LEGGETTFRANCE.COM
8
worth trying!"
The next two years were a bit
of a rollercoaster. "We found a local
architect - it started smoothly but
we had ups and downs. Then Rudi
[their son, now nine months old]
arrived unexpectedly!" he adds.
The house has taken just over
two years to build, and the couple
has just started their first season
offering catered holidays to groups
of families or friends.
The result is stunning - modern
in style yet comfortable and
perfectly designed for guests to
enjoy their own space but then
gather together in the large openplan floor below.
The interior of the property still
feels like a chalet, but has clean
lines and cutting-edge lighting. The
kitchen area is separated from the
long table by an island - it's the
perfect place to chat with the cook
as they prep dinner.
"We wanted to avoid anything
too chintzy or dated," says Charlie.
"With Daniel having four daughters,
there was an emphasis on making
sure the whole family could be
entertained - cinema room, outdoor
swimming pool - perfect for summer as the weather
is beautiful and
the garden gets the sun all day."
Upstairs the five bedrooms are
all spacious, comfortable, and with
modern bathrooms.
While Charlie had a background
in the building trade, there were
still a few nasty surprises. "Some
tradesmen would not turn up, and
others might not do the greatest
job," rues Charlie.
"Prices here are considerably
higher than in the UK. In Britain,
we're used to being able to order