Starting Over: A Widow's Bold Move to Rural France

In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, host Annie Sargent talks with Abigail Carter, a writer and YouTube creator who made a huge life change. Abigail lost her husband in the 9/11 attacks. She raised her two young children in Seattle. Then the pandemic hit and forced her to rethink everything. She realized she wanted a new chapter.

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Abigail began watching videos of people renovating châteaux in France. The idea stuck. She loves travel. She loves houses. She has renovation experience. So she came to France to look at properties. At first, it felt like a fun adventure. But then she walked into a large maison de maître near Agen. It had high ceilings, old windows, caves in a cliff, and a lot of charm. Abigail made an offer the very next day. It was accepted. She found herself the owner of a twelve-bedroom home in the French countryside.

Annie and Abigail talk about how to buy a property in France. They discuss inspections, banking, moving money, and dealing with renovations. They also talk about the language challenge. Abigail uses apps, Zoom lessons, and practice in daily life to improve her French.

Abigail now runs creative retreats at the château. People come to sketch, write, enjoy food and wine, and discover the countryside. She has already formed a growing community around this project.

Annie and Abigail share tips for anyone dreaming of a similar move. They also highlight great places to visit around Agen, including Nérac, Lectoure, Pujols, and Monflanquin.

This is a story about resilience, creativity, and starting over in France. It's an inspiring reminder that you can build a new life in a new place. Join Annie and Abigail for an uplifting conversation full of practical advice and beautiful French scenery.

Table of Contents for this Episode

• [00:00:31] Today on the podcast
• [00:01:03] Podcast supporters
• [00:01:42] Magazine segment
• [00:02:24] Annie and Abigail Carter
• [00:03:06] A Life Altered by Tragedy
• [00:04:30] A New Beginning in France
• [00:06:35] The Chateau Hunt Begins
• [00:09:11] Purchasing the Chateau
• [00:12:50] Challenges and Renovations
• [00:16:23] Running Retreats at the Chateau
• [00:19:48] Exploring Agen and Surroundings
• [00:22:23] Advice for Aspiring Château Buyers
• [00:23:03] Knowing Your Requirements
• [00:24:27] Understanding Maison de Maître
• [00:26:31] Renovation Differences in France
• [00:27:05] Navigating French Stores
• [00:28:25] Learning French
• [00:31:49] Challenges in French Banking
• [00:34:08] Inspiration and Community Building
• [00:38:16] The Joys and Challenges of Video Content Creation
• [00:40:36] Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans
• [00:41:17] Thank You Patrons
• [00:42:48] VoiceMap Reviews
• [00:44:18] New Entry System into France EES
• [00:50:32] Smoking in France
• [00:53:40] Next week on the podcast
• [00:54:01] Copyright

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