Working in the Finance Industry in Jersey paid the bills and the lifestyle was good. But was it enough? Not for us! With our young family we took the plunge and moved to the Dordogne, or Perigord, in 2003, to see what the real world had to offer! Like many ex-pats, the appeal of France and in particular Perigord, was that your pound went much further when buying your property, but also that the environment would give peace, space and quality of life, but was not too far away from town life when you needed it.

What attracted us here was to become the basis of our business. The Perigord remains unspoilt, with many activities and places to visit: no huge theme-parks, but walking, cycling, hunting, fishing, canoeing or just plain chilling out by the swimming pool. Good family life in a good safe comfortable environment. Running a family-orientated holiday business was the way forward for us.

Renovation of the house, the grounds and the outbuildings takes time and will probably never be 100% complete. It’s a bit like the Forth Bridge. The creation of two 200m2 letting units in the grounds was the first stage of the development, with more to come in the future. Interest has been high, from both English and French, who are both demanding better quality and service each year. “Gites” is a bit of a misnomer. The “gites” of old were small, drafty, poorly equipped and a bit too “rustique”. Nowadays, clients demand spacious properties with insulation, double glazing, fully-fitted kitchens, swimming pools, and all the comforts of home. Provide this and the clients will both visit in the first place and then come again. The lure of the Dordogne is high, but the quality of the product in which they stay is what will make them return.

Giles and Amana Rothwell - Les Gites Trepart

Domain de Trepart - 24800 St Pierre-de-Cole

+33 5 53 52 66 20 - rothwell.giles@neuf.fr - www.trepart.com