I used to live in the countryside in France, no traffic except for the occasional tractors, closest neighbours half a mile away. It was so joyously calm and tranquil. We organized a lot of yoga retreats there, like many expats from England. But we decided to sell, to buy a bigger space to accommodate more guests and also find somewhere closer to where there is more tourism.
We found a lovely place near a much visited area of France but still in the countryside. Perfect for yoga and retreats! And we got it very cheap! It was cheap because we bought it "viager". In France that means you buy the property from elderly property owners, you pay a percentage of the full price and pay the rest in monthly rentals...until they pass away. Rest in Peace.
Our special "viager" is not for long because the elderly couple, bless them, decide they do not really want to stay in that big house in their old age. They would rather move into assisted-living accommodation. They would like to move out in two years. Very wise. And good for us!
France is infamous for bureaucracy. Things do get done but they can take some time and twists and turns sometimes. The French even have their own term for all the paperwork- "paperasse". We have our own paperasse dealing with the new countryside home purchase. Our two year count is now 2.5 years and counting with paperwork delayed.
Now i live in a small two bedroom apartment in the city. There is room for not very many yoga mats in the living room. I am dreaming of the countryside! Mind you, this apartment is seaside!
And just to give you an idea about property prices: The price of this two bedroom seaside apartment in the city is the same as 15 bedroom 4 acre property in the countryside.
Follow my yoga adentures in France on https://www.awake-space.com/blog
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