Luxury Real Estate

By: Nicola Christinger of HomeHunts

The present global financial crisis does not seem to be having a significant impact on the outlook of recent international buyers of French property.

On the contrary, according to a survey published last month, carried out by French bank BNP Paribas, there remains strong confidence in the French housing market, with over 90% of buyers from overseas who bought property in France in the last three years who consider the property a good medium to long term investment. There also seem as many who intend to invest further in the French property, as those who propose to sell.

BNP Paribas surveyed 220 international buyers who had purchased a property in France since 2006, around a quarter of whom came from the United Kingdom. The results do contrast somewhat with the view that has been expressed in the media, that some kind of mass exodus is taking place from France. More encouraging, the survey also confirmed what many previous surveys of French property buyers have also shown, that it was the appeal of the laid back lifestyle in France that was the main reason for buying property in France.

 By Nicola Christinger of HOMEHUNTS

HOMEHUNTS, the luxury French property specialists based in Marseille, South of France, has recently launched the newly redesigned website:

 

http://www.luxury-french-property.com

Since its launch, the website has been beating the current global economic slowdown and has seen dramatic increases in property enquiries, as well as rave reviews from prospective buyers looking to buy their own slice of life in France.

 

The website features a portfolio of over 4000 luxury properties located throughout the regions of Aquitaine, Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence, Cote D’Azur, St Tropez and Paris. With such an extensive range of apartments, villas, luxury estates and chateaux to choose from, finding the perfect property has never been easier, thanks to their comprehensive search facility featured on the website.

HOMEHUNTS Director, Tim Swannie said, “Since the launch of the website we have been contacted by serious buyers from all over the world. People are still taking advantage of the buyer’s market and now is always a notoriously busy time for clients looking to buy before the end of the summer.”

The Luxury French Property website also offers a unique free property finder service which has proved popular with people looking to buy but aren’t sure or unable to locate their ideal home. By simply completing the online questionnaire, the Luxury French Property team will use their experience and knowledge to search the entire property market and find a selection of properties meeting the requirements of the prospective buyer.

Confirming the advantages of the service, Tim Swannie adds “The property finder service has proved extremely popular because everyone is so busy in this day and age. This service offers buyers the chance to have their own local consultant appointed in France, who will comprehensively search the market based on what they are looking for. Our team are all specialists in their local areas and as well as finding the properties, they offer unbiased advice and in depth information. Basically, we hold the clients hand from start to finish. It takes the whole hassle factor out of home hunting which is a really beneficial for overseas clients.”

By Meghan Barry

Today, LuxuryRealEstate.com posted its 1,000,000th property listing since the website originated in 1995. This is a major accomplishment for a website with such specific and discriminating standards. Properties listed on LuxuryRealEstate.com must be in the top 10% of property listings in any given market. The 1,000,000th property, a stunning waterfront Belle Epoque villa in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, France (near Nice and Monaco) listed by Home Hunts SARL can be viewed here: http://www.luxuryrealestate.com/1000000.

As a leader in the real estate and technology space since 1995, LuxuryRealEstate.com has paved the way on the internet for many other real estate websites, specifically in the luxury niche. LuxuryRealEstate.com is the most-viewed luxury real estate specific website in the world, with far more content than any other website of its kind. LuxuryRealEstate.com was recently named a Webby Award Honoree, the only real estate website to be granted this honor.

Property listings on LuxuryRealEstate.com are represented by members of the Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate network which includes 1,500 of the world’s finest real estate companies and individuals with properties in over 100 countries. Members have access to an array of powerful marketing solutions, including access to the Luxury Lounge, a ‘gated’ social networking website for members only. Participation is strictly invitation-only by CEO/Publisher John Brian Losh. The Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate network is governed by the Board of Regents.

By Philippe Marmin of Cabinet Marmin Immobilier

Located in the west of the continent in the Loire estuary, as a port city Nantes has always been able to make the most of its geographic location to connect to major international exchange channels. It is located at the centre of the Atlantic arc, which covers 32 regions, 20% of European territory and 57 million inhabitants.

40 minutes from the Atlantic beaches Thanks to the TGV, Nantes is now only two hours from Paris and its international airport provides connections to major European capitals. The city’s economic influence now extends to all of France's Atlantic front and its 8 million inhabitants. It provides its visitors and inhabitants with unrivalled quality of life, 40 minutes from the Atlantic beaches, one hour from the Loire valley and two hours from St Malo, La Rochelle or Paris.

61% of undeveloped surfaces Greater Nantes extends over 523 km² and has seen significant urban development: the areas developed over the last thirty years represent the equivalent of all the areas conquered by man since the city was created. Yet it still manages to conserve significant development potential since 61% of the territory is made up of undeveloped surfaces, one of the highest rates among large French urban areas.

The 5th largest metropolitan area in France Nantes is planning to use its urban development, travel and consistent and reasonably-dense business and housing area policy to limit the effects of urban spread to preserve the territory’s quality of life while ensuring its development at the same time. Like Bremen, Greater Nantes and its advance port Saint-Nazaire form a coherent metropolitan area of 760 000 residents – the 5th largest metropolitan area in France – and is an economic territory with complementary centres.

Courtesy of Philip Marmin of Cabinet Marmin Immobilier

By Susan Han of Nantes International

A bustling jazz festival on the Erde River. A giant hydraulic elephant heralding its arrival. A high-tech museum housed in a formidable feudal castle. These are some of my favorite memories of Nantes after a whirlwind week of shooting in late August.

Before I was approached by University of Nantes professor Laurence Lotode to collaborate on a documentary about the Seattle-Nantes relationship, I confess I did not know much about Nantes, much less the sister-city connection between the 2 cities. I had visited Paris several times before, and in fact had seen the signage for Nantes while catching the TGV to Bordeaux, but did not realize the 27-year history between us. I was intrigued to learn about the geographical similarities, the parallel industries and even the relatively more liberal political leadership we shared.

 

Seattle has 21 sister cities – or "twin" cities, as it is known in France! Nantes was one of Seattle’s earliest siblings, thanks to the efforts of former University of Washington Romance Language and Literature professor Howard Lee Nostrand (now deceased) and former Seattle City Council member Randy Revelle. According to Revelle, around 1978, professor Nostrand was organizing a local festival called Bonjour Seattle and approached him to gain city hall sponsorship for the event. Revelle has a reputation for being passionate about all things French, and before long, he was roped in to help pick a French sister city for Seattle. The dilemma at the time: Nantes on the west coast, or Nancy in eastern France? As it turned out, Nantes was much more simpatico with Seattle, and in April 1979, a deal was struck, twinning the 2 cities.

Today, while there are some traces of Nantes’ influence in Seattle (a bakery here, a park there), the truth is most Seattleites are still unaware of the rich history, culture and economy of the Nantais. My goal in spending a week in Nantes this fall was to create a 30-minute documentary that will air as part of the Seattle Channel’s “Sister Cities” series starting next January. Our hope is to give Seattle residents a flavor of the diverse ties we have around the world and to provide some insights into how those relationships developed. Naturally, since many viewers are “armchair travelers,” we also want to transport them to Nantes through the magic of television and the web for a first-hand look at why our sister city was recently voted “the most pleasurable and peaceful city to live in France.”

Perhaps one of the most striking observations for a first-time visitor to Nantes is how green the city is. I was amazed to learn that 15% of the city is green and that there are over 400 city gardeners in Nantes, responsible for planting a million flowers and plants each year while maintaining the many lovely parks. I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Jean Noel Soignon, a lifelong resident of Nantes who runs the team responsible for Nantes’ parks, and we toured the Jardin des Plantes, a very cosmopolitan and beautifully landscaped park reminiscent of New York’s Central Park, right in the heart of the city. (I confess I was tickled by the local interpretation of totem poles there, which differs greatly from the Native American creations found in the Pacific Northwest.)

A little-known fact for most Seattleites is Nantes’ connection to slavery. I was able to gain some insight into this dark part of Nantes’ past through deputy mayor Yvon Chotard, who graciously spent time with us during my visit. His law office is housed in a building that belonged to an 18th century slave trader, and he explained that while there were technically no slaves in Nantes, the city was the biggest and richest slave trading port in France. He was also instrumental in organizing an eye-opening exhibit in 1992 that forced the Nantais to “open the armoire” and confront their historical link to slavery. I visited the new slavery exhibit housed in the Chateau des Duces de Bretagne and was amazed at the historical artifacts like documents, whips and shackles that have been preserved over the centuries.

On a lighter note, I also had the opportunity to take a couple of field trips outside the city, and enjoyed meeting the Marquis Robert de Goulaine, who spoke candidly of his family history, the business of running a chateau, winery and museum, and the joys of sustaining a very unique butterfly sanctuary (in one of our most surreal photo-ops, we captured a giant monarch butterfly that landed on the Marquis’s face, engulfing it!). Along with coordinator Laurence Lotode and photojournalist Mekioussa Boudjema, I also visited the Guerande Peninsula and stood on the banks of a square sea salt pond where the famed fleur de sal is harvested. And we also visited the childhood home of naturist John James Audubon in Coueron to learn about local efforts to convert it into a museum.

Since Seattle is the original hometown of the Boeing Company, it was with some guilty pleasure that I visited the Airbus plant in Nantes, for a first-hand look at the competition between the 2 aerospace giants. I was surprised to learn the facility is the first plant to build major airplane body parts using composite materials, and that the center wing box and nose of all Airbus planes, including the A380, are made there. The Airbus-Boeing competitive tension was even more palpable than in Seattle, especially at a time when both companies are vying for orders for their next-generation aircraft.

Seattle is considered a hotbed for biotechnology, and I was impressed by the entrepreneurial talent and zeal in Nantes’ blossoming biotech sector. I was also amazed at the creative genius behind the very cool and fantastical machines on the Ile de Nantes, and enjoyed talking with designer Francois Delaroziere about how his imaginary journey has been a success. I had read that the public transportation system was Nantes’ pride and joy, and was surprised to learn that Nantes’ tramway system is the longest and oldest in France, growing in tandem with the city’s development over the past 2 decades.

In fact, this time frame of the past 2 decades seems like a significant one for Nantes. From what I understand from my brief visit, Nantes has undergone a series of rapid transformations over the past 20 years or so, necessitated by the relocation of the shipbuilding industry and port to Nazaire. Former eyesores are now promising new enterprises.

The fact that the city has successfully blended elements of the old while embracing the new is quite remarkable, and there is a feeling of history and presence even as avant-garde modern facilities pop up around town. The Chateau des Duces de Bretagne seems to epitomize this and curator Marie Helene Jouzeau helped provide some context for how, after 15 years of renovation and 52 million euros, the ancient royal residence has been preserved yet thoroughly modernized.

Ultimately, my overarching impression of Nantes is that it is a city in transition. 2007 has been a big year, with many new attractions opening and with a renewed pride in the citizenry about the future of the city. I was struck by the openness and joie de vivre of the people I met in official meetings and on the streets. All these wonderful individuals made my visit to Nantes unforgettable, and their generosity and kindness made our crazy production schedule only a minor annoyance. I hope that now it takes less than 11 hours to fly from Seattle to Nantes, with a short connection in Paris on Air France, even more Seattleites will choose to discover Nantes and better understand what it is that has bonded our 2 cities for nearly 3 decades.

By Nicola Christinger of HOMEHUNTS

Journalist and children’s author, Nicola Christinger, offers an insight into the city which combines Roman, Mediterranean and Provencale influences and why she has made it her home.

Dating back to the 2^nd century BC, Nîmes, the capital city of the Gard in the Languedoc-Roussillon department of southern France was discovered by the Emperor Augustus. Since then it has maintained the title of being the most important Roman city, outside of Rome and is not only a popular holiday destination but home for many people looking to live in the Languedoc.

The “Nîmois” (the locals) are fiercely proud of their traditions and the city excels because of the many different influences that all join together to make it such a vibrant, cultural, gastronomic heaven.

Although there are many Roman historical buildings throughout the city, the most impressive is the Arena of Nîmes (Les Arènes), an amphitheatre that was constructed in around 70AD and remodelled in 1863 to serve primarily as a bullring. It can seat 16,000 spectators and the people of Nîmes take the bullfighting sport extremely seriously. The most important two dates in the bullfighting calendar of Nîmes is the ‘Feria de Pentcote’, which takes place during the end of May Whitsun weekend, and the other is the Feria des Vendanges, organised for the 3^rd weekend of September to celebrate the grape harvest.

I got my “dummies guide to bullfighting” last September, when I attended the ‘Feria’ with my Nîmois neighbour, a resident here since 30 years. I had initially said that although it fascinated me, I wasn’t sure I was quite ready to watch a bull being taunted and killed. He nodded sympathetically (obviously privately he thought I was mad) and said that I would be missing out. As we wandered past the Arena, we could hear the crowds inside cheering and clapping then all of a sudden silence would fall. In bullfighting decorum you can’t just pay for one bullfight, you pay for the whole event which is up to 6 bullfights in one sitting – just a little bit too much bull killing for my liking. Suddenly, the gates to the entrance of the arena were thrown open and hastily my neighbour grabbed my arm and quickly explained that it was free to anyone wanting to watch the last bullfight of the event. We ran up the steps and took our place, squeezing into the standing room only centimetres of space left in the gangways. Every single seat was taken, every last standing place was occupied, the music faded, a hush descended and in galloped his majesty, the bull - all 500 kilograms of him.

“Go back, turn around, before it’s too late” I wanted to shout, but then after several minutes the atmosphere became so tense and exciting I was mesmerised. There are some basic rules to bullfighting; the first is to know that the Matador (mata in Spanish means killer) uses the red cloak to obtain control over the bull (known as the ‘passing phase’) and it is he that starts and finishes the fight. The second is that just the right amount of “ooohing” and “aaahing” in the right places are essential. It is not a place to throw caution to the wind and shout your own appreciation – it is a crowd decision.

Armed with these basic facts and after a lot of ceremony, dancing and taunting from men in tightly fitted colourful outfits, the bull finally gave in. As the “show” finished, my neighbour handed me a white handkerchief whereupon I smiled but shook my head defiantly and declined his offer. Surprisingly, I wasn’t the least bit tearful but he insisted and pressed it into my hands. Seconds later the arena was filled with spectators waving their white handkerchiefs – a sign of their appreciation and taken into account by the judging panel. The more white handkerchiefs are waved the bigger the honour for the Matador. Another tip, always listen to the locals.

There are such strong, clear influences on the lifestyle in Nîmes, not only Roman and Hispanic. Although still in Languedoc, it is a border town and is considered part of Provence. The region famous for fragrances, culinary delights and olive trees extends its delicious tastes and smells throughout the city. The passion and influence of the Mediterranean also reveals itself through the architecture, tradition and language in Nîmes. The coast, Le Grau du Roi and La Grande Motte are half an hour away by car and the captivating region of the Camargue, with its docile white horses and flamingos are to be seen in the surrounding villages just outside the city.

On the hills that overlook the city, many luxurious villas and beautiful estates keep a watchful eye over the grandeur below and exclusive areas such as La Tour Magne and Quai de la Fontaine are highly sought after. One stunning example is a magnificent property located in the TOUR MAGNE area. This unique residence has been totally refurbished with high quality materials and comprises a main stone house opening onto a wooded park. Boasting a panoramic view and in keeping with city’s style there is a roman pool in the grounds and is on the market for sale at 1,360,000 euros.

Nîmes is a true city of crossings, where all roads meet. Just north of the city is the town of Uzès, Remoulins and the famous Roman aqueduct the Pont du Gard and to the east are Arles and Tarascon. Heading south brings you to the Mediterranean and vivacious city of Montpellier and out to the west will bring you to the magnificent nature park in the Cevennes hills.

I had been coming to Nîmes on holiday, every year since 2003 for five years and now after eight months of living here, I am proud to call it home. The atmosphere and traditions of an energetic city combined with culture, sophistication and stunning countryside make it a fascinating place to live. The locals are open, friendly and only to keen to offer their advice – and a very good way to do a crash course in French language learning! My two children started French school in the city, unable to speak much more than a ‘bonjour’ and ‘au revoir’ and after eight months the youngest girl now corrects me in the supermarket and the older girl runs up the telephone bill discussing boys and what to wear with all her teenage friends. My French may not be perfect but I am proud to shrug my shoulders and sigh heavily like a local.

Nîmes holds on to its deep-rooted identity, diversity and exuberance to ensure that it remains unique and, like its roman architecture, original.

Nicola Christinger is the PR and Customer relations manager for luxury property search company HOMEHUNTS, the author of the illustrated children’s book “The Fish with a Wish: and other stories” and also a freelance journalist writing for French Property News and a number of property and lifestyle publications.

 

 

Information:

For a selection of luxury property in Nimes: www.home-hunts.com

Feria 2009 – 27 May to 1 June. www.arenesdenimes.com/cartels.php

Restaurants:

L’imprevu : place d’assas. Tel: 04 66 38 99 59

Restaurant au Chapon Fin : 3 rue du Château Fadaise. Tel : Tel : 04 66 673 473

Chez Jacotte : 15 rue Fresque. Tel : 04 66 21 64 59

Le Lisita : 2 boulevard des Arenes. Tel : 04 66 67 29 15

Casa Bella : 6 place de la Revolution. Tel : 04 66 67 64 68

La Bodeguita : 3 boulevard Alphonse Daudet. Tel: 04 66 58 28 27

By Nicola Christinger with HOMEHUNTS

Rustic chic, contemporary mix, call it what you will but renovations in the Dordogne region of France, combining classic stone and architecture with a modern interior design has become extremely popular. Nicola Christinger takes a look at a stunning property recently renovated.

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 12^th and 13^th centuries. In the 14^th 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 20^th 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 16^th 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 620,000 euros through HOMEHUNTS. For more information please contact Kirsten Pollard – kirsten@home-hunts.com www.home-hunts.com

ATELIER D'ARCHITECTURE ERIC BORGERS

"Chez Marty" - 24320 BERTRIC-BUREE

Tel : 0033 553 91 38 57

Fax: 0033 553 91 38 58

Mob: 0033 687 86 37 44

Eml: borgers.eric@wanadoo.fr

 

By Nicola Christinger of HOMEHUNTS

Strictly “entre nous” the luxury property market in France is still as buoyant as ever. Two young men who are specialists in finding homes for anyone with a budget over 750,000 euros, are Francois Xavier de Vial and Tim Swannie. They started HOMEHUNTS in 2005 and now, after careful business handling and a yearly turnover of several million, the lads have earned themselves an enviable reputation with the luxury real estate markets.

 

 

French national Francois and British Tim have a true “entente cordial” working relationship and have a selection of the best properties to buy throughout southern France with prices ranging from 750,000€ to more than 60 million euros.

HOMEHUNTS work as buyers agents and their international team, based throughout Southern France are all experts in their local areas. The team work on behalf of an ever growing number of clients from around the globe on a daily basis. Most of their clients are extremely busy and do not have the time or inclination to search the market for their dream home, preferring to entrust the search to the specialists. Francois, Tim and their team work with all of the best selling agents, builders, developers and private owners and their job is to truly search the whole market for their clients to find the best selection of properties according to their needs.

This service is open to anyone but they have an impressive client list which includes a range of well known celebrities in the music and film industries, sports personalities, high profile company directors as well investment companies looking for good opportunities throughout the South of France. Over the past 3 years they have been assisting buyers mainly from the UK and Europe (as well as USA). However, more recently they have also had a large number of Russians, South Africans, Chinese and clients from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, all wanting a slice of the luxury life. And who can blame them? There are not many parts of the world like the French Riviera where you can be on the beach in the morning and on the ski slopes by the afternoon with more than 310 days sunshine per year. According to Tim, “A French law called the Loi Littoral does not allow builders to carry on developing the coastline of France as they wish to keep its natural beauty. These restrictive building laws mean that property is constantly in demand and the coastline is not ruined by high rise buildings or huge holiday complexes. The Riviera in particular is one of those rare places in the world which will always attract the rich and famous due to its excellent climate, stunning scenery, easy access and glittering reputation”.

Good news for the Riviera but places such as the Languedoc-Roussillon region is still one of France’s best kept secrets. Touching the Spanish border and stretching up to the Rhône, this intoxicating region is home to some of their finest luxury properties.

Another region which is fast becoming a highly desirable destination for the luxury buyer is the Dordogne and surroundings which has now excellent airline links to places such as Bordeaux.

“Contrary to what some people think, now is still a good time to buy French property. As a result of the downturn in property markets, there are good buying opportunities for those in a position to make a decision. There is a very good selection of property on the market at the moment, and in many cases prices offer excellent value - sellers know they need to attract buyers with a good price in the current market” says Francois-Xavier de Vial.

For more information and a selection of luxury properties throughout southern France please visit www.home-hunts.com

For more information and interview details please contact:

Nicola Christinger

Press Relations Manager

www.home-hunts.com

nicola@home-hunts.com TEL: + 33 (0)6 76 37 28 04

Text and pictures copyright of HOMEHUNTS 2009

By Jason Leach of R.CHAYLA Immobilier

What should you be doing right now if you want to buy property in France? Are prices rising, falling or stabilising? Or should we just stick our finger up and try and decide which way the winds blowing. Having looked at the market long and hard and scratched my head a lot I think I have concluded that serious buyers can strike serious deals with serious buyers.

Prices have reduced in most cases and now the adjustment in prices seems very much more realistic and the serious sellers are being more than reasonable. Do you wait a bit more? Do you take the gamble on sterling rising against the Euro or do you waste your chance and curse your luck the moment the Pound reaches parity with the euro and any advantage you had has just been negated!! I had a client back in August whi had sold up in England and was renting, waiting for the dream house to come along, cash in the bank and in no immediate rush who would blame them. I called them when a new suitable house became available and he informed me that his money had been frozen as it was invested in an Icelandic bank and they could not withdraw there life savings. If this wasn't bad enough the calculation on the exchange rate fell from approx 1.34 to 1.20 reducing his purchasing power by a further 28000.00 euros. Interestingly a large amount of hits on the website are coming from the United States and with the Dollar back to a very good exchange rate it seems the Americans are going to be investing and realising their dreams of owning a house in Europe, it couldn't be a better time for them to buy property.

By Philip Weiser of Carlton International

Evocative place names remind us of the historic appeal of the Côte d’Azur. The Promenade des Anglais, magnificent boulevard bordered by Mediterranean palms, was created by the British residents of the City of Nice early in the 19th century as a footpath for the first tourists to meander along the seaside. 

Queen Victoria spent several winters in the Grand Hotel and the Rothschild family property in Grasse, city celebrated then and now as the birthplace of the world’s finest perfumes.

How impressed Lord Brougham would be today, he who, in 1834, inspired the English aristocracy to follow him to the sunshine of Cannes, to see the sophisticated resort it has now become. Renowned the world over for its beaches, boutiques, Casinos, the Cannes Film Festival, nightspots, restaurants and year round glamorous events.

Between Nice and Cannes, Antibes, once a Greek, then Roman port, today is proud to possess the largest yacht marina in the Mediterranean. Nestled against the ancient stone ramparts of the old city, with its Provencal Market, winding pedestrian streets, it is filled with charm and colour. Juan les Pins, exciting seaside resort, home to all manner of water sports, bright boutiques, cafés and bars. Vallauris on the hills above the sea, former residence of Picasso, is still famous for its ceramics and pottery, museum and at the coast the pretty village of Golfe Juan with beach restaurants and modern marina.

Not far from the coast, in the heart of the Provencal countryside the clash of ancient and modern…the Sophia Antipolis high tech park, centre for research and development in the pharmaceutical and information technology industries, University and International schools, all enveloped in greenery and surrounded by golf courses. Nearby, Valbonne, a charming13th century village overflowing with small restaurants and shops.

The French Riviera coast is peppered with amazing mediaeval hilltop villages such as Mougins, Saint Paul, Eze, Biot and Cagnes.To the west, Saint Tropez with its famous beach clubs, elegant hotels, open air market, port and star studded nightlife.

To the east, a short distance from the Italian frontier and seaside towns of Ventimiglia and San Remo, the Principality of Monaco glitters in the sunshine. The Casinos of Monte Carlo, the Monaco Grand Prix, Somerset Maugham, Grace Kelly, the memories of this world apart are endless.Small wonder that this Côte d’Azur is still so sought after by visitors the world over.

No other destination offers so great a combination of advantages. Superlative sea sports facilities and ski slopes only an hour away. Marinas and golf courses in abundance, the arts, museums, jazz festivals, theatre, opera, English language cinema, the carnival of Nice. A seemingly endless choice of scenery and sights to discover. Perched villages, picturesque Provencal market places, cobbled streets, an ever changing landscape and stunning vistas to the sea. All this in a benign climate and in an environment of political security.

It is evident that the lure of the French Riviera of yesteryear has nurtured the dreams of the world today and with sound advice and straight forward mortgage facilities many will turn their dreams of a home on the Côte d’Azur into reality.