On our first family holiday in this region, we spotted an idyllic little water mill and although our initial interest in purchasing it did not produce results, a few years later, we became the proud owners of that beautiful spot.
The problem was that we had completely underestimated the enormity and cost of turning it into what we dreamed of, especially from the Southern tip of Africa.
After another two years of dilly dallying, we also came to the conclusion that, from a vacation point of view anyway, life in one of the little villages would be really enjoyable – provided we could find something that looked after our needs of privacy, peace and tranquillity.
In August 2014 we visited the area again, and having always been attracted to more remote country properties, this time we decided to try the little medieval village of Issigeac which we had fallen in love with on our first visit to the region.
As they say in the classics…we were hooked and hopelessly in love with this little village and having done the critical LOCATION, LOCATION and LOCATION test Issigeac it was and we proceeded to look at everything that was available – but alas – returned to South Africa empty handed.
Late last year, it was back to Issigeac again, this time armed with our kids who joined us for our annual get together.
Having rationalised our thoughts and having had the benefit of some less emotional input from the kids, we decided to raise our sights and look at a property that had been so tempting to look at on our earlier visit, but seemingly out of our reach.
Well from the moment we crossed the threshold, on that cold and rainy mid-winters day, we were smitten – every one of us!
In the process of buying this property, the ownership of which became ours officially, just a month or two ago, we not only found ourselves with a spiritual home in Fance, but made our first good friends in Issigeac, in the lovely couple from whom we bought it.
This was just meant to be