To launch a business abroad and spend more time with loved ones is a dream for many, but few people actually take the plunge.
For Joanna and Rob Barnes, both 57, it became a reality in 2024 when they left their home in New Zealand for a new life in France.
La Vieille Ecole
“I was born in New Zealand to UK parents, while Rob is British but had lived in New Zealand for over 16 years,” said Joanna.
“He worked in corporate technology and I was a school teacher, but alongside our full-time jobs we also ran a 100-acre farm, so it’s fair to say we had a very busy time of it!”
The couple wanted a change of lifestyle and to be closer to Rob’s mother, who still lived in the UK.
Their solution was to move three generations to France – Joanna and Rob, their two daughters Poppy (now 18) and Molly (now 16), and Joanna’s mother Jennie.
They found a business in Charente, about one hour west of Limoges, that matched what they were looking for.
It belonged to a British couple who had spent three years transforming the former village school in Lésignac-Durand into a brocante and tearoom.
When they decided to sell, the Barnes family leapt at the opportunity.
From left to right: Joanna’s mum Jennie, Joanna, Rob, Molly and PoppyLa Vieille Ecole
Moving three generations across the world was not without its challenges.
“The embassy in Wellington couldn’t have been more helpful,” said Joanna.
“Our furniture was literally on its way down our driveway when the visas came through, but the embassy was in touch the whole time.”
Their visa application required a detailed business plan and evidence that they had sufficient funds to support the family.
After arriving in France, they were required to contact Ofii (French Office for Immigration and Integration) in Poitiers for written and oral language assessments, a medical check and a four-day civic training course.
“Obtaining our first carte de séjour simply involved filling in an application and providing the required evidence,” said Joanna.
“We had a gap between the expiry of our visa and receipt of our carte de séjour, which was sorted by issuing a temporary six-month extension.”
A change of pace
Swapping the southern hemisphere for south-western France in October 2024 meant the family had to adapt to a change of climate as well as cultural and administrative differences, plus the challenge of learning a new language.
One aspect, however, felt familiar.
La Vieille Ecole
“We already lived rurally in New Zealand so the quiet life didn’t come as a surprise, and the location we have settled in was extremely welcoming,” said Joanna.
“We accept that everything is a 20-minute drive away.”
To establish the business, the couple used a specialist business set-up service.
“This was painless and I would recommend letting them negotiate the system rather than doing it as an individual,” said Joanna.
“The thing to remember in all of this is that it’s a process.
“Too many people try to beat the system or are not patient, which only leads to stress and frustration. Follow the process and you’ll be fine.”
The previous owners spent a few weeks explaining the basics and helping with the transition before Joanna and Rob officially reopened in January 2025.
The old school building houses both the family and their two businesses.
La Vieille Ecole, managed by Joanna, is a brocante filled with furniture, antiques and knick-knacks, while The Old School Tearooms is overseen by Rob.
Setting up as self-employed
“We chose the micro-entreprise route,” said Joanna.
“It’s a simplified option that means we can manage the businesses effectively.
“It allows us to declare our own social security contributions and tax rather than having to use certified accountants.
“On the flip side, if we wanted to take a break our businesses would effectively have to close because we run them ourselves and do not have any employees.”
The brocante and tearoom are open to the public on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 10:00 to 16:00.
“Tuesdays tend to have a slower start, but that is when we try to process deliveries of stock that has been purchased over the weekend,” said Joanna.
“Wednesday is restocking day from our various suppliers and sometimes involves private sales or house clearances for the brocante, while on Thursday we shop for the tearooms.
“Friday is prep day in the kitchen and the showroom. It is also when we sit at the computer and update stock records and do budget analysis on how the tearooms are performing.”
Joanna admits the family has taken a significant wage cut to realise their French dream.
“We went from a six-figure income to much less than that, but we moved to become mortgage and debt-free so we only need a much smaller income to live here.
“While we don’t draw an income as such from our business, it pays for our lives here and is sustainable.
“We’ve managed a trip back to New Zealand already and multiple trips to see family in the UK, so if you set yourselves up right, you can still make sufficient income to enjoy life even while earning a lower salary.”
Would they have made a similar career move in New Zealand?
“I doubt it,” said Joanna.
“The market is flooded with hospitality businesses and you don’t have the same availability of older or antique furniture as there is in France.”
While the businesses receive a lot of custom from expatriates, many of whom travel for well over an hour to visit, Joanna and Rob are keen to ensure they appeal to all nationalities.
The local French community currently makes up around 10% of their customer base, helped by articles in the local press.
“We’re happy to search out furniture if there is anything specific that customers are looking for,” said Joanna.
“Whether it’s carrot cake or chocolate orange cake, carpets or chairs, we’ve got it covered!”
