Estate agent's view: Creuse, France
What’s the cheapest property you have on your books right now? Describe it.
We currently have an attractive small detached stone property for sale at €29,700 (£21,422). It is set in 0.7 acres of land in the countryside with lovely open views and is connected to mains electricity and water. There is still some modernising to be done on it but the end product would make a lovely holiday or full-time home.
What’s the most unusual property you have come across?
We have got a seventeenth-century castle on our books at the minute with a well-documented, historic past to it. It started life as a medieval stronghold and was rebuilt as a private residence under Louis XIII. The present owner has brought it up to date and added twenty-first century refinements – it’s on the market at €1,060,000 (£764,570).
What’s the most unusual request you’ve had from a client?
A British client was looking for a property with land as well as a runway and outbuildings for his aeroplane! He wanted somewhere where he could keep and operate his aircraft for his budget of €300,000 (£216,388).
How much would you expect to pay for:
A detached property with land in good condition?
In Creuse, you should expect to pay around €150,000 (£108,194) for something in good condition.
A three-bedroom town house?
You could find a town house for around €50,000 (£36,065) but it would need to be restored.
A renovation opportunity?
For a more sizeable project, you would need to budget €90,000 (£64,916).
Is there a typical architecture or style in Creuse?
We specialise in rural, stone properties with lots of character, from restoration projects to restored castles. Properties have a typical Creusois style with very sought-after features: granite stone walls, exposed wooden beams, high ceilings, open fireplaces and generous gardens.
Why do British people buy houses in your area?
Creuse is still an affordable area of France. It is very rural, has beautiful countryside, a low population density and the lowest crime rate in the country. There is hardly any traffic and the area is blessed with a mild climate and clean fresh air. In my opinion, it is one of the last places in France where time has stood still. Our agency has multilingual staff to help out our English-, Dutch- or German-speaking clients and we operate a free after-sales service that helps new homeowners settle in.
What advice would you give to somebody who is thinking of buying in Creuse?
We always give people the advice to take their time: view the area, compare properties and, most of all, do not rush!
What are your predictions for the property market in Creuse?
Here in Creuse, we expect the market to be stable for 2008.
Is your department easy to reach?
Creuse is located in the centre of France. There is easy access to Limoges airport which is served by the low-cost airlines, Flybe and Ryanair. There is also a good road and railway network connecting to the rest of France, Belgium, the UK, Spain and Italy. We have helped over 500 British families to find their dream home since 1993.
What local attractions are there in Creuse?
Creuse is a tranquil, rural department; it boasts vast lakes, enormous forests, open countryside, châteaux and other historic buildings. Most villages have a weekly farmers market and lively summer fêtes.
What’s your favourite corner of the department?
The town of Bourganeuf has a lot to offer. It is of historic importance, has all modern facilities such as cinema, supermarket, shops, doctors, vets, restaurants and bars yet nearby you’ll find quiet country roads and wide open spaces of farmland and forests. One of the largest lakes in France, Lac de Vassivière, is only 15 minutes away and is perfect for water sports enthusiasts.
Contact details:
Vert et Bleu Immobilier
1 rue de l’Arrier
23400 Bourganeuf
Tel: 00 33 (0)6 74 89 40 03
www.vertbleu-immo.com