Daphne and I live by the side of the river Lot in the Upper Gorge du Lot in, according to the Rough Guide "the best section of the Lot Valley, just outside the medieval village of Entraygues in the Aveyron department". It is a spectacular area of rivers and valleys with chestnut clad slopes towering over rivers 1,000 feet below.Because of its unique position, sheltered by the more northerly Massif Central in the Auvergne, access to this area has was always difficult and a little tortuous. Even today no motorway is scheduled to pass within 60 miles.
Although communications have greatly improved, in particular Rodez airport, and the Millau viaduct, we are still today benefiting from centuries of remote isolation. It still remains an unknown area to many and tourists are viewed as something of a novelty, and you are always welcomed with a warm smile when visiting the small shops and wonderful value restaurants. Although sparsely populated we have a choice of 5 Michelin starred restaurants in this area.
We moved to this enchanting area from Pembrokeshire in 1994, having founded Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire in 1982 and built it into one of the foremost and prestigious holiday cottage agencies in Wales with more than 400 properties. We continued to let out a few cottages in this valley in France for friends and contacts accumulated over the years.
Now we have retired once more, this time from French Cottage Retreats. But having been in the property business for 30 years and having so many local contacts, I feel it would be such a waste of knowledge if it were not used in some way by someone. So here I am offering my services to any person looking to buy a property in this wonderfully peaceful area. My services include collection from Rodez airport, viewing of properties, arranging accommodation, and delivery back to the airport. I can also assist in opening a bank account and visiting the Notaire. The only cost to you will be for the accommodation. There are never more than a few properties for sale in the valley so there will never be very many on the website, but just take a look at them on the website and then come and see.
Paul Pocock |