Le Johnny Halliday de Marminiac. - Artikel Maison en France

This article tells the story of Martin Smulders, a former English teacher from The Netherlands who, together with his wife, decided in 2000 to change their lives by moving to France. They settled in Marminiac, a small village on the border of the Lot and Dordogne regions, where they found their dream home: a small farm with barns and two hectares of land. Life in the French countryside brought them unique experiences, such as discovering the weekly market, joining the local Comité des fêtes, and building a diverse circle of friends, including French, Dutch, English, and Belgian people.

Martin describes how he found his place in the community, despite the initial reserve of the local residents toward foreign newcomers. Learning the French language and participating in village life, such as performing as a musician at a local event, helped him gain acceptance. His musical performance even earned him the nickname "Le Johnny Halliday de Marminiac."

The article also highlights the challenges Maarten faced, such as language barriers in his work as a real estate agent and coping with the loss of his wife in 2006. The support of the village community during these difficult times made him feel truly at home in his new environment.

Martin appreciates the peaceful and social life in Marminiac and the beauty of nature, which makes him realize that he has become unaccustomed to the Netherlands. Although he occasionally returns to the Netherlands for work and to visit family, he always longs to return quickly to his paradise in France. After twenty years, he considers his life in Mar