In Part 2 of this series, Oliver Phillips of PFS France (http://www.propertyforsalefrance.co.uk/) takes a look at common approaches to financing french property purchases.

So you've found your perfect home, you know area, people, and you've appointed your own Notary. You've also had an independent valuation and will be getting property surveyed to make sure you understand what you are buying?

Your next thought is likely to be financing? Generally, you might look to finance your purchase in one of two ways; either using equity in a UK property by way of remortgage or by taking out a second mortgage on French property. Both methods are subject to exchange rate risk but in different ways.

Welcome to Sketchandtravel.com and Bookpleasures.com Bethany and thanks for accepting our invitation to be interviewed.

NORM:

Please tell our readers something about yourself and your expertise pertaining to New England States.

Bethany:

My pleasure, Norm. Thanks for invitation. I grew up in New England, with family about region, so I had travelled quite a bit of area from early on. I lived near Thoreau's Walden Pond cabin, summered in a cabin in Lakes Region of New Hampshire, and have always been fond of exploring rivers, ocean, mountains and woods in every season. However, while writing New England Cabins & Cottages I was constantly surprised and amazed by beauty of area I thought I knew so well, and I fell in love with it all over again.

NORM:

Where are New England states?

Bethany:

New England is made up of six most northeastern states in United States: Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. It is bordered by Canada, New York, and Atlantic Ocean.

NORM:

Why would you consider a stay in a cabin or cottage in New England states a good choice for a romantic getaway or honeymoon destination?

Bethany:

Well, added privacy is obvious, but it's also easier to feel part of natural area you are in when you are in a cabin or cottage than when you're in some anonymous hotel room. When your natural area could include crashing waves, blinking lighthouses, mountain top vistas, or astounding fall foliage, this connection to your surroundings really adds to exuberance of your visit. Imagine you are in a characterless hotel somewhere and forecast is for pouring rain you may feel trapped or depressed. Imagine you are in a cabin, and you feel like you have a great excuse to stay under blankets with your significant other!

When I married this summer, I rented an old summer camp. My guests played in lake, ate, danced in main lodge, and stayed over in cabins. Everyone had a deliriously childlike and cozy experience. Cabins and cottages allow for that nice combination of carefree enthusiasm, us-against-the-elements adventuring spirit, and romance somehow. (And it doesn't hurt that many of them have fireplaces, wood stoves, or hot tubs.)

NORM:

When is best time to visit New England states from point of view of weather, costs, crowds, and availability of flights from USA, Canada and Europe and Australia, etc?

Bethany:

New England is extremely accessible its biggest airport is in Boston, Massachusetts, but there are also major airports in most of states. Since dollar is not at its best, it has made US a less expensive trip for many visitors.

My favorite season here is fall and not just for bright colors of trees. There is that magical snap in crisp air that adds excitement to bundling up and lessens your inhibitions about feasting in a season of roasts and apple pies. While masses flock to Vermont, Massachusetts Berkshire Hills, and White Mountains of New Hampshire to "leaf peep" as we say, try heading to Maine. Fall is one of least crowded and most beautiful times to visit Acadia National Park, for instance. (And let's face it; you never were planning on swimming while on Maine coast if you went during summer anyway, brrr.) By way, seafood is great here year round, and some lobstermen in Maine do not even put their boats in water until its cold out.

NORM:

If you had to choose 5 unequalled venues in New England states for a romantic getaway, honeymoon or wedding destination, what would they be and why?

Bethany:

Tough question, Norm! There are so many. I'll name some off top of my head.