The property manager

Eighteen months ago Graham MacLeod decided to leave London in search of a better life for his family. I caught up with him to find out how that’s going...

 

DH: Where are you from originally?

Graham: Oxted in Surrey.

DH: What brought you down here?

Graham: I’ve previously lived in California and Kenya, so I’m open to the idea of living abroad, and like many people I was just fed up of London.

DH: What’s the best thing about living in France?

Graham: How France treats people. People care, the system cares, yes you pay into it with your taxes, but you get something back. I also like the civic pride each town/neighbourhood has and think that’s lacking elsewhere. As you can see I’m hugely positive towards France.

DH: I understand you’ve been renovating your house, how’s that been?

Graham: A challenge. It’s sometimes frustrating balancing life at the same time and we’d always like it to move faster. The last 10% of the work seems to have 90% impact on the finished result; I guess that’s the nature of the beast.

DH: What’s your favourite food?

Graham: Uncomplicated food made with great produce. I like sushi for that reason, but it could also be a good piece of meat just prepared simply.

DH: Do you have a guilty food pleasure?

Graham: Yes, chocolate

DH: What’s your favourite sport?

Graham: Rugby, Scotland passionately, but actually any.

DH: Do you have a favourite gadget?

Graham: My ipod

DH: What does Roquefort les Pins lack?

Graham: A focal point, a real centre probably around a square.

DH: What do you think your children and your wife love about this area?

Graham: The space and being outdoors. There are two very strong outdoor cultures living where we do – the mountains or the sea and that’s fantastic.

DH: Is there anything you miss about the UK? Or do you ask visitors to bring out anything in particular with them when they visit?

Graham: Cadbury’s Dairy Milk

DH: So what does the summer have in store for you?

Graham: I’ll be busy working.

DH: Explain how the concierge part of your business works. I’m never really sure what that is.

Graham: The service is insurance for the owner if you like, taking away the stress and making sure there are no nasty surprises when they come down here. It’s simple - we look after your property when you’re not here, and we look after you when you are.

For more information about the property management and concierge services MacLeod Associates offers visit the website at http://www.macleodassociates.eu/ or call Graham directly on 06 59 69 71 31.