Jacqueline Caldwell's selection of French property for sale

About my area

A short drive from the Loire and in the Heart of the Valley, I live in the beautiful, historic village of Fontevraud l’Abbaye. Five minutes from my doorstep is the magnificent Abbey, resting place of King Henry II, his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine and their son Richard the Lion Heart and now home to a fabulous museum of modern Art. Fontevraud l’Abbaye is a gorgeous village too! That is one of the beauties of this area and why I love living here. We have so many pretty towns and villages, many with historic dwellings and stunning Chateaux; Saumur, Montsoreau, Candes St Martin, Turquant, Chinon, Seuilly, to name just a few. Most have bustling weekly markets full of local produce and of course wine! Take your pick from the gorgeous reds of Chinon and Saumur Champigny, the cool whites and fruity rosés of Anjou or the marvellous Saumur sparkling. With vines, forests and undulating hills, the countryside is fabulous for walking and cycling. Around here, you are never too far from the famous Loire à Velo cycling route. If you fancy a trip to the city, both Angers and Tours are within an hours drive. Hop on a TGV from there and you will be in Paris in less than an hour and half.

About me

I fell in love with France during childhood holidays, later coming to the the Loire Valley on my honeymoon, 30 years ago. The love affair continued and we moved here with our son in 2009. As a lover of history, old French houses and French style design, it was with great delight we found an old village house in Fontevraud l’Abbaye in need of a complete restoration. It’s been a real project for us and I’ve learned so much along the way, enabling me to share this knowledge with my clients. My passion for French real estate and my love of meeting people and helping them realise their goals is central to my working life. My life is completed by indulging my passions for fabrics, interior design and taking part in our wonderful local brocantes. I also love being an active member of my community, singing in our local choir, enjoying coffee in our local cafe’s and sharing “la vie en France” with our fabulous neighbours and friends.