Ask the agent
What’s the cheapest property you have on your books right now? We’ve got something for €18,000 (£14,263) but it’s a complete renovation job as there is no roof and the rest is falling down. It’s in a great location in a pretty village but it needs a brave person to take this one on!
What’s the most unusual property you have sold in the past? We sold a house which was actually quite a normal farmhouse but with an extra special surprise in the garden – a London doubledecker bus! The husband fell in love with the bus and hardly even looked at the house.
What’s the most unusual request you’ve had from a client? I once got asked to help a client pitch a tent. This client had never camped before, couldn’t find the instructions for his new tent and of course had left it until after a long day viewing houses to make his request. It turned out to be the largest tent I have ever seen for one person with three bedrooms and a massive living space. He didn’t buy a house from us but he could have easily lived in the tent.
How much would you expect to pay for:
- a detached property with land in good condition?
For €250,000 (£198,098) you would get a good-sized farmhouse with around two acres of land.
a three-bedroom town house? We don’t have many town houses as this is mainly a rural area but if they do come on the market and are in good condition you can expect to pay over €200,000 (£158,478). A lot depends on whether it has a garden or not as you could pay quite a bit more if it does.
a renovation opportunity? You would need a budget of anything from €18,000 (£14,263) right up to €200,000 (£158,478). We have a pretty barn to renovate for under €100,000 (£79,239) with fantastic views of the Pyrenees.
Is there a typical architecture or style in your region? Yes, the Gascony farmhouse, usually with barns, is L-shaped. It looks like a child’s drawing of a house with four windows, a door in the middle and a chimney.
Why do British people buy houses in Gascony? It’s like the UK 50 years ago, with a slower pace of life, a sense of community and no traffic! Of course the weather is a big attraction. Our summers are long and hot and the winters are mild and short. Winter sports in the Pyrenees are very popular as it is less crowded and cheaper than the Alps.
Which areas do you cover? We cover Gascony which incorporates the following departments: Haute-Garonne (31), Gers (32) and Hautes-Pyrénées (65).
What advice would you give to somebody who is thinking of buying in Gascony? Things happen slowly here and you can’t rush it. Take it easy and enjoy the complete contrast to the UK. Sometimes it’s frustrating when you make a special visit to buy something only to find a notice on the door saying ‘on holiday, back in September’ but that’s part of the charm. Just relax and enjoy life in the slow lane.
What tips would you give to help people settle into life in the area? Learn to make jam and chutney as your neighbours will flood you with their surplus courgettes/apples/tomatoes etc and you can’t politely say no! Also, try to learn the language. The locals will try to help you but they do like to hear you attempt to speak their language even if they laugh at your attempts – in the nicest possible way of course.
What are your predictions for the property market in Gascony? It’s a good time to buy as vendors are often willing to consider lower offers. We have a good range of properties from renovations to châteaux so there is something for everyone.
Is Gascony easy to reach? Yes, apart from by boat!We have an advantage over a lot of other regions as Toulouse airport is our main airport and it is not likely to be affected by budget airlines cutting flights.
What are the regional specialities? Armagnac and foie gras are specialities of this area – and seven-course village meals that last for hours!
What local attractions are there in Gascony? The Pyrenees are obviously the main attraction in this region for skiing, walking, cycling and of course, the stunning views.
Describe Gascony in five words? Tranquil, rural, warm, accessible and friendly.
What’s your favourite corner of Gascony? All of it. I love the views of the mountains, the fields full of sunflowers and the empty roads.
Gascony Estate Agents 54/56 place de la Mairie 31350 Boulogne-sur-Gesse Tel: 00 33 (0)5 61 95 39 61 www.gasconyestateagents.com