Massachusetts natives with deep ties to France and Italy are discovering that a second home an ocean away can deepen their sense of belonging rather than complicate it. They approach the distance with patience and intention, turning logistical hurdles into opportunities for slower, more rooted travel. The result is a rhythm of life that honors both their New England roots and the communities they join abroad.
Choosing Places That Feel Like Home
Jane Freedman, a lawyer from Newton, had long dreamed of returning to France after studying there years earlier. A bike ride through the Provençal countryside near Eygalières sealed the decision. She and her husband eventually found a five-bedroom property on four acres in the Bandol wine region, complete with its own vineyard and olive grove. The setting offers quiet mornings among the vines and easy access to the Mediterranean coast. ([1])
Megan Driscoll of Duxbury sought a different kind of energy in Nice. She chose an apartment in the Libération neighborhood, steps from the city’s largest outdoor market and a short walk from the train station. The area stays lively through winter, giving her a place to return each year as her children grow older. Both women describe the pull of these regions as something more than scenery; it is the daily cadence of markets, meals outdoors, and conversations with neighbors that draws them back.
Navigating the Practical Path
Buying property in France or Italy requires a different pace than a Massachusetts closing. Notaries manage transactions, and buyers often work through local consultants who handle paperwork and language barriers. Freedman spent years scouting towns before making an offer during a spontaneous weekend visit. Driscoll, who speaks no French, relied on a property consultant to coordinate with the notary and manage details from afar.
Financing and renovations bring their own lessons. Some buyers finance through U.S. banks when European options prove complicated. Others accept that new apartments may arrive without kitchens, requiring additional investment before the first meal can be prepared. These steps unfold over months, yet the families speak of the process as part of the deeper commitment to the place itself.
Staying Connected Across Seasons
Visa rules limit stays in the Schengen area, so most plan visits in spring and fall, keeping total time under six months. Freedman and her husband aim for one or two months at a time, aligning trips with milder weather and local harvests. Driscoll looks ahead to a long-stay visa once her youngest child heads to college.
Maintenance from thousands of miles away demands foresight. Upgrades to septic systems, electrical work, and internet connections happen during longer visits. High season can stretch repair timelines, yet the families learn to anticipate needs and build relationships with local tradespeople. The effort reinforces their presence in the community rather than distancing them from it.
Building Belonging Through Presence
Those who succeed emphasize learning the language and participating in town life even when visits are brief. Freedman notes the importance of showing neighbors that the family is invested in the place, not merely passing through. Simple acts – attending local events, supporting nearby producers, and respecting seasonal rhythms – create genuine ties.
The appeal lies in the measured pace these homes allow. Time spent among Bandol vineyards or along the Nice waterfront encourages unhurried meals, walks through historic streets, and conversations that stretch into the evening. For New Englanders accustomed to distinct seasons, the contrast offers renewal without requiring a full departure from home.
Ultimately, these second homes become extensions of daily life rather than escapes. They invite travelers to return not as visitors but as participants in the ongoing story of the places they have chosen to cherish.
AI Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by a human editor.