| | Nancy Wood, Independent Agent, says: | | This is the perfect property for those wanting to retire to the south of France, and who also want to earn a bit of income without working too hard. There is a generously sized 3 bedroom house with an attached 1 bedroom apartment ready to rent out to the many tourists who flock here year after year. And bring a few of those special treasures you've collected over the years, pop them on display in the little shop-front and earn some extra pin money. | This is by far the best renovation that I've seen. One can't imagine how one could improve on the style and finish of this property. Everything about it is top quality and it is immediately evident that this restoration was a labour of love. It is elegant yet comfortable and inviting.
With so much to discover among the wonders of this region, you don't want to be tied to a large property and garden. You're coming to the south of France to soak up all that it has to offer. That doesn't mean that you have to settle for some small rustic village property. This house is the perfect balance between space and easy maintenance. The house is small enough to be manageable for an active couple without taking up valuable time, better spent out and about. But it is also large enough to accommodate your friends who are sure to visit. The 3-foot thick stone walls will keep you cool in the heat of the summer, and the central heating will keep you cosy in winter. The house has a dining room, good size living room and a beautiful and practical kitchen, plus 3 double bedrooms, a bathroom with a proper Jacuzzi spa, a separate shower room and 3 toilets. At the top of the stairs is a reading room-cum-office. And there's even a small but charming (and I must add romantic!) roof terrace where you will no doubt enjoy that evening G&T after a satisfying day out.
The apartment, situated on the ground floor, is fully self-contained with its own separate entrance. It is an ideal gite to rent out during the popular summer months but, with its central heating, it can easily be let during the equally popular Christmas period. The open plan living, dining and kitchen is comfortable and well proportioned to a one-bedroom flat. There is a large built-in wardrobe in the double bedroom, which also boasts an ensuite bathroom and toilet
Both the house and apartment have been let as holiday accommodation for the first time this year, but it is already proving to be a good earner. Should you wish to capitalise on the momentum already established, the current owner will include the website and forward bookings for the property.
The small, attached shop-front is currently a brocante (antique shop) usually open only on weekends. It was interesting, though, when the owner opened up to show me the shop, there were immediately people coming in to have a look around. It's the type of operation that you could run at your leisure. In fact I know of few brocantes in the Languedoc who actually have regular opening hours.
The property is located in a beautifully romantic village, nestled at the base of the Montagne Noire. and boasts its own 7th century abbey. The entire village is listed as a historic site and renovations are under the direction of Batiment de France, something you need not worry about since all the renovations are complete. Once a walled medieval village, it has managed to maintain its historic architectural beauty without becoming touristy. It offers excellent examples of renaissance architecture amidst tiny winding streets and strolling around the village is a popular pastime for tourists.
The climate here is Mediterranean; the surrounding rolling countryside offers endless vistas of vineyards and ancient stone walls zigzagging the hillsides. The village itself is lively with a celebrated gourmet restaurant, wine tasting caves, various artists in residence and the abbey which hosts classical concerts Friday evenings throughout the summer months.
The surrounding area offers many exceptional tourist attractions within 10-30 minutes from the property. This is the mysterious land of the Cathares with ruined castles, 1000 year old churches, fortified cities and roman villages and ruins. The largest fortified city in Europe "La Cite'' in Carcassonne is spectacular and is only twenty minutes from the village. Another Cathare stronghold, the Chateau Lastours, is just 15 minutes. Signposted walking tracks leave the village and climb into the Montagne Noire passing through vineyards and olive groves. Ranging from one hour to all day walks, these are a great way to explore the Mediterranean countryside. The surrounding area also boasts some wonderful restaurants located beside the famous Canal du Midi, overlooking the vineyards or hidden in the mountains.
| Print property details | Call us on 08700 11 51 51 | MORTGAGE: €1627/month* |
Head Office: Maison de Chapitre, Route de Riberac, 24340 La Rochebeaucourt, FRANCE
| | * + deposit + fees -- ask for details (This example = 20 years at 5.50% TEG) | Property or houses for sale in France by the French estate agents | | RCS Perigueux B 434 086 930 N° de TVA FR 09434086930 Selon la loi du 2 janvier 1970, cartes professionnelles TI N° 361 délivrée par la Préfecture de la Dordogne
Adhérant N° 23 420 G à la Caisse de Garantie de la F.N.A.I.M. 89 rue de la Boètie 75008 Paris |
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| |  | | | | €262,150 - | Haute Vienne | | | |  | | | | €170,000 - | Gironde | | | |  | | | | €424,000 - | Aude | | | |  | | | | €530,000 - | Gironde | | | |  | | | | €395,000 - | Aude | | | |  | | | | €50,000 - | Aude | | | |  | | | | €53,900 - | Loire Atlantique | | | |  | | | | €199,800 - | Charente | | | |  | | | | €235,400 - | Manche | | | |  | | | | €140,000 - | Vienne | |
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