Of course, supply is limited in these areas,
which keeps prices stable. Recent sales
include a large character family house on
the Boulevards (close to the school) as well
as two houses in the sought after Le Bouscat
neighbourhood."
Chinese investors have bought nearly 150
vineyards around Bordeaux since 2008,
but this trend came to a sudden halt when
the Chinese government issued stricter
corporate governance guidelines.
Elsewhere in rural France there have been
plenty of high-end sales in the last 24 months.
There are many historically significant
country estates spread throughout France,
which have attracted both domestic and
international buyers. Leggett Prestige has
sold two wonderful châteaux in Normandy
over the last two years, and high-end
buyers have also been actively purchasing
equestrian properties in the region.
Lesley Okey tells us: "There is huge interest
in equestrian properties, particularly from
buyers in the UK, Holland, and Belgium. We
have a mix of profitable stud farms, riding
schools and equestrian centres for sale.
They are considered a good investment as
France is the world leader in horse breeding
and is the top exporter of horses to other
parts of the world. Le Pin National Stud is
the most famous, and is the rearing ground
for 40% of all French racehorses."
Further south, Toby Knight works in a
prestigious location called the "valley
of the five châteaux", nestled on the
Dordogne river. His story could be
replicated by many of our agents across
the country. He tells us:
"I recently sold a prestigious stone property,
built around 1640, with direct views and
river frontage of the Dordogne. It was an
international buyer who signed a compromis
de vente without even visiting the property.
This is not unprecedented; buyers want
quality and exceptional locations and these
are both things that we can offer in spades.
I also sold what was in effect a small village of
5 houses and 4 apartments, with swimming
pool and a tennis court set within an estate
of 50 acres. The buyers were a Brazilian/
French couple looking to experience the
quality of life that we are so famous for."
My garden is my
most beautiful
masterpiece.
Claude Monet
" THE REST OF FRANCE