How we found our Dream Home in France

Get an exclusive Surfshark deal! Enter promo code SURFACE for an extra 3 months free at surfshark.deals/surface.
All animations by my son Sky: @Skymography
Thank you to Cecilia for all the amazing shots. :)
And thank you, Nathan, for participating in this little exploration of mine (check out his channels: @nathanieldrew @nobackupplan ).
And to everyone watching: Thank you for your ongoing, amazing support! :)
Find me here on Instagram: / be.neaththesurface
All items below are Amazon affiliate links. This means I receive a small commission if you make a purchase when clicking on anything below, at no additional cost to you (that is, no change in price):
Camera equipment:
Main camera: amzn.to/43BmTiw
Secondary camera: amzn.to/3x2SWf9
All-in-one lens: amzn.to/3xisYV0
35mm F1.4 lens: amzn.to/49rFVJT
16mm F1.4 lens: amzn.to/49gkrQ3
Tripod: amzn.to/3IWrUJi
Motorized slider: amzn.to/3PFk8ag
Lighting equipment:
Soft lights: amzn.to/3VBCHzR
Versatile stands: amzn.to/4audBaw
Video light: amzn.to/49faKRP
Softbox: amzn.to/4abZNlg
C stand: amzn.to/3VBC615
Our dog carrier: amzn.to/4ctT5Zn
#livinginfrance #frenchcountryside #frenchcountry #livingineurope #lifeinfrance #lifeineurope #movingtofrance #movingtoeurope #frenchlife #europeanlife #househunting #housesearch #countryside #countrysidelife #countrysideliving #buyingahome #homeinfrance #homeineurope #buyingahomeinfrance #frenchhouse #frenchhome #europeanhouse #europeanhome

[@jbl7092]

Sincerely happy for you both. At first I was confused about you selling your beautiful property in Oregon and leaving the U.S.. I can truthfully say I get it now. You were right to spread your wings. It took courage. Much respect guys.

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Thank you, my friend! :)

[@Ellary_Rosewood]

I'm so happy that you finally found your dream home! It's been such an adventure and treat watching your journey, both the good and the bad, and I really appreciate how REAL you two are. I'm excited to see where your next journey will take you once you get all settled in and have time to truly explore and enjoy this beautiful new place where you now call home. Many blessings to the both of you! ❤🌿

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Thank you so much, Ellary. Let the new adventures being. :)

[@JC-ti4kn]

@@BeneaththeSurfaceYT congratulations! This is exciting, as you get settled in, is this process something you would be willing to help a fellow PNW’er navigate? I’m planning a scouting trip for Spain and south France next year 🙂

[@GrunonFeliz]

First off, congratulations on finding your ideal home and new normal. Once again, the parallels are so amazing. When we were living in the US, I honestly thought we would be stuck in our property forever. it was in an ugly town in the middle of nowhere and had been on the market without a single bite for over 4 years. Until...a friend I met for half an hour at someone's house in Panama planted the seed in our minds to sell it FSBO. Literally, within 10 days we had an excellent cash offer that we accepted. Like you, we thought we were moving to one country, only to realize right away that we were in the wrong place (Panama). We then chose Chile, which has truly felt like home to us. Guidance has led us to the wilds of Patagonia and we are counting on Guidance to lead us to our ideal property so that we may create the life and community of our vision. If you left the US just about a year ago, that is exactly when we left as well (I think we flew out July 9th, 2022). Every time I start to get nervous or anxious about how on earth are we going to find the right place, I remember that it is not "my" decision to make and feel into trusting that Guidance will lead the way. Unlike you, we just signed a one year lease yesterday, which will give us more time to seek, listen and follow without the pressure and stress of trying to find a place quickly. Our vision is so beautiful and lovely that we want to give ourselves the time to expand into it, to gather the souls (like your realtor), the resources, the knowledge and the YES that you found in your new lovely spot. I look forward to watching as you literally and figuratively unpack.

[@amiek9226]

So happy for you both! I hope you make many wonderful memories in your beautiful new home! I was intrigued by your process and how you described seeking guidance. I’ve always been one to think things through, carefully consider consequences, make lists of pros & cons, and to make a step by step plan to achieve my goals once I determine what they are. But there have been a couple of times in my life, crisis points, where I could not depend upon logic or the mind because my thoughts were a reeling tangled mess. I instinctually knew that I had to clear away the noise and listen to what my heart was telling me. For me it felt like a pulling in, a centering. I found waiting there a knowing of what I needed to do A knowing beyond knowing. Certainty. I don’t know why, but until watching your video just now, I hadn’t really realized that this is something that can be tapped into daily. I don’t have to wait until a crisis to seek this kind of clarity. This feels like a breakthrough. Thank you. 🙏

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Beautiful insight! Love how you're growing with this! All the very best to you. :)

[@pjeloka]

One of the best videos I've ever watched. Beautifully done. Storytelling at its finest. I may have been watching you guys from the start and got tuned to you from your son. And given that we are middle aged, it made sense :)

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Thank you so much! 🙏

[@Marowyn]

What a beautiful story. I've followed your journey since you left the U.S. and I always learn the most profound lessons from you, your wife, and I learn an awful lot from you sons, too. Thank you for sharing the processes you've experienced with us. AND. Congratulations on your new house!!

[@studio.leonardo]

Wow, i felt so connected to this topic. Although I am in a different chapter in life, I felt that this was really helpful in releasing all the "should do's" in my mind. Congratulations to you both and thanks for passing along a moment of peace and clarity. All the best!

[@contractorleadscoach]

What a fantastic video! Congratulations on 1. Showing us what a truly beautiful relationship you have as a couple and as the loving parents to Nathaniel. 2. Congratulations on finding your lovely new home... You will be showing us around the home and garden soon, right?

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Thank you so much, and absolutely. Give us a little time. :)

[@lesley2110]

Your property looks fabulous!..........How far away are the shops?

[@contractorleadscoach]

I walk to the supermarket and buy everything I need and return in 45 minutes @@lesley2110

[@Catherine-xr6dr]

I have been desperately waiting for this video, but it wasn't what I expected. Loved the angle and really enjoyed the perspective you chose to tell your story. Fabulous storytelling and video quality. So excited for you both that you found just the right place. Looking forward to continuing to hear about your journey and love to hear the details behind your process. It keeps things so real and grounded. It's great that you both are willing to do the hard work of life and to be willing to share that with us. I'm hoping that you will be comfortable at some point to share more of the actual house with us and more detail of what you fell in love with. The glimpses we saw in this video certainly whet the appetite for more. Best of luck to you both as you start to settle in and build your new life!

[@pitime4764]

What a wonderful lesson, I could literally feel my anxiety slipping away at the idea of practicing and putting my trust in that inner knowing. WOW, I needed to hear this, right now. It is like having that all loving companion that always leads you in the right direction.

[@AnnieFangg]

Congrats on your new home, I'm so so happy for both of you!!! I loooooooved this video. The way you speak about guidance is like intuition! It's also incredible to see an entire family using guidance, listening to you and your family explain it was fascinating. There's only a few people in my life who I've been able to relate and talk to about this. I feel like we live in a world where most people don't know how to trust it, but it's such a life hack when you start listening to it. Learning about the methods you take to listen to your inner guidance has been super insightful for me as well.

[@CatalinaCNV]

As native Spanish speaker, couldn't help but totally love the interaction between you and Cecilia in "Argentinean" (i am Colombian, but adore the expressions and accent from Argentina) that alone let me know it was going to be a great video. Never expected the inclusion of tapping into inner intelligence and the way you guys do it. Thanks for sharing that part of you with us and big big congratulations on the new house! Looks awesome!

[@TheMovingn4]

me too! I really enjoyed that. I felt like a little extra treat! I'm Cuban by the way 😊

[@pipetypot]

Amé el "en la loma del orto".....lo usamos mucho acá en Argentina!

[@sarahbarnett1144]

Congratulations on finding your new home! I'm so excited for you! I really appreciate how you describe tuning into your inner guidance. You are all so lovely and I truly appreciate your videos! Blessings to your family! ✨

[@Patricia-vd9xh]

I’ve been waiting for this video and my expectations have been more than fulfilled. From your first video, which I found from your son’s, I have been intrigued by your journey and your family relationships. Congratulations. An hour from Paris is magical. Looking forward to your next steps and your process for making them. 🙏🏼

[@alejandrascott6115]

Yay!!! Congratulations 🎈 been following your journey for a while now. 🎉😊 so excited for you two.

[@constancewhite6906]

Thank you for taking on a video about your guidance process - something that is unseen but so truly felt. Happy for your house coming.

[@emohyou]

Incredible that I came to watch this video today of all days, having been presented with two (potentially life-changing) opportunities and being asked to choose between them. As someone who is normally quite indecisive, I'm definitely going to try sitting with my options to see if my inner guidance can help me solve this puzzle. Congratulations on your new home!

[@keenan7156]

I have come to fall in love with you 2. I am so glad you found a new HOME!!!! It is a beautiful day. And its always good for Nathaniel and his brother to be able to go "home" on the weekend when they want to get away from the hustle and bustle.

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Yes, huge plus for them and for all of us to be together more often! Thanks so much. :)

[@dionline88]

Congratulations!!!!!! So happy to hear you found not only a home, but your dream home!!! Isn't it crazy that once we get out of our own heads, we can come to some pretty amazing ideas, decisions and thoughts. Getting quiet, listening and trusting can change our world, if only we let it. It's 'ego' who thinks it knows all, and then tries to prove it. I am incredibly happy for you & Cecelia. Now the hard part begins, actually moving in and getting your stored stuff into your new space! Enjoy the excitement!!!

[@NN-oc4nw]

Ah yes! Finally! So glad that it worked out for the both of you! The house looks beautiful and peaceful!

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

:)

[@doodleacademy]

I've been looking forward to this video! Thank you for sharing your experience and CONGRATS to you for the purchase of your beautiful new home 💛

[@lorrilewis2178]

The old owners handing you the keys with big smiles says it all. Great video and thank you for sharing your method of going within for guidance.

[@eileencronk7520]

Thank you for letting us join in your journey. Not only the beauty, but also the rough and hard ( not leaving out the nuances in between) Growth is not easy. It’s great to listen and watch as you both choose higher purpose above living in anchoring thoughts. Blessings

[@melaniesmith3954]

I love how you all as a family respect and support each other so well.

[@tinalemna7998]

I’m so happy you found your house and it’s gorgeous! Thank you for sharing it with us. ❤️🇫🇷

[@TUMBLINGMCD]

The suspense since your last video-phew! Congratulations 🎉

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

😁

[@yvonnebirch6026]

I am so happy for you ! The spiritual approach that both of you applied in this life altering search for your new home will be rewarded ! I cannot wait to see it ! Thank you for taking us this journey.🙏💕🌷

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

And thank you right back. :)

[@truthalonetriumphs6572]

Spiritual? 😂

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

@@truthalonetriumphs6572 😂😂😂

[@conniegalati3926]

What an inspiring journey you’ve shared with us, Josh and Cecelia! Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. It’s been a joy to see you work together toward this ultimate dream! Hope to view more once you’re settled in.

[@colleenrodamer9497]

Congratulations! I’m so happy for u guys please keep us updated ❤

[@maryjanelarson9045]

I am so thrilled for you. I've been watching for an update hoping the next post was going to tell us you found a new home. The BONUS was the incredible insight you shared by working with and trusting your inner/higher guidance. Enjoy your new home. You deserve it.

[@gaylemarkow]

I'm SO happy for you. Love your thoughtful/heartfull-ness, and this journey you're sharing. I live in San Francisco, am 75, and have a longing to move to France, but so far, the time hasn't been right.. Alas. But am getting joy from witnessing your journey. Thank you!

[@Project_bananas]

Happy for you and thank you for sharing this process... of slowing down and "listening" to that inner voice.

[@thayspascoal8004]

Súper happy for you guys! Congrats on your new home! Plus thanks for such an inspiring video.. to me that was a sign 🙏🏼

[@susiezswfl]

What fantastic news!! And such a perfect way to make decisions!❤ enjoy your new home. I hope we’ll continue hearing from you. Your entire family is so inspiring 😊

[@yogisurfrunner1925]

Nous avons arrives! Merci pour toutes les videos des familles….still watching gone from Austin and now in Evian. Enjoying the vibes ~ guidance often doesn’t make sense in the moment but it always fits. Logic is always hard work and reeks of agonizing over details. Great stuff guys!

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Awesome, and amen to that! Congrats to you guys! :)

[@jonas.zehnder]

Seeing the thumbnail of this video brought a smile to my face. I‘m so happy that you found a place that you’re happy with and see a future in. Cheers to you both!

[@Odette_112]

Divine guidance brought me to this video today. Watched Nathaniel’s Skillshare class last week. Today, I was nudged to check out his KZbin channel. The first video I decided to watch had the link to your channel in the description. Thank you for this wonderful video and reminder to tune in daily as my husband and I are in the midst making big moving decisions. I hope you share more of your wisdom and adventures! Many blessings to you and your family and with immense gratitude…🙏

[@lauranieves1446]

Very happy for the two of you! How many important lessons learned in this video. I wish you a lifetime of blessings in your new home!

[@judyconstantino7035]

I am SO happy for the two of you! Congratulations on your new home and thank you for sharing such an amazing video with us!

[@sylviagonzales5228]

Finally! So happy for you two! ....and life is good!

[@20kjw]

Haven’t even watched the video yet but so happy for you 😃

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Haha, thanks! :)

[@yvonnebirch6026]

I am too. I just saw the announcement , I had not even opened my I pad yet. That is fabulous !

[@20kjw]

@@BeneaththeSurfaceYT oh wow, this was your best video yet, loved it! You did a great job of explaining the process. And thank you for the reminder to seek out my inner guidance x

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

@@20kjw Thank you so much. :)

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

@@yvonnebirch6026 :)

[@carterb43]

Congratulations!! I am so happy for you. We also just bought a house. Our experience was very similar in our approach to asking for guidance and going with our inner wisdom and not our head. We found a house in less than a week and everything has fallen into place. I believe that finding a home is mostly magic and grace. Wishing you all the best in your new home. 🎉❤️

[@ArmandoPrado]

Congrats on finally finding a new home! ...and doubly on the guidance process!!!! Thank you for sharing this. I look forward to more of your experience!

[@KarenKaiser]

Congratulations! I've been eagerly awaiting this good news.

[@milancollin1819]

Congratulations to the both of you. What a joy it must be after such a journey and it was a real pleasure to follow you along the way. There is so much knowledge in how you approach things and the openness towards the inner feelings. It is mostly the best compass in life and if you are willing to trust on it, greatness is always around the corner. Enjoy the beautiful new chapter in France with your love ones and you have a great archive to watch on these cold French winter nights in front of the fire place.

[@kathleenkulp240]

This was so good for me, to come at this time when I had given up on the idea of trusting inner guidance. Your storytelling is SO genuine and feels so authentic that I am inspired to try once again. Thank you for sharing both your temporal and spiritual journey. Looking forward to seeing you settled into your new home.

[@carolcoyle1463]

Congratulations! Have been waiting to hear. So happy for you. You all are so inspiring.

[@daisyrosario3438]

The lavender is absolutely beautiful you guys! " Mucha alegria" in your new home!

[@andreab4161]

Congratulations to both of you! And thank you for sharing not only your journey but also your inner process. Your new home appears very lovely and I hope you enjoy many happy years there. Best, Andrea.

[@Mahsajoyce]

This was so beautifully done. Glad to see you bought a home by asking for guidance! Tres belle! ❤️

[@isabellevega5732]

This recording was a total delight. The way you talked about leaning in to search our own selves for that guidance on the yet unknown was very inspiring. Congratulations on that beautiful house, the kitchen facing the garden is a dream🍃♡🍃

[@HelenaNista]

Oh wow, what a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing it and for reminding me about my own Guidance! 🥰 And congrats on the house! 💕

[@lynmclaughlin7125]

Can't wait to see you settle in. So glad you found your dream home xx

[@kailiasage]

I’ve been watching from the beginning and this video makes me so happy!!! Thank you for taking us along for this wild ride.

[@kristenswanson5819]

So happy for you both! Can’t wait to see what it looks like. Congratulations!

[@juliemarie7641]

Le sujet de la vidéo est tellement plus profond que le titre le laisse penser. Merci pour ce partage sur la guidance. D'autres vidéos sur votre parcours spirituel seraient tellement riches et intéressantes. Merci pour votre beau travail. 🤍

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Merci beaucoup, Julie. Je vous remercie et promets de continuer à partager plus sur ce sujet-là. :)

[@thatswhatisaidCA]

Congratulations!!!! What a journey; thank you for taking us on it.

[@JaCaraKM]

Congratulations on finding and buying your new home. I appreciate all that you shared about asking questions and then being quiet to listen to the answers. I agree with all that you expressed about it. It is how I have also come to make the important changes and decisions that I have had to make in the last few years. This inner infinite knowledge has never let me down.

[@nyleah411]

I’m so happy for you all, just beautiful that your family is in the same country ❤️ you all are so close, that in itself is a great blessing ❤️ Thank you for sharing your journey, excited to see what beautiful blessings have yet to unfold!

[@Lilybet1316]

I have loved being along for this process and congratulations! 🎉

[@looslooyoga4293]

Thank you very much! For sharing your thoughts😊 and experiences. Please continue🙏🏻 Can't wait for the next video❤

[@TK-vv6to]

Congratulations! I’ve been wondering about you two and looking each night on KZbin for an update from you. I’m happy for you!

[@lorrainethomson9850]

Very happy for you both! We can’t wait to be shown around! ❤

[@jaanaprall9961]

Congratulations on your new house! I loved the explanation of your process. I look forward to seeing more. I am on a similar journey and am inspired by yours.

[@melindasalinas1821]

Loved this video SO much! As someone who spends a lot of time going over things in her head, I also have been trying to learn to listen to my guidance. Thank you for that validation. Congratulations on finding your dream home in a country so close to your boys. Keep those wonderful videos coming. 🌟💗🌟💗

[@charmaineferguson1242]

Thank you so much for sharing your amazing journey with us. You are such an amazingly talented Story Teller. Congratulations on your New House

[@maryclairebrescia774]

Congratulations! So happy for you both!

[@nikinik5620]

I am so happy for you two! What a beautiful place. Guidance is a great word for your energetic connection. I look forward to your next video!

[@Karen.c.h]

I am beyond happy for you! Can’t wait to see more of your new home.

[@marias1672]

I have been following your channel since you started it and watched your journey. I am beyond excited and so happy for you both that you finally found your home.🥳 looking forward to seeing more of your posts.‼️

[@lamadeandfound7594]

OMG! So happy for you! I called it when you were in Portugal. I knew you were going to settle in France as It was clear that it was the place you loved. Your new home is stunning and I can't wait to see the full tour. Peace and blessings!

[@annakozoriz]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 you guys! Congrats. A month ago I was on the platform in Avignon going back to Paris and I saw Nate passing by… I said hello and asked about you guys…. He said “Wait for it”. And here it is! Very happy for you guys! Waiting for new videos.

[@susankelly5516]

Congratulations on your new home So excited that you finally posted a video because I really enjoy watching your content❤

[@HK-ul8qb]

Congratulations on finding your new home. I am sure you are and are feeling great real joy because you came with a definite feeling that this was the right home. Home Sweet Home.

[@dianegriffith3006]

Intuition runs deep-follow it-your spirit will guide you immensely-Congratulations to your new home. I love your videos. Thank you.

[@RitzaM_1965]

I am BEYOND happy and excited for you both!!❤️💯 I know it’s not been easy for sure but SO worth it in the end!! Can’t wait to see the house in your upcoming videos!! Au revoir for now my friends ❤😊

[@joycelatham6974]

Wow, that was beautifully done. Congratulations on the new house. Enjoy your new home and keep those videos coming!

[@julies5400]

Congratulations!!! What a great journey. Thank you for sharing it with us and also what you call your guidance. Beautiful

[@elizabethvanmeter3217]

Congratulations! So exciting! Looking forward to following along on your continuing adventure!

[@helgaincanada]

I was so excited to see the title of this video. Can't wait to see a house tour!!

[@Mike-du1dc]

Congratulations!! I loved the video & am so happy for you both! I was hoping you would be doing a video soon & was so happy to see this one. Looking forward to more of your journey! Take Care!

[@dreamdesigndecor3231]

I am so happy for you! Congratulations 🎉

[@janetj153]

So excited for you guys ! I love watching your videos and following your journey.

[@joshuaking4139]

This content is so beautiful and meaningful... of the highest quality

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Thank you 🙏

[@thespringwitch7325]

What a wonderful video, so inspiring and uplifting. Your journey has been full of ups and downs but now you have found the house of your dreams and it's perfect. We had a similar experience when buying our place in France, ending up in the village we'd discounted several times, but something kept pulling us back until we finally found chez nous. Looking forward to seeing more of your adventures and your lovely new house in future videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@Gingersplace]

Fantastic, I'm still smiling from this video. Enjoy your new home!!

[@queens6583]

Congratulations on finding your dream home. I'm so excited to see the property and see what you do to make it your own.

[@eb6929]

So happy you found your new home. What a journey it has been. Congrats 🎉

[@JasonMcLay]

I love your mindful approach. Meditating for the right answer is the best guidance, I believe. Really happy for you all

[@orinrezwana]

Fantastic video. I would've been happy just to hear about your house hunting process... But the bigger discussion on mind and guidance knocked it out of the park. Also, Cecilia's tactile and vivid description of guidance was incredible. She could write a book on it. Thanks all for sharing.

[@bendevvanve]

Amazing!!!! Congratulations to you both.

[@rhondavanderbeek8006]

I am grateful for this particular video having watched all yr content over the past year, and am eager to learn more from your experiences.

[@itacotter]

Greetings from a wet and rainy Ireland! Congratulations! I’ve been following your story for a while now and am delighted that you found the home you really wanted. It looks wonderful. Hope you’ll both be very happy in your new home for many, many years.

[@gayemcduff4732]

WOW! What an amazing video! Although the topic may have seemed unusual it was incredibly practical. My husband and I have been watching your videos for a while now and have delighted in your honest, heart-felt, and oh-so-human journey. Thank you for sharing HOW you navigate this path and how your guidance makes your next steps easier~

[@beathiltbrunner7070]

What a beautiful video; so glad of the outcome. Enjoy the moving in and getting settled.

[@melanieg6957]

Congratulations on your beautiful home 🎉. Looking forward to hearing more of your adventures. The reminder to ask for guidance within was invaluable ❤.

[@traciethomas3234]

Really enjoyed this surprising twist on the title! You always deliver great stories that help me reflect and learn! Thank you and I hope you enjoy your wonderful home!

[@MamaCocaSF]

Congratulations on your new house! I’m so happy for you guys! Enjoy and live happily ever after in your new home 🙏🤗💖

[@sandragalati6281]

Congratulations! I’ve been following you from the mid-Willamette Valley. Thank you for including us and teaching us along the way. 🙏🏼🍾🥂

[@evepatchett8481]

Congratulations on finding and moving into your beautiful new home. Loved the fact that you used guidance to help you with your decisions. An important reminder to tap into things that are so powerful even if we do not fully understand it. God bless you both in your new home. 🙏🏼