Our first Tours September/Oct 2019

Finally we are ready to host our first buying tour, ( well sort of, still got loads of things to finish)  We meet in Bordeaux and after a Mad Dash of a weekend buying up antiques, linen and homeware, we arrived at our house. We are hosting four people for 8 days in our house taking them to different places to purchase their own items. We concentrate on Brocantes, Flea Markets and antique shops which are all a drive away.  There are oohs and aahs as they enter the house, some a tear. I feel all the hard work has been worth it just for this moment.

We eat a shared lunch in the courtyard most days or if we are on the road we stop for a coffee and a sandwich.  We manage to fill the van every day with gorgeous items. Every night after a big trip out we meet for a drink at 6 and a late dinner under the stars.  We share stories and much laughter is had. We feel like family. Everyone helps as much as they can. Preparing meals with me or setting the table or filling the dishwasher. The men opening bottles and pouring drinks or making coffee. It's such a special time at the end of a long and exciting day. Kiwis are so helpful and dont seem to mind that the house is unfinished with a few leads connecting to the power in their rooms. ( well not to my face anyway lol) The beds are comfy, the antique linen sheets and feather duvets make up for the lack of furniture and painted walls.

Our house being in the Bastide of the village means we are close to everything. We walk with our guests to the local produce market, the Bolongerie, the shopping centre where they practice their French. It is very relaxed and we love having people to stay. The temperature is perfect in September/October. 

We had time to visit a couple of beautiful villages which are a few minutes away from us.

Penne D'agenais, ( with its famous church)  Pujol and the famous Monflanquin, all on hills with spectacular views. There's a lot of walking but we hardly notice as there is so much to see. 

All too soon its time to say goodbye. So many wonderful comments from everyone. Hugs and kisses and a drop off to the local Train station to send our guests onto their next adventure.