UPDATE: MONTPELLIER, WE ARE HERE!
Well, it’s been a while. And we are officially French residents! And we didn’t get here exactly as predicted.
So, a bit of history. After our last trip to France, see Map Dot Quest, we continued our discourse with Renestance on new construction properties and just didn’t seem to find the right thing. Then, last April, Russ sprang another surprise on me. What about moving our scheduled retirement up to 2025? We were both ready, it was good timing for work and perhaps most importantly our realtors, Spouses Who Sell Houses, Jill and Scott Ferguson had alerted us that the property market was hot.
HOUSE FOR SALE
RUSS IN ACTION
Russ hit the landscaping hard and the front yard looked beautiful. Realtor Jill suggested a new American flag for a pop of color!
LESLIE’S FLOWERS
Leslie hit the local nursery and planted her favorite flowers for some backyard color while our contractor painted the pergola and stained the deck.
POWDER ROOM RENOVATION
Jill and Scott recommended a powder room update and a new pedestal sink was installed along with a gilded mirror and comfort height commode!
It sold in two days. Well over asking price. Thank you JIll and Scott!!!
APARTMENT LIFE
On to temporary life in an apartment complex. Poor Zoey hated it. Even though we were lucky to have a postage-stamp sized yard for the girls, the neighbors above us were louder than a herd of thundering elephants. When they were summarily asked to leave the complex, and it became quieter, Zoey finally settled down but by that point we ourselves were ready to move on.
SWITCHING GEARS
To what, you ask? Dennelle Nizoux, our Renestance contact, had sent us a “used” listing a/k/a regular property on the market vs. new build to see if she could find what we wanted. Dennelle realized it was too early, summer of 2024, and sent it with the intention of just confirming that she was on the same page as we were. It was perfect. Just too soon.
Fast forward to early December, 2024. Dennelle sent the same listing again. I.e. not sure if you’re ready yet, but its price is 20% lower and still on the market. Within a week, I had walked through the apartment virtually with Dennelle, and Russ and I were on a plane to see and purchase the property.
THE SIZZLE
Things to know. It’s small by American standards. A one bedroom with combination living room/kitchen. Separate WC and walk in shower room. As far as we’re concerned, less to clean and less furniture to purchase.
The sizzle? The terrace/garden area. It’s ground floor, surrounded by the complex so no street access with the safety that provides. And perfect for two Shih Tzus who are central to our lives. Here’s the property listing that changed our lives:
Hooray! So happy for both you and Russ on a successful start to this next adventure together. Looking forward to reading more!
Hi Kristina! Thank you and we are over the moon. This blogging thing is fun so I will be doing more!
WOW! I am excited to hear more about your new location. What an adventure! I am happy for you both. You are living your dream and that is a blessing.
Keep in touch. Royleen
Royleen,
Love to you! Thank you for joining me on this journey. More to come!!!
Leslie
More more more!!!!!! Of everything! This is so cool. Keep it coming!!
Thank you Amy! I have lots of material, just need to find time to blog!
I’m ready for the next chapter!
Love this! I am so happy to see the blog being updated again.
Hi Christie! I was a little rusty on the mechanics but had great fun putting it together. Can’t wait to do more!
It was WONDERFUL to just talk with you!!! Didn’t know just how much I would miss our weekly chats! You all made it and I’m so thrilled for you…what an accomplishment and what an incredible adventure!!!
I missed our calls too!!!
Was wondering about your status. So fun to follow you. More, please!
Jane,
Thank you for following the journey. It’s great to have you along!
Leslie
Bonjour! I am so happy to get an update, and hear all the good news from you and Russ.
I hope you are enjoying everything, and the puppers are loving their outside paradise!
Can’t wait for more updates y’all!
Love and hugs from Trish in SC
Trish the girls love their new fiefdom and so do we!
Great to see this update, Leslie! And I’d forgotten just how nice that garden area is. Looking forward to the next post already!
I had great fun writing it and hope to do another soon!
I’ve been wondering about your journey. I’m so happy for you! It looks like you found the perfect place and looking forward to reading more about your adventures!
Joel and I are thrilled to see that your blog is in action, again, Leslie! (Of course we have had a few updates behind the scenes… so we knew you were keeping busy to get to Montpellier.)
Wishing you nothing but fun and happiness, now that your retirement chapter is up next!
Kelly,
Thank you and Joel for your support and help! Friendship makes this journey possible!!!
Leslie
So happy for you! Looking forward to more stories of your life in France. Congratulations!
Amy, thank you!
This is so much fun to read! Please keep the blog going! I am so excited for you and your adventure!
Karen, great to hear from you! Now I should have time to keep this going! And plenty of adventures to share.
Can’t wait to see the apartment come together!
And you will be consulted along the way – thank you!!!
Leslie, what an adventure! Living as an ex-pat is a fantastic experience. I’m looking forward to reading more from you! Best wishes in your new abode!
Thank you Sarah! We are looking forward to many adventures and time to write about them!
I love reading about your adventures!! Keep it coming. Congrats to both of you!
Thank you from this Gamma Phi Leslie! Hope all is well in your world!!!
Yay Leslie and Russ. I hope you’re loving your new life!!
WE ARE! Thank you for joining along in the journey!
How exciting! Can’t wait to hear more!
Thank you Lee Ann! So great to hear from you!!!
Love your new property. It’s so charming and inviting. Congratulations on your big adventure!
Thank you Amy! Once we get it fully furnished I’ll do an update with how it looks now.