About France Unlocked
Hi, I’m Amelia — originally from Harrogate, England, but France has felt like home ever since I moved here at the age of nine. I’ve spent over 20 years living between the Dordogne and Lot-et-Garonne, and now live in the peaceful countryside near Biron. From wildflower walks and sunny market mornings to long lunches and the occasional cocktail with friends, I truly love this part of France — and I genuinely enjoy helping others feel at home here too.
After school, I completed a two-year French secretarial course, training in administration, letter writing, and computer skills — all of which come in handy now as I help others navigate French paperwork and official processes. I’m bilingual, deeply rooted in the region, and happiest when I’m helping people settle in and feel more confident in their new life.
For over 12 years, I’ve looked after second homes and holiday properties across the region — organising everything from deep cleans and guest prep to tradespeople and storm checks. I treat every home with care and attention, and many of my clients say the biggest relief is simply knowing someone trustworthy is nearby.
Alongside that, I’ve always found myself supporting friends and neighbours with everyday admin — making phone calls, setting up appointments, translating letters, or just unravelling the complicated bits of life in France. There’s nothing better than seeing someone’s relief when something tricky is finally sorted.
That’s what inspired me to create France Unlocked — a warm, personal service that brings together everything I love: supporting others, caring for properties, solving problems, and helping people feel at ease.
Today, I offer a blend of concierge, property management, and personal assistant services — alongside two things especially close to my heart: cat care (a true passion!) and independent property research for people house-hunting from afar. Whether it’s visiting a potential home on your behalf, making security checks on your property, or helping register your healthcare, I’m here to take the pressure off.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, short on time, or just need a calm, capable pair of hands — I’d love to help. For me, this isn’t just work; it’s about trust, kindness, and helping you feel confident, cared for, and at home in this beautiful part of France.
Working Together With Sue
For some services like cleaning, property checks, cat care and light admin support, I often work together with my mum, Sue, who is also a registered micro-entrepreneur. We’ve worked side by side for years, and we share the same values when it comes to being reliable, practical, and paying attention to the little details.
Sue has lived in southwest France for more than 20 years and knows what it takes to look after a home here. She’s calm, capable, and has a real gift for keeping everything running smoothly. She notices the small things that make a difference, and you can always count on her to see a job through properly.
She’s affectionately known by us, as the queen of organisation — she loves labelling everything, creating logical, beautifully organised systems in the home, and bringing order to even the most chaotic cupboards. A tidy space, a well-written list, and a plan that runs like clockwork are her idea of joy.
One client even said her help with organisation had “genuinely changed her life.”
Animals hold a special place in her heart, especially cats. She’s known for chatting to them as she works, and her gentle, caring presence always seems to put both pets and people at ease.
Outside of work, Sue enjoys the slower pace of life here, spending time with her daughters, and relaxing with a good gin & tonic after a busy day.
She’s someone people feel comfortable trusting with their homes, and together, we make a great team.