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The Owners

Bonjour, Welcome,
We are James (Manchester), Olivia (Perpignan), Sienna (6yrs) and Charlie (3yrs) Alberti. We are an Anglo -Francophone family.

Between us both, we have over 35 years' experience in the hotel, restaurant and tourism sector throughout Europe with both family- run businesses and large chain hotels.

In the early part of 2019, we decided to become the owners of the Ferme Du Cayla in Linac in the Lot region of France. It seemed a great opportunity to purchase a business that was ideal both for our family and personal life. With our knowledge of the relevant sector as well as our knowledge of both the UK and French markets we believe that we are well placed for the challenge to become the best rural family holiday resort in France.

The Owners

Our children adore the farm and enjoy welcoming other children on site and with all the games, activities and services that we provide.

Our objective at the Ferme Du Cayla is to offer you the most complete family holiday or rental (depending on the season).

During the summer months meticulous planning goes into making your family holiday your best yet.

With the creche, kids club, yoga, massages, meditation classes, Pilates, local cuisine, private lake, our own animals and even a private spa we really feel that we have everything to offer on our domain to give you the very best French family holiday.

From September through to the end of May we offer the cottages on a self-catering or bed & breakfast basis. There is a minimum stay depending on the dates and we provide specific packages during the school holidays such as Christmas, Easter and summer – keep an eye out and up to date on all the packages on our Facebook and Instagram profiles…

The Owners James

I grew up in the North west of England in a restaurant / hotel family business. An Italian father and a Scottish mother (feisty family gatherings!!) saw that I was brought up with strong values and an uncompromising work ethic.
My parents came from different cultural backgrounds and religious beliefs. I know now how rich this was for my sister and I as children.
I was 13, and on a Saturday night I was allowed to work for Dad in the hotel... I had my place where I would stand on top of two overturned Schweppes crate so I was at a perfect height to make cappuccinos for the whole restaurant. My nick-name was “Cappuccino Kid” – I loved every second of those nights. I studied Hotel and Catering Management at Manchester University and studied the equivalent at the University of Barcelona… another language added to the hard disk…I had the chance to study French , but was adamant that I would never want to learn French or live in France!

I somehow then moved into the financial recruitment sector in Manchester and London where after 10 years I purchased an old farmhouse for a complete renovation in the South of France for a sabbatical year. Time out was needed!!

Well, it was in the depths of winter on the Mediterranean coast where this elegant local lady, sheltered me from the wind and changed the direction of my life. She pointed out the important things in life, the things that matter. In a two-week period at 33 years of age I left my home, family, friends, career and a place where I knew where everything was – for a new adventure. It was and is still hard at times, but the fantastic journey is continuing – two children, two dogs and La Ferme Du Cayla later... I consider myself extremely lucky.

James xx

The Owners Olivia

I'm a mix of many cultures and origins. My main aim in life has always been to travel and meet people. Having had a rural upbringing I adore the smaller things in life.

From parents of mixed French and Moroccan origin, I was born in Israel where they chose to settle.
However, the continuing unsettled military situation persuaded my parents to return to France.
So, I grew up in the south of France in Marseille and Perpignan. I studied hotel management with the dream of one day working in the International hotel industry.

From a young age, I discovered the world of tourism and trade thanks to my parents who ran temporary market stands on the tourist markets on the Mediterranean coast. That was an experience that would determine my choice of career.
A wonderful university experience in England gave me the secret ambition to meet Prince William of England and move to London. However, the British weather (and Kate...) having got the better of my dream, I returned to work in the luxury hotel business in the sunshine of the Mediterranean coastline in Canet en Roussillon.

My 15-year experience as sales and event director of a group of 10 hotels has allowed me to develop my professional and personal skills.
Unexpectedly, it was in a small village in the south of France that my British / Italian consort appeared in front of me! Years on with two children, two dogs and the Ferme Du Cayla... Well... with hard work, positivity, dedication and a big smile – anything is possible!

Olivia xx