Robert and Eileen Stansfield are proof that with a bit of hard work and commitment, you really can still make a living from running a B&B in France, despite gloom-mongers saying the idea is old hat and the market is saturated.

After turning their backs on busy working lives in the UK – Eileen running the couple’s nursing home and Robert working in retail, the Stansfields moved with their two youngest children from Ilkley in Yorkshire to south-west France, where in 2008 they opened their B&B.

Today the Stansfields’ 18th-Century property – a former wine store, completely restored in 2007 – near Royan on the Gironde estuary consists of five en-suite guest rooms and separate accommodation with three bedrooms where Robert and Eileen live. The property also boasts its own lake, pool and a large garden, which is what attracts a lot of the guests, who tend to be young creative types and more mature couples who come to relax.

Currently the Stansfields charge €90 a night from April to June and in September, and €120 a night during July and August, the busiest months of the year. When it comes to earning a living from the business, Robert comments: “We turned over about €25,000 in the first year and €67,000 in the second year – you can live off that. In my opinion, the business has the potential to achieve a turnover of €80,000-€100,000.”

The couple’s experience of running a nursing home meant they were more than familiar with how to look after people. Complementing their experience, to drive business they promote themselves in upmarket guides and on-line but also get business by word-of-mouth. A couple of years ago they featured in a French TV programme as one of the six best B&Bs in Charente Maritime.

As for advice to anyone thinking of opening a similar business, Robert says: “Everyone knows how to make beds and how to make breakfast – if you want upmarket clientele then you need to be able to make very good beds and breakfasts. It’s not rocket science but the ability to be organised and social is always useful.” Eileen adds: “If you have a unique or interesting house then that’s an advantage, as is living in an interesting area – it all adds up to the reasons why people want to visit.”

To help set them get started, the Stansfields read books about running a B&B. Once up and running, they recommend adding your own personal touches as you go along – everyone will do things slightly differently. “It can be hard work but it is worth it for the people you get to meet along the way,” says Robert. “You also need to be able to take criticism well, as your idea of a great stay might not meet everyone’s tastes. In short, give it a try and you’ll probably love it.”

Unfortunately, ill health means the Stansfields are having to sell their B&B. If you’re interested in taking over the couple’s successful business, you can find out more by contacting the English-speaking agency Beaux Villages on 00 33 556 714 078 or visiting www.beauxvillages.co.uk. Beaux Villages will also be at The France Show, the French lifestyle and property exhibition taking place at London’s Earls Court from 13th-15th January. Also on their stand (No. 153) will be Smart Currency Exchange, the currency specialist who could help you save money when you transfer your pounds to euros when you purchase or move to France.

For details of more properties for sale in France, visit the France listings on Rightmove Overseas.

To understand the full step-by-step process to buying a property in France, collect The Overseas Guides Company’s ‘France Property Buying Guide’