by the mystery and myths that abound in central Brittany. “The French language is


Clockwise from main: The dining room, built in 1703, has an original stone fireplace; the den is a private sitting area on the first floor; above the den is the Glenmor Room, where the servants used to live; a nook in which to gather your thoughts; the Glenmor’s ensuite; the living room can be used by all guests


certainly a challenge,” smiles Mike, “and during our life in Bordeaux, it was a huge learning curve! I’d already studied French at college, but when you live in a country it’s very different. Valerie joined a local art group, which helped with socialising as well as the language. Our teacher friend, Ghislaine, was playing in a local fanfare band and she persuaded me to join after six months here. They found out I used to work in finance and nominated me as treasurer! Being in that group really helped me to get integrated and learn the Breton culture, even though I still need a dictionary to read their emails! “I really appreciate the


slower pace of life in Brittany. It’s not all about making money – taking time out is part of the culture, you don’t feel guilty if you take time for a holiday like you would in America. A carte vitale is a huge luxury, too, because in America, healthcare is so expensive you can end up having to remortgage your house or sell your car.”


TAKING TIME OUT The couple’s three children still live in various parts of Texas, along with grandchildren aged between four and eight. Although Mike and Valerie usually visit in January and February, this winter they decided to close up and stay in Brittany so Valerie could have time to rest and paint. “It’s getting harder as we


to chill out. Susan is very happy to know that so many people can benefit from her home, and it’s open to people from any mission agency and any country.” When the couple started out,


there were seven bed-and-breakfast establishments nearby, but now there’s only an auberge, so as other B&B owners have retired and closed, the manor has become more and more busy. Guests include Americans, Canadians, Australians and Brits as well as French cyclists following the many canalside and country routes, and couples drawn


get older,” she says, “and physically we can’t do this work forever. I guess we’ll do another four years, that would bring us to a nice round 25 years. As much as we have loved our life in France, when we retire, we’ll want to be nearer to our grandkids, especially before they grow up too much more.” “It will be sad to leave,


though, because we love being here,” adds Mike, “and we’re not really American any more, we’ve been away for so long. Maybe the best solution is just to get all our kids and grandkids to move to France!” ■


le-poul.gitedarmor.com FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: March/April 202461


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