Caroline Hawley meets collector of vintage and antique handbags
Bargain Hunt is back on BBC One with Caroline Hawley offering her expert advice to the amateur teams. Besides her passion for antiques, she has also previously spoken about her love of France.
She even studied for a degree in French at the University of Hull. Her degree has been put to good use as she has been renting out a stunning farmhouse in La Chapelle-Près-Sées.
The 18th century property comes with its own private heated pool and its own grounds. There is also a gym and sauna area, table tennis and it can sleep up to 10 people.
The house is set in its own four-acre plot and is furnished with antiques throughout. The kitchen even has its own original bread oven.
Caroline, who is married to former professional footballer John and has two grown-up sons, explained the history of the property on vrbo.com, where it is listed to rent.
She explained how she had spent seven years restoring the farmhouse, adding: "This has been both great fun and a great challenge.
"There was no electricity, water or glass in many of the windows, guests will be pleased to know that we now have all three in abundance and lots more besides."
On why they made the decision to rent the home, she said: "John and I have spent quite a lot of time in France over the last few years but the demands of the business mean that we need to spend more time in England therefore we have decided to rent out the house.
"My family, friends and I adore spending time here."
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On why she chose the property, Caroline complemented the area on its "plentiful rivers and forests, abundant wildlife and delicious regional produce".
She added: "There is a quality of life which we seem to have lost in England. Life seems to move at a slower pace, allowing people to have time for each other."
The expert opened up on her life away from the UK, saying she loved spending her free time hunting down bargains in France.
She even said if she had not taken up a career in antiques, she would have lived in France, saying: "If I were allowed a second choice it would be a fashion designer, living and working in Paris."
Bargain Hunt airs on BBC One on weekdays at 12.15pm
