How often have you

How often have you watched programmes about someone moving to France? Wouldn’t you love to know how they got on – not a fifteen-minute follow-up, but an honest look at whether the reality lived up to their dream? Rebecca and Jack Jenkins have become YouTube stars because they do exactly that: they show you all the ups and downs of their house renovation in France and you can’t help being drawn into their story, because they’re so open about the whole process. There’s an unapologetic honesty in their videos that makes you feel as if you’re watching friends so you’re willing them to do well. But how did it all start? The truth about renovating Starting in New Zealand The couple met in 2012 in New Zealand, where Jack had grown up, and where Rebecca had lived since the age of ten. In 2016, Rebecca took a trip that would change everything. Her parents had settled in the Charente, so she flew over to visit despite expecting a baby and bringing her toddler. She felt an incredible sense of belonging and couldn’t wait to bring Jack. The following year, the couple brought their two young children to spend five months in a tiny gîte, working remotely and exploring the region. “Looking back, it was a big decision to make on minimal sleep, but everything is so relaxed here,” says Jack. “If someone stops the car in the middle of the road to chat to a neighbour, no-one hoots or shouts, and kids are treated like royalty, they’re always welcome. We knew this was where we wanted to bring up our family.” Finding the house In 2019, Jack and Rebecca sold everything and came to France. By that time, Rebecca’s parents had moved to the UK to help a relative, so the family were left to house-hunt alone. 108 | The Good Life France The Good Life France | 109