Kate and the BVI team were fabulous
By Duncan and Jo Abbott, 21 September 2022
Ordinarily, buying a French property is by no means for the faint hearted – but with the help from Beaux Villages and in particular, Kate Ryle, we found the whole process a pleasurable, exciting journey.
It starts off with their comprehensive, easy to use website and its affiliation with the more worldwide property sites such as Right Move. Once we decided upon budget, location etc. we simply clicked on a button requesting more information, viewing details, visa requirements etc.
Enter Kate, friendly, knowledgeable, professional and crucially fluent in French (because we aren’t!) armed with a brief to find us a typical French home, full of character, with some land to grow our own veg and a large space for me to set up a workshop. We booked a few days at an AirBnB in Verteuil to check out the area that was home to our first two choices, the problem was – we weren’t alone, we were pipped to the post by other buyers a couple of days before we flew out to France. Undeterred, safe in the knowledge that Kate still had several other properties to show us we viewed four other properties. All the properties that we viewed mirrored the information supplied, there were no hidden surprises. But it soon became apparent that we hadn’t considered what it would be like living in a remote area. Kate realised this and after we had viewed the final house for the day suggested that we return to her office in Charroux to pick up keys for a property that had recently become available. Close to the vibrant village centre boasting a couple of bars, a market and a few shops, this sous sol set in a fruit tree laden acre of land not to mention enough space for two man-caves! We fell in love with the house, returned for a second look the following day and made an offer on the house that was accepted. We returned to England chuffed to bits.
Job done for Kate you’d think, oh no, this was just the beginning. Kate arranged the surveys and subsequent repairs to the oil tank, personally oversaw an oil delivery, arranged and oversaw the repair of the macerating toilet (and negotiated for the vendors to pay), accompanied us to the notaires meeting, translated in person when negotiating the purchase of the owner’s sit-on lawnmower. Kate was always available to answer any questions about the labyrinth of French laws and red tape. I could go on… let’s just say Kate didn’t go the extra mile, she ran a marathon to ensure the house purchase went smoothly and provided the most incredible aftersales service once we had moved into the house.
I really can’t recommend Kate or Beaux Villages highly enough. I would also like to add that Kate is part of a well-run team who in her absence were equally helpful, courteous and professional.
Doug went above and beyond
By Kass Wiseman, 20 September 2022
Douglas Hines is a professional, patient and informed estate agent. He brings good knowledge of the market and local area and nothing is too much trouble. I found Doug more like an Adviser than an agent. He has a great network to draw on, and is responsive, be it evening or weekend and has delivered everything he promised, even after the completion; he is still on hand for advice! I will most certainly recommend, and have done, for sales and purchasers, and will undoubtedly use again in the future. Thank you.
Very impressed with Beaux Villages Immobilier
By Neil and Johanna Kennedy, 15 September 2022
We received 4 valuations, and chose Beaux Villages Immobilier, due to their affiliation with Savills with whom we have had previous good experience.
So, this Spring, we tentatively put our French house on the market with BVI, fully expecting it to take quite some time to sell.
Heather Comber, our estate agent and her husband Kim took some truly great photographs and did a stunning video tour. This presentation produced daily viewings and we quickly received 3 written offers, finally accepting an offer very close to the asking price from a delightful French couple.
I was convinced that we were not selling a house, but rather we were selling a dream, of fun and family holidays in a beautiful house, in glorious surroundings.
Heather, Kim and Beaux Villages Immobilier have made that dream come true - for us, and for the new owners
A big thank you
By Bob Gibson, 12 September 2022
I’d just like to say a big thank you to Heather Comber, Andrew Greenwood and Catherine Vanackere at BVI who helped me so much in my house purchase in Excideuil. All went very smoothly, and I do appreciate their professionalism and help during the search, sale and in these few days after the sale as I settle in.
Thank you for finding us our dream home
By Ali & Greg Burke, 12 September 2022
Carole Gordon & Victoria were exceptional. From finding us a house in our dream village, to negotiating a complicated completion due to the sale of our London property, Carole worked tirelessly and always with a calm, reassuring demeanor. Her professionalism and attention to detail was amazing. We are delighted with our new home and appreciate all the hard work from Beaux Villages. Thank you. Ali & Greg.
Thank you so much Russell!
By Jo and Kevin Aston, 08 September 2022
We have had a very positive experience with Beaux Villages. We were introduced to Russell by friends who recommended him to us having had his support in making their purchase the year before. We had been to the area on two previous house hunting trips but found the houses we were interested in were being sold so quickly before we could get to see them. We spotted our dream home on the Beaux Villages website and contacted Russell straight away to organise a virtual viewing. Russell was quick to arrange and was very thorough, he went out of his way to make sure we could get a real feel for the property. We put an offer in on the spot and with Russell’s help it all went through very smoothly and quickly. Russell has such a friendly, relaxed manner, the after care has been so good we would now class Russell as a friend, we know he will help us out if we ask. We have now recommended him to friends who are looking in the area. Thanks again Jo and Kevin
Thank you Russell - you were brilliant.
By Vikki Lacey, 17 August 2022
We were looked after by Russell from the BVI team in Verteuil. Russell is friend yet professional and helped us every step of the way. He is very transparent about the what to expect when viewing properties in France and made what is a difficult decision, buying in another country, alot easier. At the point at which we found our perfect property Russell took us through all the legal processes, how long we could expect to wait and when we would likey be able to pick-up the keys, even down to recommending insurance companies etc. Obviously we viewed properties with other estate agents but did not get the same professional service you'd expect and we recived from BVI. Thank you Russell you were brilliant.
Highly recommended
By Pauline Birdi, 03 August 2022
We have recently sold our property in Dordogne with the excellent help of agent Heather Comber. Throughout the process everything progressed smoothly, efficiently and quickly to a successful completion. Heather was a pleasure to deal with….a kind, friendly person, who kept us updated with what was happening and was always available to answer questions and offer advice if needed. She also supplied wonderful photos and a video….courtesy of her husband we believe!!
Many thanks to you both. For anyone thinking of selling we would highly recommend BV and Heather.
Pauline Birdi
A huge thank you to everyone
By Rob & Karen Crossland, 31 July 2022
We recently completed on our holiday home in the Dordogne. We can’t recommend the Beaux Villages team highly enough. From our initial viewing visit which was organised by Louise impeccably, through to the assistance and advice given from Heather and Ann-Marie. Having guidance like this through the purchase and legal system made our journey so much simpler.
Rob & Karen Crossland
Thank you Victoria
By Esme Todd, 20 July 2022
Victoria Lowkis went above and beyond in trying to help us find a home in the Dordogne. Nothing was too much trouble and she made herself available 24/7. She conducted extensive property searches on our behalf and worked very hard to understand and meet our requirements. It really was a pleasure dealing with her and she made the whole process so much easier for us. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking to buy or sell a house.
Donna and BVI were wonderful to work with!
By Melanie McNearney, 20 July 2022
Even though this was our second purchase in France we had more knowledge and understanding of the process thanks to Donna's guidance and handholding. I've worked in Real Estate for over 15 years and we felt Donna was top notch! She answered all of our many questions, met vendors at the property for us and went the extra mile to make sure we were taken care of. If she didn't know an answer, she found someone who did! We would highly recommend Donna and the whole team at BVI.
Russell is an expert
By Adele B, 17 July 2022
Myself and my husband purchased a property marketed by Beaux Villages in Verteuil-sur-Charente. Russell Dorsett was the agent and I can not speak highly enough of how he owned the process from offer to completion. Property purchase can be stressful and a minefield to navigate especially in a country other than your own but Russell expertly guided us through and was and still is of invaluable assistance. If you are looking to purchase a property in France we can highly recommend Beaux Villages.
Consummate professionals and very helpful
By Michelle M, 16 July 2022
Sean Kelly marketed our house and he is absolutely fantastic. So professional and helpful. James actually sold the house and again he was amazing. Both their communication skills are excellent and they make you feel so comfortable.
Stephanie is simply the best
By Joannah Young, 16 July 2022
Stephanie Bessant of Beaux Village is "Simply the Best". At the outset she listened to our remit carefully and sourced a number of properties. She was available to view when we visited and showed us key areas. She knows the back roads to everywhere and has supported us remotely whilst getting together all the necessary documents to make the buying of our new house a painless, smooth process. Stephanie is fun, friendly and frankly fantastic. Thank you so much. You are brilliant at what you do.
Having Russell on our side was invaluable
By Ken McQuillan, 15 July 2022
We were put in touch with BVI, and specifically Russell Dorsett, back in August 2021, when w began the search for our dream French home. From start to finish, he has been fabulous. He took all of our essential criteria into account and sought out a range of potential properties. He urged us to complete the feedback, as this would help him identify our likes and dislikes. When we returned home, he continued to send lists of potential properties and conducted virtual viewings, on our behalf.
When we returned to France in January, we re-commenced the searches in areas we considered suitable and finally landed our dream home in our dream location. None of this would have been possible without Russell's time, knowledge and patience, not to mention the thousands of kilometres we covered. He is the consumate professional and never skips essential detail just to secure a sale. Having Russell on our side, especially when it came to the finer details going through the formal process, proved invaluable.
If you are searching for a home in South-West France - Russell is the guy to contact.
Russell and the team were excellent!
By Steven Rudd, 04 July 2022
Russell and the team at Beaux Villages made our 20 year dream to own a house in France come true! Excellent service throughout - very informative and helped us through the process. We were searching in the midst of various lockdowns and travel restrictions - virtual viewings were no problem and always available to answer questions and queries (even evenings and weekends). When we finally were able to get there in person, we were given contact details to find transport and accomodation. The whole process was very smooth, with support to deal with the Notaire's office and attending the meeting with us. They were also able to introduce us to people to help guide us with finance, currency exchange etc. with hints and tips along the way. Would highly recommend Russell if you are searching for a property - and we have - and he has found them one too!
Ask for the amazing Stephanie Bessant!
By Chris B, 01 July 2022
House sale handled perfectly
By Dafydd Evans, 01 July 2022
I bought and sold my house with Douglas and cannot recommend him highly enough.
I bought the house when I was still living in the UK and Douglas handled everything perfectly. He arranged all of the paperwork, utilities, insurance and even advised me of local contractors to help with the renovation. When I arrived in France, all that I had to do was sign the paperwork with the Notaire. He was always on hand for my many queries and often went over and above the call of duty, even after I had moved in.
When the time came to sell, I didn't hesitate to ask Douglas for his help again. He gave me a valuation, took beautiful photos and advertised my house immediately. I had a viewing the following day and he negotiated a sale for the full asking price. Again, everything was handled perfectly and I was kept updated on the progress regularly.
Thanks Kate and Beaux Villages for all of your help
By Christopher Carrott, 20 June 2022
When I started to look at properties in the Limoges area I looked at houses in a price range. Beaux Villages seemed to have lots of houses in my range. I looked at various houses but didn’t find anything but on one viewing, Kate the rep from Beaux Villages mentioned that there was a house slightly out of my range that I may like. I viewed this house and it was ideal so put an offer in.
During the offering phase, buying phase and even after sales phase Kate at Beaux Villages has been superb and with her excellent French has guided me through every process.
Over and above what we expected
By Tom W, 15 June 2022
Stephanie Bessant @ Beaux was a fabulous agent for us - she went over and above what we expected. She understood our brief well and presented lots of property options for us to view. The viewings were promptly sorted. The buying process is confusing and complicated but Stephanie expertly and patiently guided us through it (more than once!). In the end the buying process ran smoother than we have experienced in the U.K. Stephanie’s close management and great contact list definitely helped. Thank you!
