From Ski Resorts to the Basque Coast – My Journey

After university, I moved from the UK to France 36 years ago, first landing in a tiny ski resort in the French Alps. Whilst I loved the mountains, I missed the ocean so 14 years later, I moved my family to the Basque region—a place where the sea meets the mountains and offers the perfect balance of both in a temperate climate. I never looked back!

Starting a business in a new region wasn’t easy. I arrived with no local contacts and little knowledge of the area, and despite my strong French, it was a challenging process. But adversity taught me invaluable lessons. I quickly realised how difficult it could be for newcomers trying to navigate the local property market, deal with bureaucracy, and understand the cultural differences. This experience laid the foundation for what would become Beyond Biarritz. 

Property Sourcing & Renovations - Achieve the Lifestyle you Deserve

Over 22 years, my business has grown organically.  Initially, I offered property-finding services to non-residents, but as demand grew, I expanded into property management, renovation oversight and maintenance services. Today I focus primary on property sourcing and project management, offering personalised services that cater to each client's unique needs. 

"My business isn’t just about helping clients make sound investments. It’s about helping them achieve the lifestyle they deserve. The Basque country offers so much: fresh food, beautiful beaches, rolling lanscapes, mountains, a rich culture and a sense of community. It’s all about finding that balance—and I’m here to help you discover it."

When I’m not overseeing builders or visiting a new property, you can find me swimming in a lake or the ocean or climbing the Pyrenees on my bike. The Basque country with its perfect terrain, introduced me to triathlon and I am an avid competitor. I managed to build on my strengths of resilience, tenacity, discipline and endurance (discovered when setting up Beyond Biarritz!) to reach the finish line of a full Ironman in Italy! When I’m not training you can also find me in the stands at a rugby match with a local Basque pint, supporting the local team!

MY LATEST PROJECTS

Read my blog for more on recent renovation projects and local properties.