Looking for the good life in Provence: Originally from Perthshire Scotland, Jill Wilson now lives in sunny Provence, southern France. She’s a local property agent for Leggett estate agents and she knows how it feels to be looking for your dream home. She took five years to find her lovely home in Montmeyan in the Var region, where the Cote d’Azur meets Provence.
Making the move to Provence
Jill first visited Provence on holiday, as an artist she was drawn by the colours as so many artists were before her. “We’re surrounded by lavender fields here and with Nice and Marseille airports not far away, it’s easy to reach this area, so friends and family can visit, in fact, it’s perfect!” she enthuses.
Once Jill made up her mind that she wanted to live there, she decided to take her time to find the perfect property in her budget. Her dream home search involved one special requirement – she needed land for her two Arabian horses Aeshea and Caleb who came with her from Scotland. Her very particular search was worth it, she and her horses enjoy stunning views across to the Canyon du Verdon, just 1km outside a lovely village of about 560 inhabitants.
“It was important for me to be able to make friends here” says Jill “so being close to a village was one of my wishes. Almost as soon as I arrived there was a village street art contest so I entered and to my amazement I won”. Jill says the local people have been so welcoming she felt at home straight away. She says “I’ve been overwhelmed by the kindness and welcome I have received from the village. My advice would be to get involved with all the local activities. It will help you get to know people locally.”
She teaches English classes at the local school for an hour a week and also holds an “English Conversation” class at the atelier provided by the town hall where people can go and chat to improve their language skills in English or French.
Finding a dream home in Provence
Since joining the Leggett Immobilier team Jill has helped clients from around the world “America and Australia” she muses “oh and Brazil, Sweden, Ireland, Scotland, England, Belgium and yes, French clients too, there’s something for everyone here”.
“Helping people find their ideal property is a wonderful job” says Jill and explains that many people are really surprised that Provence is more affordable than they thought. “I’ve got properties for sale from €52k upwards, and if you really want to push the boat out, a totally gorgeous home at €2.6 million”.
Jill knows the area like an expert and loves to share her knowledge of places to visit, great local restaurants and day to day life in the area. Her ideal day she says, would be a day out with friends or family in nearby Aix-en-Provence, or “swimming and painting at the fabulous Lac de Ste Croix or enjoying the dances and a glass of local wine in the village”.
Definitely sounds like the good life in Provence to us!
Check out Jill’s fabulous property portfolio in sunny Provence
