It was love at first sight.  They had long nurtured dreams of owning a piece of France and in this slumbering hamlet boasting a turreted logis and a minor chateau they at last found their special place.  The dilapidated barn stood knee deep in weeds and was covered in ivy.  Turning it into a home took longer than expected, as they battled with bureaucracy, struggled with limited knowledge of the language and learned new skills.  Friendships were built, laughter, tears and joy were shared.  Drinking copious amounts of fine wine was obligatory.  Through sheer determination their vision was brought to their initial encounter with estate agents and bank managers, through to some of the idiosyncrasies and customs of the locals, this account will keep you riveted and amused from the not embark on such an activity without first reading this helpful guide by a woman who has been there, and has the scars to prove it.  Forwarned is