The Risks and Rewards of Buying a House Sight Unseen: A $20,000 French Adventure

An American couple, Ellen and Joseph, purchased a rundown house in the historic village of Lonlay l'Abbaye in Normandy, France, for around $20,000 without seeing it in person. They oversaw the renovation work remotely from their home in California, with local builders sending them progress updates. After completing the structural work and painting, they moved to France in 2017 and continued to renovate the house. They have embraced the French lifestyle, learned the language, and formed strong friendships in their new community. The couple finds life in France more affordable and less stressful than in the US, and they have no plans to return, envisioning themselves living in France for the rest of their lives.