At 30, she took out a loan for two houses and a lake: now she earns 140,000 euros a year renting it as a tourist refuge

At 30, Alice Delvar embarked on an ambitious project, securing a 300,000 euro bank loan to purchase a property featuring two houses and a private lake in southwestern France. The land, located in Lot-et-Garonne, was acquired in 2026 for 370,000 euros, excluding notary fees.

Delvar's vision is to transform the three-hectare plot into a diverse tourist retreat. The plan includes floating cabins, rooms for temporary stays, small dwellings, and a dedicated space for retreats and events. The main house, measuring 70 square meters, will serve as her primary residence, while the second, larger house of 130 square meters with four bedrooms, is designated for shared accommodation.

To fund the extensive renovations and additions, Delvar raised an additional 215,000 euros through private loans from 48 individuals. These agreements carry a 4% annual interest rate over five years. She leveraged social media platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram, sharing project progress and business model details to attract investors, many of whom she already knew.

While the initial bank loan covered a significant portion of the purchase, the private funding was crucial for the transformation. Delvar anticipates reaching an annual turnover of 140,000 euros by 2028, once all planned units are operational. For the first year of operation, starting April 2026, she expects to generate around 40,000 euros, even as construction continues.