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The B&B story
The original plan was to start a bikers' B&B in Scotland, but after discovering the truth of its rainy reputation, Belinda and Phil began their search for a more moderate climate. Having spent a few holidays in France, they decided to move their property hunt across the channel - and France proved to have it all!
After studying a country map, they decided that the Pyrenees looked a good bet. With plenty of interesting, winding roads, beautiful mountains and a warm, sunny climate, the area more than ticked the boxes. Finding the right property was the next step, and a shortlist of 6 potential homes was drawn up. A long weekend of viewings later, and an offer was made on the first house they saw. |
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Then the long and steady process of renovation began, breathing life back into the dilapidated farmhouse. Using the stone Petite Maison as a starting point, the pair single-handedly transformed the properties into luxurious accommodation, whilst still maintaining the beautiful original features. Phil built a rustic staircase from tree trunk, re-roofed both houses and barn, installed wood burners - which kept the resident golden retriever Harry content in the winter months! Harry has since gained a friend, Buster who is a Berger des Pyrenees.
Chez Bouillon now offers boutique B&B and self-catering accommodation in elegant decorated surroundings - complete with quaint beams, wooden window shutters and sloping ceilings.
The owners' story
Belinda and Phil have settled into village life, and are active members of the community, helping with grape picking, wine making and even preparing the meat after the ceremonial killing of the pig! The peaceful and welcoming village also has a walking club and regular functions, which they both attend.
As the only English people in the village, Belinda and Phil have been thrown into the deep end with learning French. Both spoke a little school French, but have had 18 months of private lessons to help - although new words and phrases appear on a daily basis. Watching French films and chatting with the locals are great for additional practice.
Surrounded by beautiful, snowy mountains, skiing proved to be an obvious new hobby. Phil is now a keen skier, but Belinda was forced into early retirement after an incident with the button lift (a few bruises and stitches later, and she's well recovered).
Family and friends are still missed, alongside Heinz Baked Beans, proper fish n'chips and English tea (which is always a welcome gift). Belinda and Phil never take for granted the beauty of the area, particularly the ever-changing mountains, which they'll never tire of seeing.
The biking story
Bike-mad Phil passed his test at the age of 19 (a late starter), riding a BSA C15, which is a 250cc single. It was truly the only bike he has ever hated - probably due to its charming habit of seizing up, let alone it being the most un-cool bike money could buy (when his friends were all on RD250s and the like).
He eventually moved onto better thing, and hasn't been without a bike since. Belinda enjoys riding pillion when Phil lets her out of the kitchen! The current bikes in the stable are a 1994 VFR750 which he has owned since 1997 and a 2006 Triumph Tiger 955.
As a mechanic, Phil enjoys playing around with bikes almost as much as he likes riding them, and has a workshop dedicated to tinkering with anything mechanical. | | |
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