Well, our options were looking so bleak in good old Bromley (love it, really!) that I had a mega trawl on t'internet looking for property to let (as per previous french property thread) and stumbled across a gem with a great abundance of long term private lets.
Some are just winter, some all year round but the big plus being that we don't have to get some French guarantor or pay for two years up front as security. Cut the red tape.
So, at the click of a button I could secure myself somewhere for the rest of this year and beyond for a mere £400 per month - with pool -in Poitou Charente or adjacent regions! I am so chuffed I am falling off my chair and unable to consider going to bed (note hour of posting!).
We currently pay £1200 per month for a 3 bed titchy place.
Am I dreaming?
Will let you know when I have goat and you can come round for tea and acreage appreciation despite the fact you will be several hours away 
Watch this space, or the one in that topic where you are supposed to post this foreign living stuff...oops!