A New Chapter in France: David and Genevieve’s Retirement Journey
A British former architect, David Gourlay, aged 68, originally from Edinburgh, and his Australian wife, Genevieve Schiemann, a 67-year-old graphic designer hailing from Sydney, have chosen to settle in the enchanting landscape of France for their retirement. They cite the country’s welcoming attitude towards foreigners and the seamless integration they have experienced as key factors in their decision.
Currently, the couple is realizing their long-held dream of renovating a charming farmhouse located in the picturesque old town of Uzès, nestled in the heart of southern France. Their journey together began many years ago in Hong Kong, and since then, they have traveled extensively, living in cities such as Sydney, Jakarta, and Dubai, where they spent an impressive 23 years. After experiencing diverse cultures across the globe, they sought a permanent residence for retirement, narrowing their options down to Italy, Portugal, and France.
David explains their choice: “We believed that navigating the bureaucracy in Italy would be overly complex. Ultimately, we decided on France due to personal circumstances, especially as we already had some friends residing here.” Genevieve adds that during their search for property in Tuscany around two decades ago, they found the Italian community did not align with their expectations, and the Italian bureaucracy proved to be a significant hurdle.
“While Italians are incredibly friendly, there’s often an expectation of reciprocity,” she reflects. “The Italian government has struggled with efficiency, which has led to a culture of resilience and ingenuity among the people. They are incredibly clever and creative, but it is primarily the Italians who know how to navigate their own system.”
In contrast, Genevieve notes, “We found France to be more welcoming towards foreigners overall, and as a culture, it is considerably easier to navigate.”
The couple’s first home, located just a 10-minute walk from the center of Uzès, was purchased in 2015. They were drawn to the area’s warmth and its relative freedom from the pressures of overtourism that often plague other regions. The property, a shell in need of complete renovation, was acquired for €160,000 (£134,490), and they have invested double that amount to restore it to a high standard. They are now selling this property to finance the substantial renovation project of their second, much larger residence, which is also a short walk from the town center.
Their second property is a sprawling 700-square-meter mas (a traditional farmhouse and barn) set amidst a generous expanse of land. “We plan to create a seminar-yoga-meditation-dance-multipurpose room in the barn, accompanied by Gigi’s [Genevieve’s] art studio, complete with ample parking and beautifully landscaped grounds, including a swimming pool,” David explains. Their vision includes hosting private events, writing and artists’ retreats, as well as cooking classes.
“Our long-term goal is to develop this into a co-housing community alongside like-minded individuals, allowing us to support one another as we age,” David adds, expressing their desire for a collaborative living experience.
While the process of buying a house in France is relatively straightforward, they do acknowledge the existence of “bureaucratic hoops” within the planning system. “Our first project required about six months to secure the necessary permits, followed by an additional 12 months to complete the renovation work,” David notes.
Looking Ahead: Embracing Community and Culture
The couple anticipates that their new project will take approximately two years to complete, and they are currently nine months into the renovation, approaching it in stages for financial reasons. Despite the lengthy renovation process, they are enamored with their new home in Uzès, praising its welcoming community, walkable layout, and diverse amenities. “After living in many places where a car was essential, it’s a joy to be able to walk everywhere. Uzès is a very picturesque village with fantastic facilities, restaurants, and bars, topped off with a wonderful farmer’s market showcasing fresh produce,” David shares.
“For us, Uzès strikes a perfect balance between a mixed expatriate community and local French residents. Everyone has a unique and interesting story to tell.”
Thanks to Genevieve’s German passport and David’s pursuit of French residency, they are fortunate not to be hindered by the onerous Brexit regulations that typically affect many Britons. As they embrace this new chapter in their lives, David and Genevieve are excited about the adventures that lie ahead in their beloved France.
