P
eople make the move to France full of hopes and aspirations as varied as their new
home’s landscapes, wines or even cheeses. For some it is the attraction of a slower pace of life, the less-crowded roads, the rural traditions and the more relaxing lifestyle that suits retirement or semi-retirement. Others, myself included,
came to France well before retirement age for that change of life you only get from establishing your own business, in which you can make your own decisions and manage your own destiny. And, while FPN readers are well aware of the process of searching and purchasing their dream French home, the question of what to do once settled is one that many buyers put off until later. For many (certainly as far as
the TV programmes suggest) the dream is to renovate a large house or even a château with the intention of letting space to holidaymakers. The house- with-gîtes model remains hugely popular. But, there are other options.
FRIENDLY WELCOME For myself and my husband Paul, being sociable people, with many years of holidaying in France as the backdrop to our choice, we almost inevitably ended up in hospitality, owning our own small chambres d’hôtes/B&B business in St- Antonin-Noble-Val and then in 2019, in Eymet. It is now three years since we opened Maison Belmont Eymet,
catering to the needs of a wide range of visitors drawn to the warm and welcoming south of Dordogne. Our passion for interiors and mid-century design enabled us to create a unique setting for guests.
The B&B provides us with a
steady income and an enjoyable lifestyle. Neither of us had a background in hospitality (I was an interiors buyer for top-end retailers in the UK and Paul was an assistant headteacher with 25 years’ experience in urban comprehensive schools). But we both possess the skills required to make the best of our B&B business. We enjoy working with and for other people, we can multi-task and are tech-
Driving force
The pandemic set the wheels in motion for a new and exciting venture in Dordogne for Mark Whaymand
savvy and have a positive attitude, making our guests always feel at ease and relaxed when they are in our home. Located in Eymet, one
of the most vibrant and visitor-friendly towns in southwest France, we are kept very busy looking after our guests and networking with other businesses to enhance their experience. With nearby wedding venues (who only provide limited accommodation) kept busy all summer long, their guests naturally became ours while the lure of that dream home in southwest France keeps the househunters visiting and booking to stay with us throughout the season. We love the contact with
people from all over the world, and all walks of life. On arrival at Maison Belmont a chilled glass of rosé and a welcome from our black Labrador Toby starts the process of turning guests into friends.
Paul and Mark's B&B Maison Belmont Eymet, with its quirky mid-century decor 74 FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: September/October 2023
FINANCIAL SECURITY However, along with everyone in hospitality, we struggled during the pandemic. Although it wouldn’t recoup our losses, it soon became clear that another
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