Carolyn’s Leap: At 74, She Traded Suburbia for a 660-Soul Village in France

At an age when many begin to scale back, Carolyn rewrote her entire life.

After living in the United States for all of her 74 years, Carolyn made a move that most would consider daring at any age—let alone in their mid-seventies. Two years ago, following the death of her husband, she packed up her life and moved across the Atlantic to a tiny French village with just 660 residents.

She bought a house for €23,000—less than the cost of a modest used car—and began restoring it, room by room, wall by wall. The house, steeped in age and charm, now stands as both a sanctuary and a symbol of rebirth. “I wasn’t ready to fade away,” Carolyn reportedly told a friend. And she hasn’t.

Now 76, Carolyn is more than just a retiree enjoying the French countryside. She’s a practicing herbalist, grounded in the wisdom of plants and healing traditions, and a passionate historical reenactor—someone who doesn’t just study history but steps into it. She brings to life a past era with authenticity and flair, donning period garments and sharing forgotten stories.

What does it take to do this at her age? Grit. Imagination. A willingness to begin again. Carolyn embodies the courage it takes to not only dream a new life but to build it. Her move wasn’t about escape—it was about expansion. And while most people seek comfort in the familiar, Carolyn chose the unknown and turned it into home.

In the next few days, I hope to meet Carolyn face-to-face, to hear how she navigated language barriers, solitude, renovation challenges, and the brave act of starting over in a foreign land. One thing is certain: she didn’t just move to France—she stepped fully into her next chapter. I admire her. So, please stay tune for more.