“We’ve been living in a caravan in England, and given the property prices there, becoming owners was completely unthinkable. Until a friend told us he saw a ‘livable’ house on the Channel for €12,000,” says Paul Mabley, 48, with English landscapers Yip Ward. Since we didn’t have any, we worked hard and sold everything we had. That’s how it started”. So they settle down in this hamlet in early 2021.
“Reviving them while respecting their original architecture”
It was then that they noticed that the neighboring cottages were slowly deteriorating due to lack of maintenance. Then they try to understand the situation and discover to their surprise that the whole hamlet is actually being sold for “only” 26,000 euros, apart from the cottages, two sheds, a stable, a workshop, a well, a wine press cider and a large bread oven. All surrounded by 8000 m² of land. In short, a real little hamlet of the past, so the two men have now fully acquired.
“These buildings are wonderful historical evidence. We will do everything to bring them back to life, respecting their original architecture. Maybe create a small luxury vacation rental here for the long term. This is our way of thanking France for allowing us to become owners. This would never have been possible in the UK,” explains Yip Ward.
First, everything needs to be fixed. For this, the two have started a fundraising campaign on social media. Help! This village must be saved » (This village must be saved), via the “gofundme” solidarity site. They hope to raise 20,000 pounds (23,500 euros).
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