Agent of the month – Dawn Gregg in the Dordogne

What does a typical day as a Leggett Agent entail?
Is there any such thing as a typical Leggett day? One of the things about this job is that every day is different and you are never quite sure what you will discover. I aim to be in front of my computer at 8am each morning to deal with overnight emails and catch up and generally out with clients from 9am. Some days it is back to back appointments with assorted clients looking at anything from a tumble down barn to a majestic chateau. The job can be complex as it is not only showing properties but also dealing with diagnostics, heads  down fosse septiques, searching for grease traps and drainage pipes and dealing with town halls and notaires to chase up paperwork. There is also time spent with tradesmen looking over and quoting for work on properties for clients.

What is your favorite place in the area that you cover? What do you like most about your area?
I am based in the Perigord Vert which is ever popular with foreign and domestic tourists. One of the most popular places is Brantome, which is undeniably one of the most beautiful towns in France and known as the Venice of the Perigord. The town itself is an island surrounded by the Dronne river. you can hire a canoe and paddle all the way round or take a longer trip downstream to the village of Bourdeilles. I never tire of visiting Brantome and it is always a pleasure to introduce clients to the town who have never been before. With many it is love at first sight. There are plenty of bars and cafes to enjoy a glass of something and soak up the atmosphere. During the summer there is even a river jousting competition on Friday nights!

What were you doing before you joined Leggett?
Before moving to France I was a photo journalist but moved here as a full time mum. I have been working  for Leggett for 8 years and can still say it is a pleasure to discover some of the stunning properties we have for sale in the region.
What is the funniest / weirdest request you ever had?
We get some weird and wonderful requests from clients and I am often asked for a property in the Dordogne near the sea – difficult as we are a land locked department. We do however have plenty of leisure lakes so for those who love water, all is not lost!

What is the most unusual house you mandated?
Every property here is different and each has it’s own merits. I was lucky enough to mandate a chateau which has never been sold since it”s construction in the 11th century and is still owned by members of the same family. It was quite overwhelming as I stepped in to the vast entrance hall and it felt a little like stepping in to a private museum.
What do you like best about your job?
The best part of the job is helping people realise their dreams and matching the right person with the right property. Being part of the local community I often bump in to my buyers and am regularly invited to see the renovations they have done. It is lovely to share their journey with them and makes the long hours and hard work worthwhile.

Please click here to see Dawn’s portfolio of properties.