LIVING THE DREAM

Eric and Wendy de Jong, both reaching the milestone of fifty, wanted a new adventure and decided to embark on a life-changing journey, bidding farewell to the hustle and bustle of their Dutch lives and exchanging it for the calm of the French countryside.
“We were exhausted by the frantic pace and perpetual traffic snarls,” says Eric, who had worked for over 25 years in the shipping industry… “We yearned for a more tranquil and enriching lifestyle.”

Their quest led them to the enchanting region of Picardy, where less than two years ago they stumbled upon their dream home nestled in the commune of Saint-Michel, just over the French/Belgian border in the French Ardennes.
At last, their dream of running a chambres d’hôtes was beginning to take shape.
Comments Wendy: “We were captivated by the house; it was built about 135 years ago and it is affectionately known as "Le Petit Chateau" by the locals. The property is surrounded by undulating hills and forests; it provided the perfect backdrop for our new venture.”

With help from France4U and a very obliging seller, they successfully navigated the complexities of French property acquisition.
“We were very fortunate to have a great estate agent and an incredibly supportive seller, which made the whole transaction easy for us,” says Wendy, who knows a thing or two about business complexities as her career had been in insurance.
Despite initial language barriers, Eric and Wendy embraced the challenge of mastering French, fully immersing themselves in the local community. Regular visits to the neighbourhood pizzeria and café facilitated their integration, and they were warmly welcomed by the locals.

But there was more to their dream than just a relocation of the family home; they wanted something that would sustain then and challenge them at the same time. Their property, with three delightful guest rooms and a snug Gite for five, shaped a burgeoning B&B business.
Plans for a swimming pool and organized barbecues enhance its appeal, promising guests a memorable stay.
With the onset of Spring 2023 came a surge in bookings, heralding a successful first season and 2024 looks to be same, if not even better.

“Yes, there are challenges in running a small business, but we have confronted them with a determination based on our shared vision of living a simpler and more fulfilling life,” says Wendy.
And no-one can really dispute that. They find themselves living a life surrounded by some beautiful French countryside. They wake each morning to a stunning landscape, fresh air and a much slower pace that allows them to savour each day.
They can truly say they are living a dreamy lifestyle! (Ed: I like what you did there!)

Contact Eric & Wendy via their multi-language website