Nick and Sheila James live in Cardiff, Wales and have an Estate Agency/Real Estate, Management and Property Investment/Development company. Sheila is a property Lawyer in Cardiff having worked in the city for 33 years. We love travelling, particularly within France and take pride in our house in Richelieu, improving it over the last 10 years in many ways. Its not the average rental home, its our own home with our own things so there are many quality items and details not found in other properties. Nick James purchased this house in 2005.
Why Nick James chose Indre-et-Loire
We loved the walled ramparts of the town and the history of its origins. South of the Loire the weather improves and its a warm climate. Referred to widely as “the garden of France” the area is in the middle of Chateau country with heaps of things to see and do not to mention the vast wine tasting opportunities. 45 mins drive is St Pierre des Corps Rail Station in Tours where we can hop on a TGV and be in Paris in 55 mins which we frequently do. Personally, we like the fact that Richelieu is a French community, not overly English like the Dordogne. Above all though it’s the local inhabitants who have welcomed us into their community and are so friendly that make this a special home for us.
What makes this house unique
The house backs onto a 1000 acre Park, the garden and the South facing terrace are wonderful and so quiet, guests frequently comment they have the best of both worlds, just like being in the country at the rear of the property but within a minutes walk of the square with all its amenities and the entrance to the park. Guests with elderly relatives love the large ground floor double bedroom with French doors to its own terrace with no steps to encounter.
The house has a great feel summer or winter with its large open log fire and its full of little luxuries that make all the difference as its our own home, far from a typical rental property. Its great to be soaking up the sun on the loungers in peace and tranquillity and the next minute be sat in the sun at a bar in the square.
