April 2012

Bilingualism can keep dementia at bay!

While most children can learn more than one language easily, it’s never too late to become bilingual. Studies have shown that even learning and constantly using a second language in later life...
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Old School House & Classrooms

Unusual opportunity to buy the village School and adjoining classrooms in a small village near the Saint Sever forest.  The property is situated within easy walking distance of the village...
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Renovation project on village outskirts

This stone house is within easy walking distance of a small village with bar/restaurant/shop.  It offers huge potential for a complete renovation project.  Renewal of the outline planning consent...
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Pretty stone house

The original part of this pretty stone house is believed to have been built in 1820.  It was extended in 1991  and completely modernised in 1997.  Care has been taken to conserve original...
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Farmhouse (Potential B&B) with large detached barns

This detached farmhouse has spacious family accommodation and offers a potential home and income for those wishing to have a B&B. It would also suit someone who works from home and needs...
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Ideal First Time Buy or Holiday Cottage

This detached cottage is tucked away near a farm on a “no through road”.  The major renovation works have already been carried out but the property needs finishing.  The house is...
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Spacious Normandy Farmhouse

This property comprises a huge stone “longère” style farmhouse built over a basement in a quiet rural position with views over its own land and old bakery.  The property benefits from...
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Individual detached house

This spacious home is found in the Manche area of Normandy and is served by the Ferry Port at St Malo (42kms) and airports at Dinard (48kms) or Rennes (54kms).  The  Mont St Michel is close by...
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Completely renovated house in quiet rural hamlet

This superb house  is situated in the southwest of Normandy, near the borders of Manche and Calvados, 3 kms from Sourdeval, the nearest town. Only a few minutes drive away, the town offers every...
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Village house 20 minutes from coast

This property is an ideal holiday home situated in a quiet residential area of a small village but within walking distance of the village centre and only 4kms from Gavray with all amenities...
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4 bedroom house + gîte, 9.7 hectares, lake + superb views

This property is situated in the south of the department of Calvados and stands in an elevated position surrounded by its own land of approximately 9.7 hectares with stunning views across the...
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Indie Chicks – Damaged

Well it’s time to meet another of the Indie Chicks sharing her inspirational story. Here’s Talia’s bio: Talia Jager spends most of her time writing in the bathroom with a steady supply of...
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How to care for your Antique Furniture – by Simon Lorkin

Surprisingly one of the most important factors in looking after your furniture is where you put it in your home. When placing items choose carefully. Although the aesthetics of placing furniture...
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BLACK IS BLACK!

Welcome to my first colour article! Each month I shall be writing about one colour. Its effect on you, it’s season and in your wardrobe, to give you a little insight in to the importance of...
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“in sickness and in health… for richer for poorer”

The main problem with ending a long term love affair is the magnetic pull from some unseen force trying to drag you back.  When the relationship is unhealthy, expensive and offends others it is...
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Choosing a Lycee

If your child is coming to the end of collège you have no doubt been attending lycée open days over the last few weeks as you try and decide where they will go next. There are more choices...
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The Garden – April 2012

The clocks have gone forward; no more dark evenings for a whole six months. Lovely!  On the downside, there’s no excuse now, to avoid attacking the weeds, the planting, the feeding, the mowing. ...
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Wilde things – Chickens, cream, cider and Calvados

the cuisine of Normandy with Sinéad Allart of Wilde Kitchen Cookery School This month I’ve been chatting to Sinéad Allart of the Wilde Kitchen Cookery School, which is in the gorgeous countryside...
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Walking in Normandy

After the winter the  weather is now good enough to restart some proper country walks. Like most of France, Normandy has a lot of well marked footpaths (randonnées), and maps and routes can be...
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Us, them, food & cooking.

Why can’t you get English butter in Normandy? I suppose it’s not such a stupid question, after all Tesco sells Kerrygold, Lurpack,  Président and Isigny butter. It is all to do with French...
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The DRAGON and the MOON BEAR By Jonathan Moir©

The night that Isobel met the wizard she was in her bedroom. There was an urgent tapping noise coming from her wardrobe so she opened its door and out he stepped, wearing a large floppy hat and...
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Transferring your money abroad – how secure is it?

Despite low exchange rates and high fees, 80% of people still use their banks to move money abroad.  The main reason they give is worries over security of their funds.  First Rate FX listens, and...
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Social Networking Top Tips

Twitter, Linked In, Facebook…. Google+, PInterest…. There are lots of other networking sites, but you can spend your whole life trying to manage them all.  These are the main ones.  Pick 3 and...
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CHANGES IN THE « LOI DE FINANCE »

The French government have been introducing tax changes that will affect those already living here. Some of the relevant changes are indicated below:  Pensions: For those who are taking a lump...
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