‘I immediately fell in love with the town’

Former Berkhamsted resident Joanne Franceschini describes how she made her home here, before moving to France and helping UK citizens enjoy the French way of life.

Brexit has not diminished people’s desire to own a home in France or spend extended periods there, according to former Berkhamsted resident, Joanne Franceschini.

Joanne’s work in the French real estate industry has proved that interest has grown among UK nationals as they increasingly value lifestyle, climate and quality of life.

Joanne first came to Berkhamsted in 1995. ‘I was working in Central London at the time and had moved home five times in five years. I always found the flats too small and the area far too built-up. A friend who lived just outside Watford suggested I give Berkhamsted a try,’ Joanne tells Living Magazine’s Lyn Drummond.

I remember stepping off the fast train from London, crossing the canal, walking up to the high street, and wandering past the shops. I immediately fell in love with the town.

‘I lived on Greenway and then Orchard Avenue with my French boyfriend. The neighbours couldn’t have been more welcoming, always ready with advice, encouragement and a friendly chat. Our daughter was born there, and we loved strolling through the neighbourhood with her in the pram.

‘At least once a month we’d catch a flight, or drive through the newly-opened Channel Tunnel to spend weekends with family and friends near Paris.

‘One thing that always struck me was the difference in climate. You wouldn’t imagine such a relatively small change in latitude could make such an impact, but it really does. Eventually we grew tired of grey skies, rainy weekends and barbecues under golf umbrellas.

‘We married in France and that experience confirmed what we’d already begun to feel. We wanted to build our future there. The slower pace of life, greater emphasis on outdoor living and a top-class healthcare system all appealed to us.

‘When my husband became a home worker, we finally took the plunge. We knew that almost all children attended state schools in France – égalité and all that – and there was even a bilingual programme within the state education system for children growing up speaking two languages.

Why France? ‘In my previous career I had visited Sophia Antipolis, in Valbonne, then Europe’s largest technology park, near Nice, behind Antibes and Cannes. It was an extraordinary international community, attracting professionals from all over the world, and I felt there would be plenty of opportunities there.’

The family chose to settle in the Provencal village of Valbonne, which remains one of the Riviera’s most cosmopolitan communities. ‘We’re only 15 minutes from the Mediterranean and less than an hour from the ski slopes.’

Joanne is now a French citizen. French nationality can be acquired after five years of legal residency, although there are also routes through marriage or ancestry.

Would she encourage UK nationals to keep travelling in EU countries despite restrictions and even consider seeking long-term visas if they wanted an offshore place?

‘For those wishing to stay beyond the standard 90 days in every 180, there are a number of long-stay visa options available, depending on individual circumstances,’ she says. ‘The rules are clear once you  understand them, and with good advice the process is far less daunting than many people imagine. I regularly help clients navigate these questions as part of their property search.’

Joanne’s family are still in the UK, so she returns regularly – ‘although everyone seems to prefer visiting us these days!

‘I do miss a traditional English pub. Berkhamsted had some wonderful ones when I lived there, and the local curry house was exceptional. These days, however, I’ve become rather fond of a chilled glass of Provence rosé and a fresh Niçoise salad overlooking the sea.’

During her time in Berkhamsted she was a regular at advanced French classes above a shop on Berkhamsted High Street.

‘Interestingly, more than half the class already owned second homes in France, and listening to everyone’s stories – in French – was both inspiring and motivating,’ Joanne recalls.

After moving to France she continued studying French, to refine it professionally while changing careers. There she met Hilary Larkin and now works for her agency, Hilary Larkin Properties.

‘I am a fully registered property professional and regularly act as a buying consultant for international clients relocating for work, retirement or simply searching for their dream holiday home.

‘Many arrive without speaking French and with little understanding of the local market or legal process. Since Brexit, they also have questions about residency and visas, so helping them navigate those practicalities has become an increasingly important part of my role. I love my job and I love where I live – but I have very fond memories of Berkhamsted.’