I bought the house and set up because I like to spend my retirement there. I like solid wood furniture (30 years old) in the living room just as hardwood floors in the bedrooms and an old-fashioned flair (lamps and tiles from the seventies). The good climate, the tranquillity, and the unique sea in the Vendee were my motives.
After a few years, I have noticed that I miss my friends and the activity of the university and concert hall in my German homeland. Because of this I reduced my stays to 10-12 weeks a year. When I do not need the house, I rent it out.