In this newsletter

2025-SUMMER

MEET WITH image-1

MEET WITH image-2

MEET WITH image-3

MEET WITH

 What happens when you let go of everything and follow your heart to another country? In this warm interview, Linda Bakker shares her personal journey: from a dilapidated U-fermette to a life as a real estate agent in the tranquillity of central France. Her story exudes courage, love for French homes and an eye for people. Discover how an old farmhouse without a roof became the start of a completely new life, and why Linda believes that houses are more than just real estate.
Linda Bakker share her French experience
 Linda, can you take us back to the beginning of your Burgundian adventure?
Linda: "Our adventure began in 2000 in Mallorca, where we were looking for a holiday home. But something didn't feel quite right there. Back in the Netherlands, we drove an old-timer rally through Burgundy, from Saulieu to Le Mans. When we arrived in La Charité-sur-Loire, it felt like coming home. The atmosphere, the light, the stone houses... everything was just right."

What attracted you here?
Linda: ‘We found an old U-shaped farmhouse, completely dilapidated. No roof, no water, no electricity. Yet we knew immediately: this is it. We didn't just want to buy a house, we wanted to build something. With our hands, with our ideas. We spent two years working on it every weekend. In 2004, we moved to France permanently with our daughter Isabella.’

What happened next?
Linda: ‘Arno, my husband, started his construction company. Isabella went to school here in the village. I got my degree in English – something I had wanted to do for a long time. In 2006, a friend asked me to help her sell her house. That's how I came into contact with Benjamin Haas from France4U.’

And then you became a real estate agent?
Linda: ‘Yes, it just happened naturally. I had learned so much about houses, renovations, the culture... And I loved helping others realise the same dream. I worked until 2015, then took a three-year break, and since 2018 I've been back in full swing.’

Where do you mainly work now?
Linda: ‘I work in the departments of Nièvre (58) and Cher (18), a part of France that is still undiscovered. The nature here is beautiful, there is plenty of space and life is affordable. We recently bought a house in La Charite sur Loire and spent three years renovating it. Now we live in our dream village on the Loire.’

What drives you in your work?
Linda: ‘Every customer is unique. Some people are looking for peace and quiet, others for a project, and still others for a place for their family. The best moment is when you show someone around and you see: this is the house. Then you know you're making a difference. I always say, “We don't sell homes... we change lives.” And I really believe that.’