For many people moving and looking for a property for sale in France, being in or close to a village is one of their top search requirements. There is something quite intimate about being part of a village – situated in the midst and centre of the daily life in southern France provides an instant insight in the community spirit. Speaking the French language is definitely one of the most important things to do. Even if you only speak a little French, do use it and your efforts will be much appreciated. The French love to hear the English try their language and many French people will agree with you, their language is “tres difficile”.

One way of making French friends and start integrating into the village life is to start going to the “Boulangerie and Boucherie” at the same time each day or at least regularly from the same place. This way you will see the same people and you will be recognised, it is also a good way of using your French! Purchasing “un pain” in France can take the average person quite some time when walking in the village, stopping off chatting to friends and acquaintances. Many French people do their socializing in the village streets and not in their homes, so if you want to get in with local go out onto the streets. Throughout the year, many French villages have various fetes, lotto’s and markets, it is a good idea to become involved in the village activities and be seen at the events.

Throughout France there are approximately 36,000 villages and it is undoubtedly the village way of life that defines France and its ‘savoir vivre’. To date, 152 villages are part of the association of the famous title “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” (The Most Beautiful Villages of France) which requires these villages to have less than 2000 habitants. There are also 27 other strict criteria based on things such as value, diversity, quality of architecture and a wish to create excellency in the village.

Kirsten Pollard, Homehunts manager for the Aquitaine, moved to France from London six years ago. She describes why for her and her family, village life was the best decision:

“Moving to the south of France is for many about a living a rural idyll, tucked away in the peace and quiet of the stunning countryside, but after spending our first summer living here in the coutryside, we decided that for daily living throughout the year, being in the village was our preferred option. Although I grew up in the countryside, having moved here from London, we liked to have the hubbub and sociability that living in the village has. We chose the village of Saint Cyprien, a medieval hillside village in the Dordogne valley that my partner knew from a child as his Grandfather had moved here in the seventies.

We live in the medeival quarter of the village and we have enjoyed being integrated as part of the community here, who are pleased to have people moving in, specially families with children ( we have 3), who add life to the quartier, and become substitute’s to their own children and grandchildren who have moved off to lead their lives elsewhere.

For many years the population of the villages was steadily decreasing, but now it appears that there has been a turn around and many more people moving in – both French from other parts of France and foreigners. The locals seem to appreciate that this influx brings new life to the village as they often renovate previously derelict houses, open businesses and shops, and put their children in the schools. We appreciate the authenticity of the village life here that is all year round, not just overcrowded in the summer. Here they really do live that mythical laid back southern French lifestyle, sitting on the bench in the sun literally all day chatting, and until they go to bed on summer evenings, are forever popping in and out of each other’s houses, and regularly get to together on the small ‘place’ at the top of the hill for the customary aperitif, as well as having an annual summer meal that the whole quartier is invited to. Our youngest, being born at home here ’sur place’ is definitely considered as having her place here – she is to the locals the mascot of the quartier!

There is another practical side to being in the village from the convenience point of you – everything is within walking distance – those strolls to the boulangerie in the morning sunshine are one of those blissful moments that I savour, and remind me I’m in France. The kids can walk to school by themselves and come back for lunch. The neighbours are always looking out for each other and there is a genuine sense of community, and the people do have a certain contentedness about them. We also get offered their freshly picked mushrooms in season and freshly caught fish from time to time! During the summer months we have a constant source of entertainment on our doorstep, be it watching the tourists walking up and down the hill and peering in our windows, or the various events that happen throughout the year. I would be lost without them.”

For those of you who love coffee table books – one particularly lovely book by Marie-France Boyer’ titled ‘Village Voices’ is a wonderful collection of stories and photographs which captures the charm of rural French villages.

Dordogne: St Cyprien

Beautiful and rare authentic town ‘chartreuse’ in sandstone set in centre of a popular medieval village with all amenities in the heart of the Dordogne valley. Excellent condition throughout, immaculately restored, 300 m2 living space, 5 bedrooms and unique secluded patio courtyard with a further sunken patio with a total of 300m2. All within minutes walk of shops and conveniences.

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Ground floor: 150m2 comprising of entrance hall, living room with fireplace and woodburner, kitchen, pantry, 2 bedrooms including master suite with ensuite bathroom, shower, wc.

1st floor: 3 bedrooms, shower-room, wc. Possibilty to make further bedroom in attic of 50m2. Basement: 80m2, laundry room, cellar, two garages. Exterior: Unique large patio courtyard, a third of which is covered, barbecue, as well as a further sunken patio, total 300m2. Oil central heating and wood burner. New boiler and water softener. Electricity re-done, new parquet floors, new garage doors, and new built-in wardrobes in all bedrooms. A great property for someone wanting the ambiance of authentic French village life. The property is in the most popular quartier of a charming classically Dordogne medieval village, with the convenience of all the shops and the high street just round the corner, yet having an elegant and spacious property with its own totally private and peaceful courtyard, and easy maintenance, which is rare to find in a village. This would also suit commercial activity such as B&B or gite and can have separate entrance for guests. Price: 585,100 euros

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS OF THIS BEAUTIFUL PROPERTY FOR SALE IN THE DORDOGNE

Dordogne: Vergt

A newly-completed beautiful, elegant, and classicly- French 18th century Maison de Maitre property, a former convent, exclusively marketed by Home Hunts. An exceptionally high quality renovation with great style and neutral tones giving it a light contemporary feel that harmonizes with the original features in keeping with the original style of the property. Situated in the Dordogne, in an elevated south-facing position overlooking the village of Vergt and the rolling hills beyond.

400 m2 of living space comprised of five bedrooms, four bathrooms, large office, large reception room with fireplace, contemporary fully fitted kitchen and dining room, snooker room, bar, multi-media room, elegant entrance and central spiral staircase, cellar. Outdoor terrace/belvedere and BBQ/dining area, 10 X 5m swimming pool, garage 80m2, and small outbuilding, courtyard, set in 1.3 hectares with a mature orchard that includes apple, pear, walnut and hazelnut trees

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS OF THIS DORDOGNE PROPERTY

FOR DETAILS OF MORE PROPERTY FOR SALE IN SOUTH WEST FRANCE CLICK ON THIS LINK

Are you interested in luxury property for sale in South West France? Looking for a vineyard or property in bordeaux? An investment property aquitaine? A luxury property in dordogne france? A villa in arcachon france? Or a luxury property in perigueux france?

Home Hunts specialise in helping clients buy property in south of france. We have a team of consultants and estate agents in south west france and more specifically estate agent aquitaine to help you find luxury property for sale in south west france, investment properties in aquitaine, or your dream slice of property aquitaine.

Contact Home Hunts for details on house sale south west france, property in south of france, and estate agent aquitaine, and estate agents in the south west.

Our luxury property finding service is FREE! Let us do the hard work for you!

BEAUTIFUL 'CHARTREUSE' IN THE CENTRE of ST. CYPRIEN IN 'GOLDEN TRIANGLE' OF DORDOGNE - PERIGORD

Property in Perigord is very much sought after, this beautiful and rare authentic town 'chartreuse' in sandstone stands in the centre of a popular medieval village in the heart of the Dordogne valley.

This dordogne property is in excellent condition throughout, immaculately restored, 300 m2 living space, 5 bedrooms and unique secluded patio courtyard with a further sunken patio with a total of 300m2. All within a minutes walk of shops and conveniences.

Ground floor: 150m2 comprising of entrance hall, living room with fireplace and woodburner, kitchen, pantry, 2 bedrooms including master suite with ensuite bathroom, shower, wc.

1st floor: 3 bedrooms, shower-room, wc. Possibilty to make further bedroom in attic of 50m2.

Basement: 80m2, laundry room, cellar, two garages.

Exterior: Unique large patio courtyard, a third of which is covered, barbecue, as well as a further sunken patio, total 300m2.

Oil central heating and wood burner. New boiler and water softener. Electricity re-done, new parquet floors, new garage doors, and new built-in wardrobes in all bedrooms.

Great property for someone wanting the ambiance of authentic French village life, being in the most popular quartier of a charming classically Dordogne medieval village, with the convenience of all the shops and the highstreet just round the corner, yet having an elegant and spacious property with its own totally private and peaceful courtyard, and easy maintenance, which is rare to find in a village.

Would also suit commercial activity such as B&B or gite. Can have separate entrance for guests.

Beautiful farmhouse property for sale in the Dordogne

This beautiful, stone built farmhouse is available for sale in a sought after part of the Dordogne in South West France. The property has been completely renovated by a renowned architect and must be viewed to appreciate fully.

This full details and photos of this dordogne property are available in the Homehunts website by clicking here - farmhouse for sale Dordogne

A perfect combination of the charm of the old with the comforts and design of the new that is rare to find and works beautifully. No expense has been spared in this renovation which took three years and over 50 of the region's leading artisans to complete that includes oak floors, handcrafted windows and doors, Italian tiles, a designer oak kitchen, exposed beams, a traditional style oak terrace overlooking the forests and the heated pool, a fenced-in landscaped garden, two original fireplaces, four bedrooms, four bathrooms (including two master ensuites, one upstairs with a wet-room of Italian marble and a second downstairs opening on to the pool terrace), dining room, living room, TV room/playroom, laundry room. Also a specially designed computer room and office.

For a great selection of properties and chateaux for sale in the Dordogne visit the Homehunts website and click here for details of property for sale in all of South West France

Rustic chic, contemporary mix, call it what you will but renovations in the Dordogne region, combining classic stone and architecture with a modern interior design has become extremely popular.

The writer Henry Miller once wrote “The trip to the Dordogne was of major importance…I retain a hope for the future of the species and even our planet...the Dordogne will survive, just like the dreams that nourish the human soul.” Today this hope is still realized as the timeless Dordogne epitomizes classic style and architecture in its most natural form. For a long time the Périgord Poupre was very popular with international buyers due to the opening and expansion of Bergerac airport. Now investors and buyers are becoming fascinated and attracted to the green valley countryside with towns such as Ribérac and Brantôme, close to the international airport of Bordeaux, Limoges and the TGV connections to Paris from Angoulême.

The majority of farmhouses with towers and turrets started to develop in the 12th and 13th centuries. In the 14th century walls, courtyards and intricate entrances were added when the friction between the Kings of France and England was at an all-time high. This area has a long, turbulent historical past and was repeatedly invaded right up until the 20th century. A more peaceful way of life nowadays has been preserved and so too has the stone and architectural masterpieces displayed in many properties. The region is scattered with many buildings listed on the UNESCO Heritage trail of the 1000 year old pilgrimage to the shrine of St. James in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, known in English as the Way of St. James. Many authentically restored properties have retained special features such as spirals, patterns and the pilgrim's shell which was a personal motif used by the alchemist Jacques Coeur.

A particularly outstanding example of this fine Périgord stone can be found in “La Cimes des Arbres” (Treetops), a 16th century farmhouse that took over four years to renovate. Meticulously recreated and extended by over 70 local artisans, the project was supervised under the careful watch of architect Eric Borgers, also a Périgord resident and expert. The owners John Colmey and Anne-Marie Gordon bought a nearby ruin in order to utilise the local stones in the renovation and features such as the roof tiles, handcrafted windows and doors, traditional oak terraces and staircases are all individual masterpieces. Set on the top of a hillside, the farmhouse is surrounded from the east to west daily sunlight and the dominant position commands breathtaking views of the rolling green valleys.

John, a passionate environmentalist and journalist, made sure that the house is as efficient as it is authentic. A high-tech German ecological exchange heat pump system provides a constant room temperature throughout the year and also heats the 12 x 4 metre pool at 30 degrees from Spring to Autumn. The rooms are voluminous and the intelligent use of space and interior design means that every seating area in the house has a purpose. The finish is faultless and the 300m2 of accommodation comprises, two original fireplaces, four ensuite bedrooms, a dining room, living room, TV/playroom and a library. Underfloor heating compliments the traditional oak floors in the bedrooms and the whole property manages with luxurious style to blend old and new design. Outside the oak terrace overlooks the perfectly manicured landscape garden and fruit trees. La Cime des Arbres is a 45 minute drive from Begerac airport and just 6 kms from the town of Riberac. This normally sedate, peaceful town comes alive on Fridays when locals flock to sniff, smell and trade the best of the regions’ produce and it has a reputation for being the best market in the Périgord.

Properties such as La Cimes des Arbres are always the most in demand with European and international buyers, who come from all corners of the world to acquire them. From a design sense, a perfect contemporary renovation allows the stone and original features to breathe again. In the past, incredulously, it was “de rigueur” to actually cover up features such as open fireplaces and stone walls.

Architect Eric Borgers, opened his company in Perigord in 2002 and takes great care in preserving the architecture and features of the properties he renovates. Using where he can only recuperated stones from local ruins; Borgers uses the cut stones to surround doorframes, windows and sills. His love of the stone is infectious, “Imagine the most beautiful light as the sun changes through the day” he enthuses. “This cream coloured stone is so special, so warm looking. As the sun turns a warm orange, so does the stone.” His pride in his work is paramount and he sources a softer stone from a village called Paussac and another much harder quality of stone from Limeyrat.

At Sarlat, in the heart of the Dordogne, lies a vast stone quarry, Carrieres Veze, which has been sourcing the regions’ stone since it opened in 1970. It began with an open quarry and then went underground and each boulder is now digitally cut. Sarlat stone is a prestige material which for centuries has been used to embellish the buildings in Périgord and the quarry undertakes all types of renovation, buildings, fountains, staircases and new buildings created from this exquisite material.

Périgord is actually the ancient name of the area that is now the department of the Dordogne in the Aquitaine region. Most French people refer to the area as the Périgord; most outsiders call it the Dordogne. Whichever name you choose, one thing that is set in stone is the sheer beauty and timeless elegance which the properties throughout the region portray.

“La Cimes des Arbres” is for sale at 625,000 euros through HOMEHUNTS the Luxury property specialists. For more information please contact Kirsten Pollard – kirsten@home-hunts.com www.home-hunts.com

Looking for property for sale in Bordeaux

Whether you are considering the purchase of a second home, looking for an investment opportunity, or thinking about relocating to France on a permanent basis, you would do well to extend your property search to Bordeaux.

Situated in the South-West of France, Bordeaux is the capital of the Aquitaine region and with a population of over 500,000 it is the sixth largest city in France.

It is also one of France’s most architecturally splendid cities and is home to one of Europe’s largest 18th century metropolitan areas. Indeed the old part of the town is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Area.

It is also a city well known for its shopping and the Rue Sainte-Catherine, a 1.2 km pedestrian avenue lined with some of the city’s most exclusive shops, is classed as Europe’s longest shopping street.

One cannot talk about Bordeaux however, without mentioning the wine that bears its name. Curiously it is the English who helped to establish the region as a wine producing area, and it was during their stewardship of the city, between 1154 and 1453, that the distinctive taste of Claret was developed to suit their palate.

The rest, of course, is history and the region remains one of the world’s foremost producers of wine. The statistics are truly impressive and the region around the city boasts 117,000 hectares of vineyards, 9,000 wine-producing chateaus, 13,000 grape growers, and the production of 700 million bottles of wine a year.

Aside from the joys of wine tasting there is also plenty to do in the region around Bordeaux. The city is extremely close to the Atlantic and the town of Arcachon, not only provides the city with its closest beach, but the whole of Europe with its largest stretch of sand. The beaches of Aquitaine are also regarded as the home to the best surf in Europe.

All of these factors contribute to making Bordeaux a wonderful city to live in and it is unsurprising to learn that there has been a long tradition of property investment in Bordeaux. As a result Bordeaux property prices have risen sharply in relation to other French cities; and in 2005 prices rose by 15% as opposed to 6% in Paris.

Bordeaux properties have been particular popular with British buyers who have tended to buy in the Bordeaux suburbs. This has naturally led to an increase in prices for suburban properties and amongst properties in the region surrounding Bordeaux. Particular popular is the mediaeval village of St Emilion which is located 35km to the north-east of Bordeaux.

Those looking for more affordable Bordeaux property for sale should consider investing in city-centre locations. To date the city centre has mostly been occupied by the French who have tended to live and work centrally. This is an ideal location not only for those who enjoy the ‘buzz’ of city living, but also for those looking to invest in the low-maintenance long-term rental market.

Although city-centre properties in Bordeaux have not experienced the same increase in prices as their sub-urban counterparts, this is likely to change as President Sarkozy encourages the French people to invest in their own property rather than continuing to rent.

Although there has been a recent stagnation in the French property market as a whole, the signs are that prices in Bordeaux will continue to rise as transport links, from all around Europe, continue to improve. This is a great time to invest in Bordeaux properties.