“I'm passionate, enthusiastic and a bon vivant. An early riser and a bridge-builder, I've been advising and assisting my clients in French real estate for 35 years.”

Ward POPPE

Ward et Gerda Poppe-Notteboom vivent avec leur famille sur les 30 hectares des Huguets depuis 35 ans. Ils accueillent leurs hôtes dans leurs chambres d'hôtes.

Ward Poppe

From Ghent to the south-west of France: my trip to Huguets

There's nothing traditional about my path to the real estate profession. I grew up in a family of estate agents in Ghent, Belgium, where ecological values were central. Inspired by organic farming, I took a vocational training course in the Netherlands. Other students pointed out to me that the south-west of France would be an ideal place for my future. The beauty of the countryside and the richness of nature brought me and my family to this region, where we settled at the Domaine des Huguets. This estate is still our base and a place where I welcome clients to help them find the home of their dreams.

Notre base - le domaine Les Huguets - est un lieu où j'accueille les clients pour les aider à trouver la maison de leurs rêves.
Ward Poppe dans son champ de truffes (© Marieke Poppe)

From truffle field to dream home: my approach

My great passion is discovering authentic properties in south-west France. But sometimes I need a day off to recharge my batteries in my truffle field, in the company of my faithful dog Rumi.

For me, brokering is all about trust. It's the best energy I can receive as an estate agent, from both buyers and sellers. Often, everything falls into place at the right time, and I make sure that the agreement is satisfactory for both parties.

Thanks to the social skills I inherited from my home country, I'm able to negotiate in the right way. My experience in agriculture, horticulture and renovation enables me to guide buyers in a professional manner, from the first meeting to the handover of the keys - and even beyond.

“Trust is the best energy you can get as an estate agent, from both buyers and sellers. Things often come to us at the right time, and then it's time to close a good deal that satisfies both buyers and sellers.”

Ward POPPE

Living and working at Les Huguets: our home base in south-west France

For 35 years, I've lived with my family on the 30 hectares of Les Huguets. Here, guests are welcome in our guest rooms. On the estate, they can go hiking, relax and discover the region. And if you don't call me, it's because I'm probably in my truffle field or enjoying the end of the day with a glass of wine and my guitar.

Marieke Poppe

Portret Marieke Poppe

From marketing to MaisonsSud: a passion for France, wine and photography

After studying languages and economics in Toulouse, Brussels and Paris, I gained ten years' experience in marketing and communications, first with Thomas Cook, then with Oxfam World Shops and Oxfam Fairtrade. Campaigning for Fairtrade was a great job, and promoting Fairtrade wine was particularly enjoyable. Because of my passion for wine, I took the Sommelier-Conseil diploma at night school. In 2020, I moved back to France with my family, where I use my marketing experience and language skills (French, English, Dutch, Spanish, Italian) to promote the properties in an attractive way. Property photography has become a passion.

“Since 2020, I've been helping Maisonssud to describe and visualise its properties on its website and through other channels.”

Marieke POPPE