IFP Forums

Hi

Myself and my girlfriend,Karolyn, have bought a house in Rousinnes, Charente, and are wondering if there are any English/Northern Irish ex-pats in this area? We visited Karolyn's uncle (who lives in a small village called La Chapelle Monbrandiex in the Limosin region) in july 03, and fell in love with the relaxed lifestyle, wine, climate and the fact that we were able to drive to Magny Cour for the F1 race. We are going out for two weeks to start work on the house from the 10th - 23rd of Feb. At the tender ages of 31 and 32 we are quite nervous (but determined) about this move as most people who we see on tv, A Place In The Sun, are generally 20 years our senior.

I am really looking forward to this move (final date to be confirmed)as the thought of sitting in my jardin with a glass of wine in hand, overlooking my vegetable patch, watching the sun go down over the adjacent corn field..... sounds like heaven to me.

Simon

Apologies for the long period between the posting and my reply but we have only just found this site.

We have also bought a house in Roussines, moved in last September to live here permanently, although we did disappear to a warmer clime for the winter.

The move turned out to be just what we were looking for, small village life, with really friendly neighbours. Our house hunting criteria were; in the centre of a village, with a shop, bar and bakers. The only thing missing in Roussines is the bakers. It does have a Post Office, not much help if you want bread I know, but the next village along has a baker, and the bar has an excellent restaurant La Lanterne, which was a real bonus to us as we didn't know it was there before we moved in.

There are a few British expats living around here, we do use the village shop and bar as much as possible, trying to speak French as well as we can, and learning more every day. Our neighbours have been great to us.

I don't know if Simon and Karolyn have found the Irish bar in Montbron yet, but thats worth a visit, especially after the small market on Saturdays.

Dave & Jacqui Alexander

[url]www.davealexander.co.uk[/url]

Hi Dave And Jacqui


Good to hear from you and the fact that we are practically neighbours.
Karolyn and myself will be coming out on the 13th of July for a week. As I type this our roof should be getting replaced and once that is finished then we shall be able to start some interior work.

On our last trip out in Feb, we took a spin down to Montbron and yes, we did find the Irish bar, we had a chat with the owner Maurice and he is a lovely wee man.

We also look forward to having a meal in the restaurant, Chardoli, I dont know if you have tried it, but for a Sunday lunch it is very good and the owner Mike is a nice friendly man.

With nearly a month to go we are excited about coming out and now that Easyjet fly direct from Belfast to Paris it makes it even handier (well apart from the long drive down, which i am sure will be enjoyable). Maybe we will bump into you in Roussines.



Simon & Karolyn

Hi hows it going? we've only just found this site. But thought you may be interested to know. that my sister clare recently moved out to La Gilardie, in Le Lindois, we eaten and drunk in all the places you mentioned already!!!!! Clare would love to meet you and get to know more people in the region.

we are purchasing a holiday home in a little village called lathus few ks from montmorillion we are from Coleraine in N.Ireland hope to complete by feb 2006,the area is wonderful we are 46 years old.like to hear from couples . Alex and lynn

Hi, I thought you might also find it helpful to look on the frenchentre-charente.com site as this has been really helpful for us moving to the Charente and has loads of info on what's on, things to do and a forum which is great for residents here.

Hope you are settling in well,

Millie

Hello Alex

I moved with my husband and two children from Belfast in April 2004. We live about 15 minutes from Lathus. It is a lovely area and all the people we have met are very friendly.We have a property management and searching business here in France and are very happy with our move. It would be good to meet and say hello to you when you get your house. Good luck with the purchase.

Hi Kate

we hope to be back in france to complete in feb.

things are going well you could be of great help to us my email address is [email]BroAlexand@aol.com[/email] drop us a line kind regards Alex

Hello Simon & Karolyn,

How are things?

Hope all is well.

Dave and Jackie