French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED

In this first episode of French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED, we - Rosie, Micala and Sue - share our own French renovation journeys. No TV edits, no rose-tinted fantasies - just the raw, honest truth about buying, renovating, and surviving building projects in France.Between us, we’ve renovated multiple properties across Brittany, Burgundy, the Gers and beyond. We talk about what drew us to France, the mistakes we made early on, and the lessons we learned the hard way.What we talk about in this episode:Why renovating in France takes far longer than you expectRenting before buying — and why it can save you financially and emotionallyBuying renovation properties with no savings (and how we made it work)Living in houses without heating, floors or proper plumbingHow a house will “tell you” what it needs - if you listenThe dangers of DIY electrics and non-compliant fittings in FranceWhy tradespeople’s own houses are never finishedThe difference between renovation fantasy and real French lifeResources & tools mentioned in this episode:Le Bon Coin – France’s main second-hand marketplace, widely used for sourcing renovation materials such as tiles, staircases and wood burnersGreenacres – UK-facing French property portal used to find renovation propertiesCrédit Agricole – French bank mentioned in relation to mortgages and lending requirements for new business ownersGlossary (French terms used in this episode that might be new to you):Micro-entrepreneur – French self-employed business statusDiagnostics immobiliers – mandatory property reports when sellingFosse septique – septic tank systemÉpandage – soakaway drainage systemMairie – local town hallConnect:Facebook | InstagramSubscribe to the newsletter: www.frenchrenodiaries.comEmail: [email protected] out more about us and our French reno businesses:Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis)S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell)Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins)Artisan CentralCredits:Produced & mixed by: Katy WrightMusic: Grand Project

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