Bargain Hunt’s Caroline Hawley, known for her expertise in antiques on BBC One, has opened up about her other great love – France. With a degree in French from the University of Hull under her belt, Hawley has utilised her passion by renting out a beautiful 18th-century farmhouse in La Chapelle-Pres-Sees.
The property comes with lavish amenities including a private heated pool, gym, sauna, table tennis and can accommodate up to 10 guests. Set within a four-acre plot, the house boasts antique-filled interiors and a traditional bread oven in the kitchen.
Caroline, who is wed to ex-professional footballer John and mother to two adult sons, gives an insight into the home’s background on vrbo.com, where it’s available for rental.
Bargain Hunt’s Caroline Hawley
She discusses the intense seven-year restoration project, stating: “This has been both great fun and a great challenge.
“There was no electricity, water or glass in many of the windows, guests will be pleased to know that we now have all three in abundance and lots more besides.”
Explaining why they chose to let out their French retreat, Caroline shared: “John and I have spent quite a lot of time in France over the last few years but the demands of the business mean that we need to spend more time in England therefore we have decided to rent out the house.”
She concluded with an affectionate endorsement, “My family, friends and I adore spending time here.”
Caroline Hawley is an expert on Bargain Hunt
(Image: (Image: BBC))
Caroline revealed that she chose the property due to its picturesque surroundings, remarking that the area boasts “plentiful rivers and forests, abundant wildlife and delicious regional produce”.
She continued: “There is a quality of life which we seem to have lost in England. Life seems to move at a slower pace, allowing people to have time for each other.”
In her free time, Caroline enjoys scouring France for hidden gems and bargains, and confessed that if she hadn’t pursued a career in antiques, her dream would have been to become a fashion designer in Paris: “If I were allowed a second choice it would be a fashion designer, living and working in Paris.”
Bargain Hunt airs on BBC One on weekdays at 12.15pm