Two years in France... is it time to Airbnb? Ep 21
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- Опубліковано 12 жов 2024
- In this episode of *A New Life in France*, we catch up with the Halls as they reflect on their journey over the past two years. Having left behind their bustling life in the jersey for the serenity of rural France, the couple has embraced the challenges and joys that come with their new lifestyle. But as their adventure continues, new questions and opportunities arise, including whether or not to venture into the world of Airbnb.
The Halls have been toying with the idea of letting two self contained rooms of their river home into for Airbnb rental. With the popularity of vacation rentals on the rise in their picturesque region, the prospect does seems promising. It could provide a nice income stream while allowing them to meet travelers from all over the world. But they also value their peace and privacy, especially after working so hard to create a quiet sanctuary for themselves. In this episode, they weigh the pros and cons of opening up their home to strangers. Is it worth it? Or will the hustle and bustle of running a rental disrupt their tranquil lifestyle?
Amid these considerations, they decide to lighten the mood by playing a playful prank on some friends in the nearby village of Pujol. The Halls, always up for a laugh, manage to sneak into their friends' yard, rearranging a few garden gnomes in a humorous and unexpected manner. It’s all in good fun, and their friends are sure to have a chuckle once they discover the mischief. This moment of levity highlights the couple’s fun-loving spirit and the close-knit community they've become a part of in their adopted home.
Gardening remains a big part of their daily routine. Unfortunately, the Halls have to bid farewell to one of their beloved trees-a beautiful cherry tree that’s been infested with termites. The decision to remove it is tough, but necessary to prevent the infestation from spreading. As they chop it down, Richard wonders aloud if they can use the wood for kindling. It’s a practical thought, but they must consider whether the termite-riddled wood would be safe to burn, or if they’d be better off disposing of it entirely to avoid any lingering pests.
Meanwhile, Maria takes on the task of pruning some bushes that have grown unruly. As she trims and tidies up, she, too, wonders if the cut branches could be used for kindling. The couple is keen on repurposing as much as they can from their garden, and they're always looking for ways to be self-sufficient. It's a recurring theme in their new life: sustainability, practicality, and learning to live in harmony with nature.
In a delightful twist, a viewer sends in a video clip featuring a top sommelier who samples Richard’s homemade cider. Richard has dabbled in making cider from the apples in their garden, and it’s been a hit with friends and family. But hearing a professional sommelier’s opinion is a whole different level. The verdict? You'll have to watch the episode to find out, but it’s safe to say Richard is both excited and nervous as he watches the sommelier take that first sip.
The couple reflect on the foods from the UK they still miss. Fish and chips, meat pies, and certain comfort foods have a special place in their hearts, even though they so enjoy the rich cuisine of France. Could a trip back to the UK be on the cards for a taste of home? Or perhaps they'll try their hand at recreating those dishes in their French kitchen.
As the episode draws to a close, they decide to lighten the mood by playing a playful prank on some friends who they took to the nearby village of Pujol.
Tune in to see how the Halls continue to navigate their idyllic but ever-evolving life in the French countryside.
Thank you for the videos, timings are just right as it’s relaxed and natural. Interesting how you are taking advantage of the French way of life with an English touch. Living in the Aveyron for a number of years has given us a very special quality of life. I just retired last year after 50+years in the hospitality industry and love that I can cook to my heart’s content with homegrown produce thanks to my husband Ben, who is a passionate gardener. I love thé bit about getting up when you want, not clock watching, unless you are going out to eat, which is frequent because it’s great value for money and enjoyable. Maria, I make Ben veal and kidney pie (cause he is a Lancashire lad) close to steak and kidney as you get out here. 😋 Bon santé
Hi Janet. Thank you so much for that idea. I will definitely try making your pie. Sounds delicious. ❤
My husband and I enjoy each new episode that you do. This was another good one. We are also happy that you are making longer videos. I have a suggestion about future videos. We would like to see the different villages in your area, particularly the businesses, shops, pharmacies, schools, supermarches, etc. We would like to see the areas where the locals go, the amenities that are available for the size of those particular villages, etc. Of course it’s nice to see the tourist attractions as well as the market days, but I think it was be so interesting to see places that are part of your everyday life. The villages seem so nice and it seems that you could make multiple videos.
Great idea. We can do that. Like many areas the recovery from Covid has been slow here but we have seen such a change in the 2 years we have been here. Towns are starting to come back to life. Watch this space for more daily life
@@MariaHall-s8h thank you! Looking forward to seeing them. I would like to see you and/or your hubby go into your favorite Boulangerie and order in French. 😀
@@PlayandPlayinPianoClass-kp2nv 🤣. I can order croissants I will have you know and a baguette 😄
Always such fun videos from you two! The website looks fabulous. No doubt you'll have great success. Absolutely yes on the prune factory tour! It's always fun to see towns, community activities, and leisurely floats down the river as well. Thanks so much for the fantastic content!
Thank you… yes, the comments rule that should defo add the story of prunes to our list!
So glad I found you! My husband and I are 6 months from leaving Texas to live in France. Looking forward to watching your other videos!
Thanks Vicki. I hope you enjoy the content. Please don’t hesitate to ask for any advice.. we did the move from the UK but the process is pretty much the same :)
Très drôle la blague : on peut voir l'océan! 🤣
on le pense ! désolé pour notre humour anglais ! 😂
OMG !!!! You are a scream. Loved the video this week. Yes, visit the prune museum. Now just have a visiting motorhome pitch for rent. When I move to France I will definitely visit. Kind regards, Stuart
Thanks for that 😂. The prune museum. Can’t wait 🤦♀️ I hope you do make the move. You really won’t regret it 😊
My late husband and I ran a BB here in the Lot et Garonne for a few years up until Covid. We then turned our BB rooms into an apartment so that we could continue letting during that period. The extra income we earned from doing this paid for the upkeep of our horses. However, it is very hard work. You never get any time to yourself. There is always something that needs doing. Even planning an evening out can be difficult as you are often waiting for late guests to turn up. Once we had to call out the gendarmes when a couple got physical during an argument they were having. There was blood everywhere, splattered over the bed, up the walls and on the floor! Then you get the complainers that moan about things that are out of your control, such as hot weather, insects, etc. Plus preparing for a change over during the summer months, in very hot weather, is very, very tiring. You can forget about any free time. Also you will need to take out extra insurance when you have paying guests. Starting a BB sounds great, bringing in extra money, but you need to ask yourselves do you really need this intrusion on your privacy and free time? I, personally, would never do it again.
I'm so sorry you had such an awful experience. We both have a hospitality background, Maria spend many years in Devon doing B&B and overall it was an enjoyable experience and so I support her completely with the new concept. We can but try, if it does become and issue, we can of course always review. But in the meantime, thanks so much for your thoughts and concern for us, and of course watching our show!
Just LOVE your videos guys! They are always entertaining and very uplifting.
Watching usually from Australia, but viewing your current episode from France, where we take holidays for two months every year.
You deserve many thousands of subscribers, keep up the great work!
Thank you. That’s so kind. I hope you’re having a great time on your holiday in France 🇫🇷
My French Tutor lives over the river in Fongrave. I shared your videos of Fongrave with her. I hope to one day move to that area. Hello from Australia.
There is a french tutor in Fongrave? Who is it? I need a french tutor in Fongrave
@@jamesw9093 🤣. I’m telling gilles on you
Ah that’s amazing. It’s such a small world! Thank you for watching and sharing :)
So funny!
❤❤
If your numbers are going up, it’s because you are both so fun! 😂 BTW, your Sommelier is Swedish. I can tell because of his adorable nose, and of course, his accent. Ironic for a Sommelier to have a fabulous nose. 😉
Thank you! You sound so fun also 😂. The Swedish are certainly an attractive breed
@@MariaHall-s8h I agree. My son in law is adorable. We love him.
Your friends across the river wish you every success, but stop nicking our handyman!!🤣
@@jamesw9093 🤣. I think you will find we nicked from Sandy and you nicked from both of us. I forgive you but I’m not sure Sandy will 😛🤭
Another lovely video, thank you so much for replying to me about Caubeyres, we will probably be there at Easter so who knows, we may glimpse you !
@@elizabetheyma-davies8584 Be sure to say hello if you spot us 👋
@@MariaHall-s8h thank you xx
Great review guys, and who wouldn’t want to go to a prune museum!!!!
! Ermm… so funny, we can film you! 😂
Who indeed. I can’t think of anyone🤦♀️😂
Another great episode and well done on the website! It’s absolutely fantastic. Just had a look at it and it’s so well presented and the photos are stunning. I’m sure you’ll do very well with your Airbnb business. Pujols looks a lovely little place too. Have to add that to the list. We’ve already looked at going to Roses in January. Going to end up bankrupt if we keep watching your videos 😂 Also have to agree with Maria on those stink bugs. Andrew can never smell them but I sure as hell can and I also vacuumed one up once and had to change the bag as the smell coming up through the vent was horrendous 🥴. Finally, I think your apple wine sounded delish! Bien joué 😊
😂. Sorry ❤
Thank you! We are excited to head across the border for fun. Will be interesting to see the price differences. I think you guys should re start your channel. You are both so much fun!
@@richard_hall thank you. As you can see we’ve just started it again after a big hiatus 😂. We’ll see what mischief we can get up to next 😁
I am always amazed at the number of English people coming to France , for French people i dont know it’s always a plus for us .
@@richardurch446 I hope it is. There are a lot of abandoned properties in need of love which the English are saving 🏠 🏰
I think it depends on the different situations of the people that come over. We are permanent rather than 90 days and looking to enhance our local area with an exciting new project.. more on that as the plans develop:)
@@MariaHall-s8h how kind of all of you .
Yes, prune museum sounds great!
@@cathythompson8734 🤦♀️😱
😅
Enjoy your videos naomi was shocked when you popped up on our tv marie last time we saw you was at twitching park woolacombe 😂
😂. When they put me in the smelly caravan on the edge of the woods because we had our dog george. If you guys hadn’t been there I think I would have left straight away. Love to Naomi and the girls x
@@MariaHall-s8h happy days 🤣
I’m really annoyed…..so bloody angry…..that Lisa and I are caught up on your videos. The longer the better for us. We’ve loved watching you guys even though you have editorially emasculated me lol
👍🇫🇷
@Escapetofrance-Charente 😂 Are you trolling me? I will shout you out! Haha
We love your videos too so keep them coming. Can’t wait to see your new horse. So jealous but really excited for you. It’s all I ever put on my Christmas list as a kid. ❤🎉
@@richard_hall lol wanna be your first troll 👿
@@MariaHall-s8h Thanks so much Maria. That means a lot to us. Can’t wait for your episode this week.
It’s all Lisa wishes for as a kid. She’s had to wait 44 years but it’ll be worth it 🇫🇷👍
@@Escapetofrance-Charente 😆😆😆
Great video. Did you come to France on a retirement visa?
@@davew8988 Hi. Yes we did. If you have time watch our first and 2nd video which explains a lot
Hi we originally came over on a long term tourist visa. More on that in episodes 1 to 3 :)
My own vote would be for about 10 minutes. For example today there was a bit too much unneeded babble.
Noted and thank you for taking the time to comment 😊
I do love a good babel fish! ua-cam.com/video/iuumnjJWFO4/v-deo.htmlsi=9s0-45I0MXhjuH2j
It is the British people who has make France civilised.... before they were tribal in nature....they were more Arabian than European before but due to British and Germanic people France is more European today so french must welcome British people for their own good
??? You didn't take your pills this morning did you
😂😂😂😂😂😂je reconnaît bien là l'humour anglais.