Brothers’ Journey to Owning their Dream Property in Gers

Victoria Garnham speaks to brothers Colum and Aidan Lovett about finding and making their home in the Gers…

What first drew you to the idea of living in France -and specifically the Gers?

Having explored both sides of the Pyrénées, we felt France offered better choice and value to find a home we really wanted. We visited various times over a couple of years and initially began house searching around Oloron-Ste-Marie. Ultimately, we discovered the beautiful rolling hills in the heart of Gascony around Vic-Fezensac and immediately the area felt right!

Had you visited the region before deciding to buy? What aspects of your lifestyle were you hoping to change?

Our ambition was to find somewhere we could enjoy a slower pace, where the people are warm and welcoming. Living in a rural setting where we could be more in tune with the land and nature and, indeed, the local communities.

What type of home were you looking for when you started?

A four- to five-bedroom old stone house or a farmhouse with some land and trees and a great view.

How did the Gers property market compare to what you had seen elsewhere in France?

The house prices around Pau and Oloron-Ste-Marie seemed a little higher than around Vic-Fezensac, but generally still relatively very good value.

How long did it take to find ‘the one’?

It took us about six months, with many visits.

Was there anything about the viewing or buying experience that surprised you?

The value for money in Gers.

Were there any challenges during the transaction process, and how did you overcome them?

The buying process in France is different from the UK, so trying to understand all the differences and implications was a challenge.

What advice would you give other British buyers about the compromise de vente (sales contract), acte authentique (completion), diagnostics (property surveys) and so on?

The information provided to the buyer is great – and far more than we had appreciated. Working with a good agency meant we had help at each step.

What was it like unlocking the door for the first time as the new owners?

We had a sense of calm knowing we had secured a lovely property completely surrounded by nature.

What have been your favourite moments in the home so far?

Every day! There is a fair bit of work to do to the property, but you just have to walk outside and you smile at the magical views and sounds of nature. Otherwise, over winter the fireplace in the kitchen has been a godsend!

How have you found settling into the community?

Everyone we have met has been warm and welcoming and we’re continuing to enjoy building our network of friends and acquaintances.

Have you met neighbours or joined local associations, markets or events yet?

The farmer who tended the property we bought has become our mentor for anything to do with the land and the machinery needed to care for it. We have also volunteered for a few night markets, which has been a great way to get to know the local community.

Is the pace of life different from what you knew in the UK?

I guess it’s what we had hoped for. People are honest and hard-working but there is a healthy amount of catching up through the many local fêtes throughout the year.

What do you love most about the Gers, now that you are living there full time?

Peace and tranquillity, as well as being able to enjoy nature every day. I’ve stopped wearing a watch and sometimes have to remind myself what day of the week it is!

What are your favourite local discoveries so far?

There are too many to mention, but we are constantly discovering new places and

artisans. It takes a while to find out where the best brocantes, butchers, restaurants and shops are located. Recently, an oak tree came down in a storm and last week we had a local artisan/mobile sawmill arrive to cut the trunk into planks, which we are now drying in order to make a dining table.

Have you renovated or personalised the property since moving in?

We are just starting a four-phase renovation project. Things have taken a little longer than expected to get going but all the artisans we have met have been lovely, so we are looking forward to completing the work over the next two years.

Do you have long-term plans?

We have room for a nice gîte so hopefully that can be completed, and next year we’ll begin to create a potager garden to generate as much homegrown produce as we can.

What should buyers know about buying property in the Gers? Do you have any tips on choosing a village or property?

Trying to understand which villages have the best views is hard from just online research. The only way to find out the actual perspective of a place is to drive around it. We began visiting properties in winter, and in hindsight this was a good thing as it made it easier to understand which would be affected by road noise.

What would you say to someone hesitating to make the move to the Gers?

Le Gers is a hidden gem with beautiful bastide villages set among rolling hills, no main motorway and the Pyrénées only an hour away. There is a wide variety of properties to suit all budgets. Make sure that you engage a good agency and start exploring!

If you had to describe your life in the Gers in three words, what would they be?

Peaceful, beautiful and rewarding.

What does the word ‘home’ mean to you now?

Being located at the top of a hill, ‘home’ feels safe and secluded, but close enough to shops and other facilities when you need something.

Victoria Garnham runs Gelas Immobilier in Gascony

Tel: 0033 (0)5 62 06 52 91

gelas-immobilier.com