FRANCE 7
Research the competition
Is the B&B market already saturated in your chosen area? How much can you expect to charge? What will make you stand out from the crowd? We chose Normandy because our research showed steady demand for accommodation throughout the year, unlike in other popular areas such as the Dordogne, where the season is shorter. Its central position in Normandy means our property is superbly placed for doing day trips to the landing beaches, Monet’s garden and Mont St Michel, but we are remote enough to appeal to those who just want to chill out by the pool.
8
Get in with the local mayor
Your fi rst stop in France should be at the local Mairie. T e mayor is highly respected, the font of all knowledge and wields considerable power locally so it pays to get him/her on side. We bought a little-used public footpath adjoining our property from our local council, a potentially controversial purchase requiring a public enquiry. Knowing one of our near neighbours, a rather unpleasant and very unpopular Parisian (now fortunately moved on) would object, our kindly mayor chose to hold the enquiry when he knew he would be away, meaning the deal went through without a hitch!
9
Have a slush fund
Make sure your budget includes a healthy contingency fund and don’t believe the stories you hear that you can renovate an entire house on a shoestring, unless of course you’re pretty handy and can do a lot of the work yourself. We’ve found that complete renovation will set you back roughly the price you paid for the property again.
10
Invest in marketing
Identify your target markets and make sure your product and your promotion are suited to them. We designed our cottage and our marketing messages to attract families during the summer months and couples and their friends in the shoulder periods. A decent website and online marketing are essential and more than 95 per cent of our bookings come through the internet. And don’t forget Facebook and Twitter, great for keeping in touch with loyal customers and for developing new ones.
Not put you off ?
To search for properties for sale in France
Paul & Chris’s B&B is now for sale for €372,500 (£277,964)
11 Have fun!
It’s so easy to slip into old habits and immerse yourself in the daily grind of your business, so take a step back and remember why you moved in the fi rst place. Having a dip in the pool is a lovely way to unwind aſt er your chores but try to take time out away from your property, otherwise you’ll always fi nd some little job that needs doing. Organize your week so that you can have a day off to relax together: a splurge at the new local restaurant can always be passed off as essential research!
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aplaceinthesun.com 12
Don’t blur the boundaries
Working in the hospitality industry, you’ll want to ensure a friendly, welcoming atmosphere to develop good relationships with your clients and encourage them to come back year aſt er year. But never forget that, at the end of the day, your customers are your customers and not your friends, and unless you are lucky enough to have another income stream, they are also your bread and butter. Ensure all your dealings are friendly but professional.
13
Integrate with the locals
Set in nearly four acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the property consists of the main house with four double bedroom suites, two spacious reception rooms, both with fi replaces and wood- burning stoves, an offi ce and a vast dine-in kitchen with picture windows overlooking the grounds; and a two-bed cottage. The B&B and gîte businesses have a loyal client base with repeat bookings year on year. Ideal as a ready-to-go business with bookings into 2014, or a home with annexe for elderly relatives or guests. For more information, see
www.houseforsalenormandy.gb.net
In rural areas it’s possible to go several days without seeing your neighbours, so take every opportunity to show your face at community events such as the New Year’s galette party or the Bastille Day picnic where the wine always fl ows. Volunteer on local committees, help organize social events or off er to teach English to local children - it raises your profi le, you’re accepted into the community and there’s always somebody on hand to off er help when you – or even your guests - need it. Accept invitations for an apéro but never outstay your welcome and, unless you want the wrong kind of reputation, don’t knock back the pastis without fi rst diluting it with water (guilty as charged!). And remember, if you use the verb ‘inviter’ to ask somebody to join you at a local bar or restaurant, this means you’re paying! Finally, observe local customs and prepare for long hellos and goodbyes as it’s de rigueur to shake hands or kiss (four kisses here in rural Normandy)! §
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