About gites-provence
I moved to Provence from the UK in 2008 and since then have spent much time modernising and improving a house just outside Draguignan, alongside doing my real job as a graphic designer. I lived there with my two dogs and a cat.
Around seven years ago I started renting out the house and had great success. Each year I’ve been able to improve the property, benefiting both the house and our visitors. I care about the house and also care about the people who rent it.
I now still look after the house but don't own it anymore and I also take care of several others in the Lorgues area which I've acquired mainly through word of mouth.
Over the years I’ve gained much experience in the holiday rental market and developed my own personal approach to looking after houses. It now seems to have taken over from the main job – especially pre-season and during the summer months, but feel in control of what I do and receive excellent feedback on all the houses I look after (no less than 9.5 out of 10).
The winter months are just as busy as in summertime although in different ways with enquiries and bookings coming in for the following year – starting in late August as a slow drip feed which increases as the weeks and months pass by. I spend a lot of time maintaining the houses and gardens – making sure everything will look good for the following season. It feels like a good lifestyle balance.
At present I service a hand-picked selection of holiday houses and help owners with their bookings and do our best to fill all available weeks.
In addition, I take care of all communication with tenants before and during their stay, manage the cleaning and supply bed linen and towels. I give feedback to owners when needed.
My philosophy is to make sure that all the houses are prepared to a high standard before the start of the season and have a good working relationship and understanding with owners in terms of preparation and any on-going maintenance. This seems to be the recipe for a trouble free season.
Nice houses, well-presented, personal service – all at a fair price. For us it really is personal.
