asked about their situation back home – turns out, their UK home was already in a chain of sale.
A Flexible Stay for a Life Transition
Like many of our guests, Jane and John hadn’t realised we offer longer-term rentals – up to 90 days – ideal for people house hunting in the Charente. They thought we were purely a holiday destination. But with proper heating, insulation, and year-round comfort, our gîtes are perfect for winter and spring living.
We gave them a tailored rental quote. As a general rule, one week’s peak season rate is similar to a month’s stay in the off-season (plus utilities). A few weeks later, they returned to stay for 90 days.
Support at Every Step
Jane and John had a lot of questions – and we were happy to help:
- “Do you know any estate agents?”
We introduced them to Veronica at Leggett Immobilier, who’s helped many of our guests find their dream homes. - “Can we bring our dog?”
Yes – several of our gîtes are dog-friendly! - “How do we translate documents?”
We suggested easy-to-use translation apps and AI tools to help decode French paperwork. - “Should we ship our furniture?”
We offered honest advice: Don’t bother! There are better, cheaper, and more fitting options locally. - “Can we store a few things?”
We were happy to look after a few personal items while they returned to the UK to finalise their sale.
By April, their offer had been accepted – they were officially homeowners in France.
Why Stories Like This Are Common
This isn’t a one-off. We’ve had several guests who came for a break and stayed to find a new life. What makes it easier?
- Comfortable accommodation while you search
- Local connections to trusted estate agents and service providers
- Friendly support when French admin gets a little confusing
- A warm welcome into the community through market days, farm visits, and social groups
Your Story Could Be Next
Thinking about a move to the Charente? Whether you’re browsing listings or ready to view in person, La Grue Gites offers the comfort, knowledge, and local advice to make your journey smoother.
👉 Get in touch and start your own story. Book a stay with us and see if your holiday turns into home.
