A British couple who purchased a French 'village' for just £69,125 have already exhausted their £100,000 renovation budget, having completed only a kitchen, bedroom, and living room. Ben Pearson, 40, and his husband Nathan, 32, originally from Hull, East Yorkshire, realized their dream of moving to France by acquiring the abandoned farmhouse in Sainte Segros. The property, which includes five outbuildings and two hectares of land, was bought for €80,000 (£69,125) two years ago when they began seriously searching for a home.
Renovation Challenges
Over the past ten months, the couple has undertaken a massive renovation project. Ben, a former RAF aircraft engineer, is handling the work himself. They initially lived in a caravan in their barn for four months before moving into the house in October 2025. The £100,000 budget was quickly spent on a full rewire, plumbing installation, and a septic tank. Now, they have a finished living room and bedroom, with a fully functional kitchen expected by June. Ben has also created a semi-temporary bathroom.
Learning Curve
Ben describes the experience as a 'very steep learning curve,' as this is their first major project beyond household DIY. Nathan, an English tutor, acknowledges the challenges, including administrative hurdles due to Brexit and communication difficulties in their rural area with limited French. 'We were sleeping in a caravan in a barn at the height of summer, and we focused on two rooms that needed less work to create a liveable space,' Nathan said.
Escape from Chaotic Life
The couple's primary motivation was to leave behind the 'busy chaotic life in England' and embrace a more peaceful lifestyle. Ben's mother, Karen Pearson, 62, moved to France a decade ago, and the couple stumbled upon the farm in her village seven years ago. They loved the house but weren't ready to move then. Three years ago, they began searching for a retirement home and were thrilled when the farmhouse came back on the market.
'We thought we were stuck in a rut of coming to work, coming home, and watching TV,' Ben said. 'We believed moving here would allow us to work less and enjoy life more. It's not easy, as we have no money left, but it's the best thing we've ever done.'
Future Plans
The couple plans to start on the upstairs by the end of 2027. Ben estimates they will need an additional £100,000 to £150,000 to complete the renovation. 'Our savings are dry, and our bank accounts are dry. It's all on Nathan to pull his socks up,' Ben added. Family members have visited and helped with the work.
Nathan is keen to maintain the traditional French farmhouse aesthetic, sourcing bargain antique furniture and repurposing items like armoires. 'We're adding modern elements like electrics and USBs, but it needs to look rustic. Our new kitchen won't look like a show kitchen,' he said.
