When Doug bought a run-down villa in the South of France in 2002 he imagined it would be a part-time twenty year renovation project to keep him amused while he continued his IT career in London. However one year into the re-development he discovered he'd stumbled across an area and a way of life he couldn't resist.

He soon quit the rat-race and moved down to Saint Quentin lock stock and barrel. He would shortly be joined by Lynn who had given up a career in banking in London to join this adventure. They have now been running the villa as a summer-holiday home for four years. Having established the rental business they have been running activity holidays from their villa in Saint Quentin la Poterie since early 2005.

After the success of the cycling holidays, and by popular demand, they have begun running Painting & Pottery and Cuisine & Wine-tasting holidays.

Doug is a very keen cyclist and will often be seen exploring the area on two wheels. Lynn is the head-chef of the partnership and will often be found wandering local markets searching for ingredients and ideas for new recipes.