Shane and Andy moved to France in February 2007. Both feeling a bit despondent with how things are in Britain ‘too many people and not enough space’ was the main reason. Fortunately finances allowed them to take on the challenge of setting up a new business in France.
Andy a fitness and windsurfing instructor hopes to be able to use his health & fitness knowledge to advise and guide people into a better self-maintenance plan to suit their individual needs. With so many lakes near by he hopes to eventually set up windsurfing courses.
Shane, former business manager for Inner Sanctuary Spa in Manchester, was keen to take on board what he had learnt in setting up a holistic treatment centre in the heart of Manchester and taking it to the depths of rural France and combining that with a luxury but affordable bed and breakfast that was gay friendly and open to 'everyone' irrespective of their gender, age, religion, nationality, and sexual orientation.
With over 15 years of management experience in a customer focused role working for prestigious Hotel’s such as the infamous Gleneagles’ in Scotland, he believes he has the essential ‘people-person’ and attention to detail qualities that a high-class bed & breakfast needs.
“ We wanted other people to share in our little peace of heaven on earth, we managed to find the right house in the right setting, we think it’s a true retreat where people can literally escape from the outside world.
My time in my last role really emphasised the fact that we need to focus on looking after ourselves. We all desperately need some space and ‘Me’ time physically, emotionally and spiritually. To do that I think the best way is a combination of holistic treatments, exercise, hobbies and good wholesome food. I certainly don’t think we should ever deny ourselves anything as I think in moderation most things are good for us.
As humans we need to get out and about and explore this world, which is ours. We certainly weren’t put here to work 9am-5pm five days a week and the only thing to look forward to was going for a drink on a Saturday! Living here makes you realise we share this world with many fascinating mammals and insects. Various cultures, beliefs and alternative medicines all exist to further enrich our minds and souls.
I love nature and wildlife and love the whole aspect of going as green as possible. It isn’t easy and it can be expensive but even if you do the little things such as conserving water, turning lights off, composting and recycling then I really do feel you can make a difference. Our ultimate aim would be to become completely self-sufficient.
Hopefully we have created a little haven for people where they can sit back and enjoy the passing seasons they can start reading that book they have always wanted to do. Or pamper themselves with some treatments and leave totally re-energised and ready for work or looking after the family.
They could learn a new skill or take up a new hobby such as painting or woodwork or simply relax for a weekend and do nothing and just enjoy the good food and wine.
Hopefully our guests will learn something new about themselves.”
Andy a fitness and windsurfing instructor hopes to be able to use his health & fitness knowledge to advise and guide people into a better self-maintenance plan to suit their individual needs. With so many lakes near by he hopes to eventually set up windsurfing courses.
Shane, former business manager for Inner Sanctuary Spa in Manchester, was keen to take on board what he had learnt in setting up a holistic treatment centre in the heart of Manchester and taking it to the depths of rural France and combining that with a luxury but affordable bed and breakfast that was gay friendly and open to 'everyone' irrespective of their gender, age, religion, nationality, and sexual orientation.
With over 15 years of management experience in a customer focused role working for prestigious Hotel’s such as the infamous Gleneagles’ in Scotland, he believes he has the essential ‘people-person’ and attention to detail qualities that a high-class bed & breakfast needs.
“ We wanted other people to share in our little peace of heaven on earth, we managed to find the right house in the right setting, we think it’s a true retreat where people can literally escape from the outside world.
My time in my last role really emphasised the fact that we need to focus on looking after ourselves. We all desperately need some space and ‘Me’ time physically, emotionally and spiritually. To do that I think the best way is a combination of holistic treatments, exercise, hobbies and good wholesome food. I certainly don’t think we should ever deny ourselves anything as I think in moderation most things are good for us.
As humans we need to get out and about and explore this world, which is ours. We certainly weren’t put here to work 9am-5pm five days a week and the only thing to look forward to was going for a drink on a Saturday! Living here makes you realise we share this world with many fascinating mammals and insects. Various cultures, beliefs and alternative medicines all exist to further enrich our minds and souls.
I love nature and wildlife and love the whole aspect of going as green as possible. It isn’t easy and it can be expensive but even if you do the little things such as conserving water, turning lights off, composting and recycling then I really do feel you can make a difference. Our ultimate aim would be to become completely self-sufficient.
Hopefully we have created a little haven for people where they can sit back and enjoy the passing seasons they can start reading that book they have always wanted to do. Or pamper themselves with some treatments and leave totally re-energised and ready for work or looking after the family.
They could learn a new skill or take up a new hobby such as painting or woodwork or simply relax for a weekend and do nothing and just enjoy the good food and wine.
Hopefully our guests will learn something new about themselves.”