British Ex Pats - Swapping Homes Back to the UK to Save Money

For many British ex pats living the good life in sunnier parts of Europe, especially those retired and depending on fixed UK pensions, the cost of living has got a whole lot more expensive recently as the pound drops alarmingly in value against the euro and other major currencies. As many ex pats return to the UK often to visit family and friends, home exchange is a great way to save money on accommodation (and have your own 'home base' rather than impose on friends) while making best use of your major asset - your attractive home abroad.

Here are a few samples of recent offers in France and Spain:

Chandeau, Champsac, Limousin, France (HE21478)

We have a modern home built into a 300 yr old barn, situated in a hamlet in rural Limousin. The house is very comfortable with all the usual modern facilities, including gas central heating and a modern woodburner. There are good shopping facilities within 5 minutes drive, and we are approx 30 mins away from the historical city of Limoges. There are four golf courses within half an hour, good fishing lakes and rivers, and an excellent walking area.

We are a semi-retired couple who have lived in France now for five years and wish to make an extended trip to England in order to visit family and friends. We may also invite parents to stay in the exchange house for a few days.

Jimena de la Frontera, Cadiz, Spain (HE21444)

Our home is situated in a beautiful white Spanish village about forty minutes drive from Gibraltar. The house was originally part of an old convent, and was restored by ourselves some years ago.

There are just the two of us living here in Spain, all our family are grown up and living in Cornwall, England.  We lived in a village called Marazion in Cornwall before we moved here. We very much enjoy travelling and visiting interesting places.

Calonge (Costa Brava), Girona, Spain (HE18754)

‘Casita Vinya’ is a self-contained studio cottage for two in our mature garden, with its own private terraces and garden, well away from the main house. This superbly comfortable, air-conditioned cottage is situated in a quiet residential area in the Gavarres foothills, two kilometres from the medieval village of Calonge and four kilometres from the beach (Costa Brava). This is a wonderful part of Spain for culture-vultures (especially Dali fans) and there are many sites of historical or architectural interest, including Barcelona and Girona cities.

Jim (59) and Andrea (54) are English professional freelance translators, non-smokers and careful "tenants". We've exchanged several times and are particularly interested in a property close to family in Taunton or Lincoln.

Belesta en Lauragais, Languedoc-Roussillon, France (HE21790)

We are in the heart of the Lauragais, beautiful countryside between Toulouse and Carcassonne and just 10 minutes from the autoroute. The house is a 16th century barn/farmhouse and is used as a B&B (sorry no exchanges between April and September)and so the 4 bedrooms have full en-suite facilities. There is a pool, large garden with views of the Pyrenees.

Chris 56, retired Director of Hotels & Restaurants, Donna 34 runs the B&B. No children but 2 well trained dogs who we would like to leave at the house, but they can be taken care of elsewhere.