Hi Peter and Bridget,

We actually had the most awful journey home - ours was the only ferry to attempt to cross the channel on Sunday - well not strictly true the sister P&O ship tried to leave Portsmouth but was blown onto a brand new naval vessel and so had to return to her dock for repairs. Her passengers were very lucky!! It was a truly dreadful crossing taking over 10 hours out in the main storm, in 30 to 40 foot waves. There were people injured, cars and motor homes damaged, freight over turning - terrifying just doesn't come into. I have now vowed that I will not go by ferry again! I am just so glad that we made it - there were several points when I did't think we would (I'm a sailor and I don't scare that easily on the sea, but this was horrendous).

We got back home feeling very shaken and it had rather taken the edge of all our excitement and planning. Still after a good night's sleep and a day off work we were back to planning and studying photos this morning!

We can't wait for everything to be sorted out so that we can get back out there and start work. We are delighted with the property and we are sure that it is very much what we set out to find. Thank you for the hard work that you and Bridget have put into this. It was very clear to me that you had taken note of what we had said we were looking for and so selected suitable properties and didn't waste our time on ones that didn't fulfil our needs. That was very valuable given the short time that we had out there. We knew that if we didn't find the right thing we would have to go home and try again at Christmas. Fortunately there was no need and we shall be back in February to complete the purchase if all goes to plan.

I would have no hesitation in recommending you and your agents in France to anyone else looking in that area. Vivianne was a star negotiator and very thorough with the details and Jacques did an excellent job in showing the properties - we even have a photo of you, me and Bridget staring up at the blocked up window waiting for Jacques to measure the height for a door!!!

Thank you for the contact details, I have contacted Robin McEwen and set up the account with Foreign Currency Direct, so we are all ready to go!! I will follow up on the Title Insurance and other insurances etc. at the weekend, when I have a little more time.

I am sure that there will be times ahead when I will need some assistance with matters, so thank you for your offer - I have no doubt that I will need it! It was lovely to meet you both and to feel that there is someone "out there" who will be able to help.

We look forward to seeing you again in February…

Karen Jenkins