Two years after the purchase: the reasons for the blockage of work in this declining holiday village

The holiday village of Ker Al Lann, located in Guitté, is a glaring example of the challenges encountered when rehabilitating declining spaces. Two years after its acquisition by a young couple, Julia and Brian, the ambitious plans for the revival of this site, overlooking the Rance, seem to be stagnating. This article explores the reasons for this blockage, between administrative difficulties and funding issues.

The story of a hopeful purchase

Almost two years ago, Julia and Brian made a radical shift by leaving a comfortable life in the United States to embark on the adventure of rehabilitating an abandoned holiday village. With its 22 hectares and numerous facilities, the Ker Al Lann site promised endless opportunities. However, the harsh reality of rehabilitation quickly set in, thwarting their initial ambitions.

Administrative constraints

One of the main obstacles to the rehabilitation of the holiday village lies in the administrative complexities that such an undertaking entails. Julia quickly realized that, since the area is classified as ‘classified wooded area’, any attempt to renovate existing structures was blocked by strict regulations. To overcome this obstacle, the couple took steps to obtain the declassification of the area, a process that took a whole year.

Bureaucratic delays

Despite the efforts of Julia and Brian, bureaucratic delays significantly slowed the process. Subject to impact studies and environmental regulations, the rehabilitation of Ker Al Lann faces long and uncertain timelines. A situation that raises frustrations and concerns, both for the new owners and the local community, who hoped for a quick revival of the site.

Funding challenges

In parallel, the funding of the project turned out to be another major challenge. The rehabilitation of the holiday village requires a colossal budget of around 6 million euros. Although the Bank of Territories proposes to provide 75% of this amount, it imposes demanding conditions. The need to recruit an investor experienced in the real estate sector and to find a developer to carry the project further complicates the situation.

Searching for new partners

Faced with these requirements, Julia and Brian find themselves in a delicate position. Not only do they have to restart the design work with their architect, but they also need to identify suitable financial partners capable of meeting the conditions set by the Bank of Territories. This crucial aspect of the project remains unclear, as finding these new investors takes time and is linked to the uncertainty of administrative processes.

Hopes for a better future

Despite these obstacles, Julia remains determined and continues to nurture hope for a better future for the holiday village. The presence of their small family on site, living in the fully renovated manager’s house, seems to bring a sense of renewal. However, the absence of work and tangible progress on the ground raises doubts about the realization of the initial projects.

A community in waiting

The local community is watching the situation with anticipation. Residents are aware of the importance of this holiday village for the economy and attractiveness of the region. The promises of rehabilitation, although optimistic, have yet to materialize. The lack of visibility regarding an opening date casts a shadow over hopes for revitalization.

In summary, the two years since the purchase of Ker Al Lann illustrate well the challenges at play in the renewal of declining spaces. Between administrative burdens and financial complexities, the path to the rehabilitation of a holiday village like this one seems strewn with obstacles.