A Dream Lunch

 Last Sunday we were invited to the Till Family's Grand Mas for a won

derful lunch and house warming. After five years searching for the perfect house they found it. Just on the edge of St. Quentin surrounded by one hectare of garden, fruit trees, grassy knolls and play areas sits a thousand year old farmhouse built with thick stone walls. Once an old farmhouse converted into a gite they are turning it back into a grand old family home adding a swimming pool and large living room with an old stone fireplace. By next year the house should be in Maison de Provence. In driving into their traditional French stone driveway you knew you were in for a treat. Luncheon tables were set up among the fruit trees or under a canopy set out on the lawn. A trampoline, a badminton court and soccer nets were placed around the garden for the kids as well as lots of jumping in the old stone pool.

Wine poured abundantly, the BBQ by Peter was scrumptious, the salads divine and the deserts out of this world. An assortment of strawberries, tartes, ice creams, pies and cheeses. 

Deep in conversation with two other English families we discussed the reasons why they came to the area and settled in, what the settlement was like and how they continued to figure things out as they went. One family moving here five years ago took their skills on as property managers and a electrician. They are busier than ever but love the flexibility and ease of life here and say it was the best think they could have done for their three children. The other family is newer to the area (2 years) and the husband is remodeling the house while the wife continues to commute to London for work for a few more years. Also their children are thriving and love it here as well. In talking to more and more to people here everyone seems to come for the similar reason of need for a change in lifestyle, reduce stress of the urban life and time to be with their family. The beauty and tranquility of the countryside surpasses anything they miss and the life for their children seems much calmer, less competitive and an easier transition through teenage years.

 

We are still figuring out our journey and realize that it takes much longer than we had thought. Many answers for us are still left unanswered while others are moving forward rapidly. But meanwhile this day was perfect and felt like we stepped into a dream.

  An old stone pool for dipping with a outdoor room to read