Property in France - the lowdown on Burgundy
What is the cheapest property you have on your books right now?
We currently have a 250-year-old town house for sale in Châtillon-sur-Seine in Côte-d’Or It is in need of complete renovation and comprises entrance hall, kitchen, two rooms and convertible attic and is on the market for €9,000 (£6,792).
What is the most unusual property you have sold?
That would probably have to be a property we nicknamed Noah’s Ark for the number of unusual pets the owners kept inside the house! In particular, there was a huge black Chinese pig answering to the name of Charlotte who always hogged the fireplace every time we had a viewing. In addition, most windows had to be kept open to let the swallows in and out as they were nesting on the beams in the sitting room.
What is the most unusual request you have had from a client?
An American gentleman once walked into our office requiring a ‘small’ house of 300m² habitable, with ‘small’ grounds of no more than 5 or 6 hectares – and for a ‘small’ price of no more than half a million euros!
How much would you expect to pay for:
- a detached property with land in good condition?
A good value-for-money detached property currently on our books is a five-bedroom farmhouse with a lot of character and 3,000m² of land, going for €160,000 (£120,763).
- a three-bedroom town house?
A three-bedroom town house in good condition but with no garden will fetch between €140,000 (£105,668) and €160,000 (£120,763). For a garden, add an extra €30,000 (£22,643).
- a renovation opportunity?
We have a 200-year-old village house comprising kitchen, living room with fireplace, three bedrooms, convertible attic, small outbuilding and back garden. It is available for €61,000 (£46,041).
Is there a typical architecture or style in Côte-d’Or?
Barns in need of complete renovation are especially popular with British buyers; they are sought after for their beautiful oak beam structures and thick stone walls. The traditional Châtillon farmhouse derives its cachet from the local quarries that, for centuries, have provided beautiful limestone flooring and large white or cream fireplaces.
Why do British people buy property in this area?
The Châtillonnais area is relatively undiscovered and offers attractive prices for those seeking an easy-to-reach holiday home or an active retirement. Countless unspoilt forests and gentle streams provide an ideal location for hiking, bird-watching, fishing or cycling while fine châteaux are the perfect backdrop to a picture postcard landscape. A pleasant climate – long hot summers and cold but dry, short winters – enhances the excellent quality of life to be experienced here.
What advice would you give to somebody who is thinking of buying in Côte-d’Or?
Do make sure that you understand the various phases of the property-buying process. Your French-language skills should also be up to the task; if not, ensure that you choose a bilingual agent. Do not embark on a renovation project unless you have done it before: it is hard enough dealing with contractors at home, let alone abroad!
What are your predictions for the property market in Burgundy?
After five buoyant years, the market slowed down in 2007 and we are not expecting that trend to change in 2008. Interest rates going up have had the double-edged effect of restricting access to property for the average French buyer while stopping the rise in prices experienced over the past few years. Now is a good time for the British buyer to purchase in this area, with better-than-ever value for money.
Is your area easy to reach?
At the crossroads of Champagne and Burgundy, Châtillon-sur-Seine has excellent road connections, making it ideal for property owners travelling from the UK. The N71 passes through from Troyes to Dijon and the A5 is within easy reach. Paris and Lyon are two hours away and the Channel ports are a five-hour drive. By air, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Lyon airports are equidistant and just over a two-hour drive. By train, the Châtillonnais is served by the TGV with the journey time to London via Lille being five hours and to Paris 1h15.
What local attractions are there in Côte-d’Or?
The Châtillonnais forest is an area of great natural beauty; it is classified as a Natural Ecological Zone and offers unique flora and fauna. Around Châtillon itself, you will find many sites of historical interest: medieval towns and villages, archaeological remains, the rolling vineyards of the renowned Crémant de Bourgogne and, of course, countless local produce fairs throughout the year.
What is your favourite corner of the department?
Without hesitation, the abbey of Fontenay – one of the oldest Cistercian monasteries in Europe and a World Heritage site – and the stunning valley where it is situated.
Contact details:
89 IMMOBILIER
37 rue du Maréchal de Lattre
21400 Châtillon-sur-Seine
Tel: 00 33 (0)3 80 91 15 24
www.89immo.com