Our story.
It all began with an idea…
What if we could change our lives for the better and live a more sustainable life closer to nature. Here is our story…
The idea.
A few years ago, me and Lu talked about leaving the UK and making a fresh start overseas. We were both working in stressful jobs and wanted to make some big changes and be closer to the things we love, walking, cycling and snowboarding.
I had spent many happy summers camping and travelling around France with my family as a kid so suggested we start there.
Van life.
We decided to do some touring to check out some places and needed a campervan. We bought an old Vauxhall Vivaro van and converted it, fitting windows, adding a bed, solar power and an awning.
The Grand Tour.
We spent two summers travelling around Europe, spending lots of time on the west coast of France and the Pyrénées looking for the ideal location for our new home, close to the mountains and sea.
You can check out our travels @the.grand.tourers on Insta!
The house hunt.
When we returned to the UK, we sold our house, put our stuff in storage and headed to Slovakia where Lu’s family live, with two cats and enough things until we found our new home. It was a crazy time as after we left, COVID hit and the UK left the EU!!
On top of all that we got the amazing news that Lu was pregnant!
After a few months travelling all along the Pyrénées, we finally found a beautiful Maison de Maître just outside of Libaros, only 40 mins from the mountains and a couple of hours from Biarritz.
Maison de Haouret.
And now the journey has really begun! We are fortunate that the previous owners had already done extensive work on the house, including a new roof and en-suite bathrooms fitted to every bedroom.
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We have installed a saltwater pool and continue to landscape and add new plants. In the orchard we now have an organic garden which provides food for us and our guests.
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Our future plans are to run special events, including yoga and creative workshops, where guests can reset and connect in one of the most beautiful and peaceful parts of Haute Pyrénées.
