When we first started talking about leaving behind the bustle of British business life for something a bit quieter and sunnier in rural France, it honestly felt more like daydreaming than planning. But here we are, sitting in a market square with a coffee in hand, proof that what started as a “what if” turned into a very real decision. It took plenty of planning, patience, and a fair bit of paperwork, but it’s been worth every step.

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For years, life back in the UK was full-on. I (Phil) was working as a sales strategist and coach, always chasing the next goal, helping businesses grow. Kirsti was equally busy, running her own equine business and keeping everything beautifully organised, as she does. We both loved what we did, but deep down we wanted a different pace - a life with fewer motorways and more winding village lanes, fewer deadlines and more long dinners, and meetings that actually meant something.

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Every trip to France made that feeling stronger. We fell in love with the countryside, the honey-stone villages, the morning markets, the cafés by the lake… and, most of all, the warmth of the people. Little by little, our holidays turned into house-hunting trips, and then into something more serious. Before we knew it, we were knee-deep in research about visas, residency cards, and that infamous French paperwork! Eventually, we took the plunge - and that’s how Our Life in France was born.

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Now, we’re living the life we once only talked about. Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rosé - there have been challenges, surprises, and plenty of lessons along the way, but it’s been the most rewarding adventure.

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In the Our New life in France blog, we’ll share what it’s really been like: the ups, the downs, the laughs, and the “what on earth have we done?” moments. Our story’s about finding balance, embracing change, and discovering that sometimes the best decision you can make… is to slow down and start again.