I moved to Basse Copette at the beginning of 2005 from England. Before that I taught archaeology at the University of Manchester (before that at the University of Southampton). I trained as an archaeologist in South Africa – specialising in prehistoric art of Africa and Europe. I am still an active researcher, and greatly enjoy being a more independent scholar. This allows me much more freedom to do what I enjoy most, such as offering guided tours of the archaeology, art and architecture of France. My research has featured in a number of made-for-TV documentaries, including for the BBC and Channel 4.

Reproducing prehistoric art in South Africa

A very amusing incident happened to one of my guests. A family Basse Copette for a weeks holiday, and then a week later James went on a business trip to America. He boards the plane, after take off has the in-flight meal, and then decides to watch one of the documentaries on offer. James settles back with a drink and the programme starts … and up pops my head and voice. He did have the good grace to say “Was nice to see you again.”

I greatly enjoy running the B&B and the self-catering cottage at Basse Copette. I love cooking, and am learning a bit more about gardening. 2009 is going to be the year for the veggie garden, and am hoping to be able to offer guests fresh, home-grown veg on a regular basis. If the comments from the visitors’s book are anything to go by, I think one thing I can gauge is the level of interaction guests want from me. I have taken guests to see some of my favourite attractions in the are, and I have even taught some of the children some basic cooking. But I have also known when guests want a private week (or weekend on their own).

Teaching a budding young chef to make Normandy apple tart