When you want to leave the UK but only have a low budget for a house, where would you go?
This couple decided to settle in France.
Dan and Annalise had around £20,000 to spend on a house and they were able to buy a very rundown structure that used to be a bakery.
It was a struggle because they used up all their savings in that building.
There was no extra money to use to get the renovations and repairs started.
This meant they had to wait every month for money to come in to get on with the repairs.
It was their first micro-home outside of the UK and it was a big shift from their previous life.
There was no water or electricity and they had to do everything from scratch.
It was far from comfortable but they were doing their best every day to make it into a home.
They add a log burner for heat and a composting toilet to answer their toilet needs.
They had a sofa and a small kitchenette to answer their hunger calls.
Eventually, they added solar panels for their electricity.
It was hard but they could do it because they were a childless couple.
That did not last long because sometime later, they found out they were expecting a baby.
They had to reassess their living and housing situation, which clearly said they needed to move.
Luckily, there was a bigger barn that they could convert into a house that was big enough for the three of them.
With only a couple of weeks left before their first son was born, Dan and Annalise hammered every minute and every second that they could to make the barn into a livable house.
A lot of work needed to be done.
The double barn doors needed to be converted into sliding doors.
The broken windows needed to be replaced. There was no roof in some parts and those had to be filled in obviously.
It was a lot to take on for a couple who had no building experience and were expecting a baby in a few weeks.
Good news! They did it!
They added plumbing and electricity.
They added a second floor, floors, and walls, and made it into a cozy home in time for their baby’s arrival.
However, because of their lack of construction know-how, they had to redo a lot of the construction they did.
It was devastating for Dan but it needed to be done.
Now, about the bakery/1st home, they went back to it and turned it into a kitchen.
By this time, they knew more about construction and they were able to bring life into the bakery/kitchen once again.
They installed brick stoves, modern appliances, and big counters.
It’s perfect for people who love to cook or bake.
The property may have been very run down but there were a lot of buildings.
They didn’t just have the barn and bakery but they also had a smaller building, which Dan converted into his work studio.
It was a long journey, five years to be exact.
They learned so much and achieved so much with this DIY home construction that led to Dan renovating homes for a living.
Learn more about the farmhouse and its repairs when you watch the video below.
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