Sandra and John moved to a small village in the Dordogne in 2004 after taking early retirement.

What made you move to France?
I was diagnosed with cancer in 2002 and had to give up work, my husband John took early retirement and we came out to The Dordogne for a holiday and to look for a house. We have lived here now for 5 years this March.

Which part of France do you live in?
We live in a little village called Issac about 30 minutes from Bergerac.

Do you have children?
We have two grown up daughters of 25 and 29 years who live in the U.K

What is your age?
I'm 54.

Do your homework and don't just buy a huge amount of land because it is cheap, you do have to maintain it!!

Where were you born?
I was born in Oxford.

Do you work?
We are both retired but always seem to be busy!

What was the worst mistake you made when buying in France?
We did our homework and did not seem to have any problems at all.

Your best tip for people considering moving to France?
Do your homework and don't just buy a huge amount of land because it is cheap, you do have to maintain it!!

Did you find it hard to integrate or adjust to your new life in France and do you have any tips to help others?
We found it really easy to integrate and found the locals very helpful. I think if they see you making an effort they will help you. In our village we have now been called Issacois not les Anglais so we have cracked it!

What's the best thing about living in France?
The quality of life and the friendliness of the people

And the worst?
I can't really think of anything except we miss our daughters but they come out for their holidays which is quality time spent with them both.

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