California Couple Finds Retirement Freedom in France’s Dordogne Valley
A growing number of Americans are seeking a more affordable adn fulfilling retirement abroad, and for one California couple, that dream became a reality in the picturesque Dordogne Valley of France. after five years living in France, Debra and Eric Stillwell, both in their 60s, are enjoying a relaxed lifestyle made possible by considerably lower living costs and a long-held aspiration to retire in Europe.
The High Cost of the Golden Years in California
For Eric, a former script coordinator for Star Trek and employee of Disney, and Debra, a retired medical centre education director, the prospect of retirement in Los Angeles felt increasingly out of reach. “The problem was, when we were living in Los Angeles, we couldn’t afford to retire early and still pay off the mortgage and pay off all of the debts,” Eric, 62, explained. The couple, who met at a Star Trek convention in 1995, found themselves burdened by debt and a mortgage, making early retirement an impossibility. Debra added that she would have likely had to continue working for decades had they remained in the United States.
Inspired by a Mother’s Early Retirement
The couple’s desire to retire in Europe was initially sparked by Debra’s mother, who took early retirement and declared it the best decision of her life. This inspired them to explore options beyond the United States, ultimately leading them to consider France. While Italy was initially on their radar, a pivotal 2013 wine cruise to Bordeaux changed their course.
A Serendipitous Finding in the Dordogne
During the cruise,a stay in Saint-Émilion ignited a love for the Dordogne region. Around the same time, Debra retired from her position and Eric left his role at Disney. This confluence of events prompted them to take the leap and pursue a life abroad. They sold their California home,cleared all debts,and moved to France debt-free.
Affordable Living and a New Lifestyle
the Stillwells purchased a chalet-style house in the Résidence Souillac Golf & Country Club in Dordogne for approximately €70,000 (₹72 lakh). They currently reside in France on long-stay visas,renewed annually. Their new life is a stark contrast to their previous struggles. They now spend their afternoons exploring cobblestone streets, visiting open-air markets, and discovering historic castles. Occasional trips to Bordeaux allow Debra to visit her favorite museum, the Cité de la Vin.
Healthcare and Financial Considerations
Financial considerations, particularly healthcare costs, were paramount in their decision. Both Debra and Eric are diabetic, and the cost of medical insurance in the US was a significant concern. According to CNN, Debra stated that medical insurance would have cost them over $500 per month each at the time, and likely more now. Eric calculated that he would have needed to work until age 85 to retire comfortably in California.
Debra had hoped to apply for French citizenship, but recent rule changes now prevent retirees with foreign income from doing so. despite this setback, the couple is content with their current situation. “everybody thinks that Americans living in France are all rich, and that’s not true. Our house cost 70,000 euros. We aren’t rich,” Eric emphasized, challenging the common perception of affluent American expats.
The Stillwells’ story highlights the growing appeal of international retirement for Americans seeking a more affordable and fulfilling lifestyle. Their journey demonstrates that a cozy retirement abroad is attainable, even without significant wealth, through careful planning and a willingness to embrace a new culture.
