Cathy
Tell us about yourself!
I am a Landaise girl, born and bred. I was born in Dax where I grew up on our family farm. I’ve spent my whole life here, with the exception of a brief sojourn in Bordeaux. But city life was not for me and I soon came home!
Having said that, I love to travel! If only because wherever we go in the world I’m always happy to come back to Les Landes and each journey serves as a constant reminder of how happy I am to live here.
And before Bliss? Tell us about your background….
(your passions, your first job and everything which led you to the world of real estate…. )
I initially studied Tourism and after graduating I began my professional life working for an international company in Les Landes in the Sales department. I was responsible for our internal tourism agency (organising trips, seminars and conventions for the group) which involved the discovery of large parts of France previously unknown to me.
When I left the company I teamed up with my husband as co-manager of a company we set up in the automobile industry.
After many years we decided to sell the business. My desire to learn new skills and to begin a new adventure, coupled with a chance encounter, led me to Bliss.
I am able to use the skills developed over the years both in the tourism industry and as an entrepreneur. I take great pleasure in helping buyers discover the area and finding the perfect property to suit their project. My first language is French but I am fluent in English and Spanish too.
What do you like about working for Bliss?
I immediately fell in love with the very distinctive identity which Bliss has and which is apparent from the moment you look at the website.
In particular I identify with the agency philosophy of putting the individual human being back at the heart of every project.
Houses are homes and homes are people!
The feeling I have working for Bliss is that I am able to give the very best of myself as an individual and to have the privilege of meeting a vast range of people from all four corners of the world which is in itself an enriching experience
In which part of Les Landes do you live at the moment ?
I live in Saint Paul les Dax
What do you like about this area?
I love everything about this area : its wildlife, the diversity of its landscapes, its fine cuisine, the warmth and friendliness of the people, the mild climate, our proximity to the ocean and the mountains, and not least the invitation to cross the border to Spain which is right on our doorstep …
Describe an ideal Sunday Chez Cathy….
I love to pick up a book and make the most of the present moment. Time is fluid on Sundays and I usually spend my time by the side of the pool in summer or in front of a roaring log fire in winter.
What other activities do you enjoy in the area?
I have been a keen basket-ball player for many years participating in matches on a regular basis.
We also have our horses and stables to keep us busy. My husband is a keen rider and at weekends I often accompany him to competitions.
What advice would you give to someone looking for a property in Les Landes?
To live here you need to love rural life and to embrace it. Even if that sometimes means stepping away from the ease and comfort of having everything on your doorstep as you might in a big city.
For buyers who are looking for the buzz of city life, Dax offers a nice compromise, being a medium sized town where everything is easily available.
For lovers of Nature and Wildlife, Les Landes is paradise on earth.
Les Landes is a great area for cultural and sporting associations – with a huge variety of clubs to join for buyers wishing to integrate into the area and make friends.
What is your favourite local dish ?
Duck- served up any way you choose!
Tips for a Great Restaurant?
It’s not exactly a restaurant – but by far my favourite place of the moment is “Marché Friand” in Dax. Its a place where you can sample just about anything (fish, duck, cheese) and have it all served up with a fine wine especially recommended by the in-house wine merchant. It’s a great place to meet with friends with a relaxed and convivial ambiance
Talk to us about some of the architectural particularities of your area ?
The “colombage” or traditional property with external its external “beams” is the one which first comes to mind, located on an “airial” or raised plateau of land. The coastline is renowned for its distinctive “basco-landaise” and “maison capcazalière” properties, while l’Ardour more often than not we find the manor houses or “maison de maitre.”
Describe the house of your dreams…..
It’s hard to say. I’ve lived in both period and contemporary properties over the years and there are beautiful examples of both to be found in Les Landes.
I can say with certainty though, that the next time I move, it will be to live in the same area but closer to the sea.
