As my husband and I sit on our sunlit patio in a small village around half an hour from Cahors, France, enjoying our retirement we often reflect on our fortunate decision made back in the 90s to buy this beautiful, but rundown, French cottage. The property prices were remarkably low then, making our dream of a French retreat both achievable and enticing.
My husband worked on it, and our three kids used to come out during their formative years. It seems the story for lots of people our age who were lucky enough to make substaintial gains on the property market and bought a bolthole in France or Spain. We’re not sure that will happen again for the next generation.
Now, at 70, life is a delicate balance between our homes in the UK and France. Our UK state pension, while sufficient for basic needs, stretches tight over the lifestyle we’ve grown to love. The tranquil afternoons, leisurely lunches with friends, and the relaxed pace here contrast sharply with our life back in the UK, where we also spend a significant part of the year during the winter months.
The impact of Brexit has cast a shadow over our dual residence, with currency fluctuations and changing residency rights adding layers of complexity to our retirement plans. These changes make financial planning more challenging, urging us to be more prudent with our expenses. Who new the Schengen rules would dominate so much of our conversation and planning?
We cherish the connection to both homes, but it does bring up concerns about the future. Our family visits are joyful occasions, and we’re looking forward to our first grandchild coming to stay. Yet, we often ponder whether the cottage will hold any practical value for them or become more of an emotional heirloom. The uncertainty of whether they would want to keep the property in France is a frequent topic of our discussions.
Despite these financial and logistical uncertainties, the life we have built in France is deeply fulfilling. The local community’s warmth, combined with the serene beauty of the landscape, and warm weather, enriches our my days. I even get a spot of peace when my husband is back in the UK too!
However, we are constantly reminded of the reality of our pension limitations, the broader economic effects of Brexit and the affordability of housing for our children. Yet, these challenges do not diminish the joy we find in our bi-continental life.
Living between two countries has taught us to appreciate the simple pleasures—whether it’s sitting in the garden in Frane or enjoying an walk in the English countryside. Our life, is a wonderful tapestry of these rich experiences, from both British and French threads.
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As we grow older, we remain hopeful for stability that will allow us to fully embrace our chosen lifestyle. Our travelling to France, coupled with our life in the UK, stands as one of our best decisions, offering a retirement filled with variety and fulfillment.
For those contemplating a similar life split between two countries, prepare for the unexpected, but also know that such a lifestyle can offer a uniquely rewarding retirement, rich with diversity and discovery. But keep an eye on your next generation as we still don’t want to miss out on their lives which seem busier than ours ever were.