First day of shooting. Very nervous!
Pricey in Provence
On December 27th, our House Hunters International show “Pricey in Provence” first aired on HGTV in the US.
House hunters International contacted me last year through Curious Provence. When I told them that we were interested in buying a house they wanted to start filming as quickly as possible. Usually, I’m very shy in front of the camera. However, we thought it would be a fun experience.
Anglophones abroad on the show generally rent, especially relatively young couples like us. Dedicated to our Provençal dream, we knew that we wanted to buy either in the Aix en Provence area or Les Alpilles. We quickly found out that Aix en Provence is second to Paris in terms of property prices. Urgh. Maybe next time.
Pricey in Provence indeed.
Buying a house abroad is very different from buying a property through Pasadena Texas realtor in the US, for example. There are unique considerations and decisions that you need to make. This is probably what helps make it such compelling TV.
We settled on Les Alpilles region, not much lower in price. Les Alpilles is the olive producing region of Provence. It’s absolutely stunning. It’s chic, depending on the village, while still being in the countryside. A perfect investment for us; rest assured that we had read what people had told us were the best real estate investing books so we felt well informed enough to confidently close the deal. We knew that we could find what we wanted here. Of course, we were more than happy to make sure that we had a home inspection lined up to check out any home we had our hearts set on. If you are in a similar position then I would encourage you to visit your local home inspection service. This might be found by going to https://goldengatehomeinspections.com.
House Hunters International in Provence
Budget
Our budget was tiny, not even just for Provence. As we aren’t French nationals, it’s difficult for us to obtain a mortgage. I’m not sure why were thinking that getting a mortgage in another country would be easy, as our friends had recently told us just how hard it is. I think they mentioned something about receiving mortgage advice from Simon Conn, (simonconn.com) who gave them all the help and advice they needed to get an international mortgage. And well, it must’ve worked because they’re living in a different country now. I just didn’t realize how hard it would be for non-French nationals to get a mortgage. See my article on buying a house in France.
We needed a serious fixer upper.
If you’ve been following the blog, you’ll see, of course, that we bought quite the fixer upper indeed!
Watch the Show
If you’d like to see the show and missed it, comment on this post with your email and I’ll send you a link. It’s not up on Youtube yet!
Pictures from the Filming Process
With our real estate agent, Diane, from Happy Immobilier.
Buying a little olive tree and lavender at the Eygalières market. Both crews we had, from England, were absolutely lovely. They did everything they could to make sure we were comfortable. On the last night, we all went out to dinner together in Maussane.
Installing microphones before the decision scene. Mine was awkwardly up my skirt!
The mini! During the show, you see us for only an instant in our mini. My favourite scene! It’s a shame that the shows are so short. Five days of filming, and only twenty-two minutes of showtime.
We needed two cameras for the decision scene close to Domaine de Manville. It was easy to find gorgeous locations for shooting in Les Alpilles.
On the phone to Diane.
Yes! Our first house bought!
See the before/after of the house in photos. When the crew came back to film the reveal, the cameraman had no idea how to do the before and after shots. The house looked entirely different. He had to watch the original footage to figure it out. The editors told us that they had never seen such a difference on the show! Radical house renovation on a budget, done. Next, figure out life in Provence.
See more from our house renovation.
Please send me a link to watch the show
sent!
We are coming to Provence in Sept – Oct this year after enjoying Arles so much in 2016.
Would love to see your home on HGTV
I also subscribed for French lessons – on your recommendation
Hi Peter, I’ve sent you an email! I hope you enjoy the French lessons, I find them lots of fun. How wonderful that you’ll be coming back to Provence. September is my favourite month in the area.
Hello,
I am interested in watch your episode of HHI! My wife and I were almost on the show as well when we moved to Salon de Provence a few years back.
Thanks,
Bryan
bryanh.com@gmail.com
can i also get a link for the show?
sending it now!
You two are just amazing! Together you are unbeatable! I think you should go in the house renovation business. If I ever win the lottery you guys will be my first call! Great seeing pictures of those beautiful/handsome faces!!!
Thanks for your support Babs! We’re buying lottery tickets too… Fingers crossed…xo
I would LOVE to watch! I’m a huge HHI fan! I had a friend in Paris who was on the show, only they had already bought their house, so the searching with the agent part was all made up….but I love it anyway! Seeing all the different homes is so interesting! Email: pupntoot@gmail.com. And THANKS!!
Sent! Thanks for following the blog! Enjoy the episode.
Hello,
i would also love to watch the show as we are also looking for a house in Provence.:)
thanks!
sent! Hope you enjoy.
Hi Ashley, would love to see the show! How exciting! Hope all went well and that you enjoyed the action :D. Cheers and happy New Year to both of you! Stefanie
Thank you Stefanie!
Hi Ashley,
Loved this post. I have been following your renovation work and found it incredibly fascinating. The end result is gorgeous – you must be so proud. Our family stay in Les Alpilles a couple of times a year – we have friends in a tiny hamlet just a few kms from where you are.
I’d love it if you could send me the link. Merci
Hi Leslie, Thank you for your kind words. That’s wonderful that you manage to visit twice a year! Any tiny hamlets around here must be heaven!
Hi Ashley: I am not sure how a camera crew could have fit in your delightful house, but I am certain they have showcased the amazing transformation perfectly. Please send me the link to the show.
What fun! I have often wondered about the people behind these programmes.
Oooh, watching the show with my hubby tonight. A family member once had HGTV do a room in their house (can’t recall the program) and it is really incredible to see the behind-the-scenes of these shows. Very much fun, look forward to watching!
How wonderful – we bought a house here last year & I’ve followed your project via Twitter – it’s great that the filming was such a fun experience for you & wish you many happy years in your transformed home. #AllAboutFrance
I used to love watching House Hunters International in the States, what a fun thing to have been involved in. So happy to have found your blog thanks to All About France. Have a lovely weekend.
I saw your episode on HHI in the States. You all did an AMAZING job. I agree with the post above you should start a business. I’d hire you !! Thank you for sharing
Thank you Matt!!
I can’t imagine what it’s like to have a week of your life filmed and compiled into a TV show! I had a peek at the photos and it looks like it was quite an intense renovation process! It looks absolutely lovely. #AllAboutFrance
What fun to take part in a show like this. I’d love to have the link to watch it. Thanks for linking to #AllAboutFrance
Congratulations! I’d love to see the show. #AllAboutFrance
Great show! Was pretty sure it was you when it first aired – what a lovely experience :). Love all that you have done with the house, it is possible for those that are very determined even on a budget!
Absolutely! We just had to be creative!
I look forward to seeing the show. Please send the link.
I’d love the link for the show. Thanks in advance!
I love Mausanne les Alpilles. On my first vist to Provence about 8 years ago, I wanted to buy a little place. It was a dream. Living in Vancouver, Canada it seemed like it was too far. I still would love a tiny spot in that area. I have since been back twice and will come with my sister in September. She has never been to France. The Alpilles are our second stop. I can’t wait to drive to Mausanne and eat at Pizza Brun. I would love to see your House hunters video. Wonderul and felicitations !! I hope I can walk by your place – by luck of finding it. p.s. I am also from Montreal !! Patricia
Hi, Patricia! Thank you for the kind words. Lovely to hear from another Montrealer! Where else will you be visiting in Provence? I’m sure your sister will love it here. I think September is the best time to visit.
Please send me the link. Your home renovation us fabulous!
I would love the link to the show! Thanks!
So disappointed when we were unable to view your renovation in Dec…would love to have the link. ~s
Hi Ashley,
Glad to see your doing well.
Please send me the link for house hunters.
sent!
Hi Ashley, I really enjoy reading your blog and think you did a great job on your house renovations. We also bought a house in the Alpilles that needed serious work and visit as often as we can. In between times, it is great to read your blog and keep up to date with the local news. I would love to have the link to your show.
Hi Celia, thank you for reading! I’ve sent the link to the show. Aren’t the Alpilles lovely?
This is by far one of my favorite episodes! I would love the link.
Thanks Sarah! I’ll send it.
Could I get a link to the show please? Thank you.
I’ve sent the link! Thanks for checking out the blog and commenting.
Hi Ashley
I love your blog and love what you did to your house. It looks
like a happy, light and special place to be.
I would love the link to the show please.
Many thanks
Thank you, Debbie! I’ve forwarded the link!
Thank you Ashley, I have just watched it. It was divine and your house is just gorgeous!
What an adventure you are both on, in my favorite place in the world. Nothing beats beautiful Provence……I might pass you in one of the markets in September!!
Hi Debbie, yes! you may see me at one of the markets in September. I always seem to be in one of them. Thank you for the compliments on our house. It certainly has been an adventure!
Hi,
We appreciate your blog and would love a link to see the show as we plan our trip for July.
Thanks,
Rick
Hi Rick! I’ve forwarded the link. Hope you enjoy! -Ashley
Hi from a fellow Canadian! We do have a house in Provence (near Cucuron), purchased 6 years ago. It wasn’t as much of a fixer-upper as yours but still there is always something to do or to fix- which is difficult to do long-distance.
And we love House Hunters International. But we didn’t see your episode, so could you please email us the episode (I think perhaps the Canadian version of HGTV is behind the US version???)
Would love to connect with you in Provence when we are here next- probably this summer.
Hello fellow Canadian! I’m not sure how the Canadian broadcasting of the show works to tell you the truth. I’ve sent the link to you via email. That indeed must have been tricky fixing up a house while being far away. There’s always something that seems to go wrong so you must have a lot of patience! I would be happy to meet up. Send me an email when you’re here and we can sort something out.
Oh we would love to see the show! We lived in Provence , but left when our children were born. We keep dreaming about raising them there:)
Hi, Fi! I’ve forwarded you the link. We’re thinking about raising our eventual kids here. It’s hard to know that your children will have such a different upbringing. However, I think French village life, when they’re young, will be ideal!
Hi Ashley
Really enjoying trawling through your blog – thanks for sharing your experiences and stories!
I spent 6 months in Aix 15 years ago as an Assistante, and am looking forward to living there again with my family for a year in 2019.
Would love to see your episode – could you please shoot me the link?
Merci bien!
Hi Bianca! How wonderful to have lived in Aix as well as to have plans to live there again. Love that town!! I’ve forwarded you the link to the show. Let me know that you have indeed received it. Thanks for reading!
Thrilled to discover your blog. I would love a link to the show!
Hi Roxann! Thank you for checking out CuriousProvence. I’ve forwarded you the link. Enjoy!
Hi Ashley, as an American living in an old farmhouse near Lyon, I’d be really interested in watching this episode. Could you send it to me please? Thanks so much!!
Hi, Lori! How lovely that you’re living in an old farmhouse. I’d love to find one around here. Our little house is merely the end portion of an old farmhouse. It’s fun to see the transformation though! I’ve forwarded you the video.
Thanks very much for the link !! I wish you much happiness in your beautiful home!
loved this episode and want to re-watch for inspiration. you did a fantastic job! please send link
I’ve sent you the email Tom! Thanks for your interest.
Hi Ashley, I’ve just discovered this site whilst searching for markets in Provence! Please send me the link of the show, would really like be to see it. Thank you so much!
Thanks for reading Mala! I’ve sent you the email.
Salut Ashley,
Just discovered your site via messynessy, can’t wait to delve more. Would love to see your HHI segment.
I lived in Paris in the early 1970s as an au pair & student, and my memories of those days are precious.
Kate
Hi Kate, Thank you for reading CuriousProvence. I’ve forwarded you the link in an email. You should come back for another French adventure! Living abroad is such a rewarding experience, I bet you have all kinds of wonderful memories from living in beautiful Paris.
Hi Ashley, i’d love to see the video. We are buying a house in Luberon so would love to see how your search went!
Merci d’avance, Sophie
Bonjour! Je suis aussi de Montreal et notre famille est tombée sous le charme de la Provence ? Nous louerons une maison à St Rémy de Provence cet été pour une 3e année…votre blogue, que je viens de découvrir ,nous sera fort utile! Pourriez-vous me transmettre le lien Pour l’épisode de House Hunter? Merci Thanks!!
Merci! St Remy c’est un très bon choix. J’ai envoyé le lien. Peut-être a cet été?
Hi there! I would love to see the show please!
Great job and hope to watch it soon!
Thanks!
Martha
Hi Martha, Thank you for your interest! I’ve sent you an email.
I would love to watch the show. Diane is my aunt :). Can’t find it anywhere in USA to watch.
Haha! Too funny! What a small world. I’ve sent you the link via email.
I am not sure how I stumbled onto your blog. I am enjoying reading it and remembering a stay in Marseilles. Please send me the link to the HHI show. Thank you.
Hi Maryanna, I suppose those are the joys of the internet- stumbling across things! I’ve sent you an email. -Ashley
Hi Ashley, I just came across your blog while doing research for my upcoming move to Provence (from the Paris region). I’m hoping it will be permanent! I am loving your blog and your great energy!! Can you send me the link to your HH video?
Hope that we can meet up someday! I’ll reach out when we’re in the region.
Noelle
Hi Noelle, Thank you for checking out the blog! I’ve sent you an email with the link. If you do make it down here, I’d be happy to meet up! Feel free to send me an email. And good luck with your plans!
A French friend of mine posted Curious Provence recipe on Facebook….
and I came to your site!
I would love to have the link to your show, I love watching House Hunters International…
and I love Curious Provence.
Thank you!
Hi Jackie, thank you for checking out the blog! I’ve forwarded the email to you.
Hi! I just discovered you on Instagram, I love your site! I am planning on spending some time in Provence in 2019, I will definitely reach out to you beforehand to set up a Market tour!
I’d love to watch HHI episode, if you’d send me the link I’d appreciate it!
Thanks!!
I’ve forwarded you the link Jennifer! Please do reach out for a market tour in 2019. It’ll be fun! -Ashley
Please send me a link to watch the show
Hi Jonas, I sent you an email. Enjoy! -Ashley
Bonjour! Would love to see the show. Please send the link. My wife and I are planning our first trip to France next May. Provence is included in our itinerary. We are doing the trip on our own, no tour. Can you provide additional information on your guide services as well?
Merci!
My wife and I would love to see the show. Could you please send me the link?
Link sent! Thanks for stopping by!
I had been looking for your episode, when I came across this site. It was my absolute favorite episode EVER. Would you please send a link to the episode? I will also keep you in mind for our trip in 2020 for my husband’s 50th birthday. Would love to work with you on planning an itinerary!
Hi Elissa, Chuffed to hear it’s your favourite episode! I’ve sent you the link. See you in 2020!
Hi – can you send me a link please!
Hello Ashley, I saw your renovation on House Hunters International in Sydney Australia and loved it. Your house is gorgeous. I’d love to show the episode to my daughter, but it’s not online yet. Could you possibly send me the link? Cheers, Wendy
Hi Wendy, Thank you for saying that about our lovely home in Provence. I’ve sent you an email. I hope your daughter enjoys the program! -Ashley
My wife and I visited Provence for the first time this summer and loved it, would love to see the show!
Thanks!
Hi Ashley, would love to have the link to watch the show. My wife and I visited Provence for the first time this summer. Loved it. We will be back. Nice to see your partner does renovations . . . you never know!
Hi John! I’ve sent you the link. Maybe see you in Provence sometime soon? Bonne Année. -Ashley
I’d also like the link to the episode. The renovation looks lovely.
Sent it! Thank you Tanya!
We enjoy House Hunters International, and would appreciate your forwarding the link to your experience. The home renovations you did look wonderful. This home has such great “bones” to it, and what you did only added to the allure.
Thank you for your kind words Gary! Sending you an email.
Hello,
I am interested in watching your episode of HHI! My wife and I almost did an episode when we moved to Salon de Provence a few years back. In the end, our building would not allow the filming. Good luck with the sale!
Thanks,
Bryan
Hi Bryan, Are you still in Salon? That’s a shame about the filming. Sent you an email!
Hi – would love to see the show – can you send me the link please?
Hi Jane, I’ve sent an email!
bonjour! We are researching now for our summer trip to Provence. I would love to see your episode!
Also thinking a photo shoot might be a fun thing for our family to do while there. We’re staying in L’Isle-sur-la-sorgue in late June.
Becky
Hi Becky, I’ve sent you an email!
I’m so inspired by your IG accounts! Looking forward to watching your episode of House Hunters International!
Hi Mark, Thank you for following! The episode has actually already aired. I can send it to you if you like!
Hello Ashley,
I’m in love with your blog, home, cat!, IG, and gorgeous photography and am very interested in seeing the HHI episode. Can you please send me the link when you get a chance? My daughter will be visiting France this summer and will be staying in The Var. So excited for her…might just have to sneak into one of her suitcases!
Best regards from a fellow Canadian,
Lela
Hi Lela, Thank you for reading the blog! You should definitely try and visit with your daughter! This place is so beautiful. I’ve sent you the house hunters episode. Enjoy! I’m going to the bank this morning to see if I can get my hands on our next possible project- a big one!
Dear Ashley,
I was Googling “beams and stone walls” and I circled back to your renovation posts on the blog. I’ve just spent a lovely hour reading through your posts while dreaming of our own adventure in Provence. Richard and I both love the Househunters International Shows and we’d love to watch your episode if you would kindly share the link.
Many thanks in advance and enjoy Victory in Europe Day today.
Lucy
Hi Lucy, I’ve just sent you an email with the episode. I hope that Provencal adventure comes to fruition one day! Thank you for your kind words. -Ashley
Hi I’d really appreciate the link to the show and I’d love to get in touch over email! Fantastic website
Hi I’d really appreciate the link to the show and I’d love to get in touch over email! Fantastic website
Hi Laura, I’ve sent you the link! Thank you for your kind words about the website.
Hello, can you send me the link to the House Hunters episode? Thanks, Winnie
Hi Winnie, I’ll send you the link! -Ashley
Would live to see your show! Please send us a link! We love to visit Provence!
Hi Suzy, Thank you for your interest. Email sent!
Is this show available on YouTube? If not, may I get a link to watch it? Thank you!!
Hi Nancy, Unfortunately the show isn’t on Youtube from what I can see but I’ll send you the link! -Ashley
Hi Ashley, I’ve just seen your House Hunters International episode on HGTV catchup and want to send it to a friend, can you please send me the link? Thanks, Helen
Ah too cool! I’ll send it to you!
Would love to see your House Hunters International episode, and we love CuriousProvence as well.
That’s wonderful to know! I’ve sent the link to your email. Bonne Journée ! -Ashley (Curious)
Hi Ashleyt! I just watch episode about your house on The House Hunter International show on Polish Travel chanel yesterday It was a pleasure to see the renovations you Guys did on the house !Beautiful, I hope the renovations on the new house going well! Greetings from Canada !Mila
Hi Mila, That’s interesting to know that it was on the Polish Travel channel! Thank you for watching ! Bonne Journée
-Ashley
Hi Ashley ,
Please send me a link to watch the video .
Thank You
Sent!
Hello, what an exciting adventure. I just found your blog and an fascinated.
Please send the link to watch the episodes.
Hi Sylvia, Thank you so much for your interest! I just sent you the link via email. -Ashley
Hi Ashley,
My husband & I are lifelong Montrealers planning our move to Provence sometime in the next 5 years. I have been enamoured of the South of France since I did University exchange program there when I was 19. I’ve begun some intense research since lockdown began (because what else was there to do??lol) and I would love to watch your episode of House Hunters. We too are looking for a serious fixer upper with an outbuilding for rental. Could you please send me the link? I also wanted to say I am quite enjoying your IG stories and posts! Cheers! Stephanie
Hello fellow Montrealers! I’ve sent you an email with the video of our previous house. At the moment, we’ve got a serious fixer-upper but it’s going to take a very long time to renovate as we’re both working as well. I hope you find your dream house in the South of France! -Ashley
Hi Ashley,
Im hoping you send me the link. I so want to watch it. I search in youtube and still dont see it. Merci
Hi Arlene, I’d be happy to send you the link! Can you please confirm your email address? I see it ends in .col and I just want to be sure.
I’d love to see the HGTV Episode!
Hi Debbie, I just sent you an email! -Ashley
Hi!
Congratulations on your purchase! I would love to watch your purchase on House Hunters International!
Thanks!
sent!
We love House Hunters International and would love to see your episode. We downsized our cable subscription and now all the new shows are pay only 🫤
Oh really that’s a shame. I will send it to you!
Would love to see the episode! Can you please send? Congrats on this achievement!
I hope you’re still looking at the comments – I would love a link to watch the show – I can’t find it anywhere!
Hi Maxine, I’ll send an email!