Why you should move to Charente, and some of the beautiful properties you could buy there

Here’s why Department 16 should be on your list of potential property locations

Choosing where to base your property hunt is one of the most exciting parts of the whole process. For some, the decision is easy: we want to ski, so we’re buying in the Alps. Or, we want to be able to pop down the Eurotunnel and be in London within a few hours, so we’re buying in Pas-de-Calais. For others though, it’s trickier. They want a warm climate but not to be completely scorched. They’d like to look out onto rolling fields, but still be within easy reach of a little town – and a quintessentially French one at that, without too much of an expat presence. They want a nice big house, but a nice low price. And on top of that, they want good options for getting back to the UK at short notice. Well, why not Charente?

Charente is fast becoming a popular choice for those looking to move to France, and it’s not hard to see why. We spoke to Charles Miller, Director of Charente Immobilier, about why more people are heading to Department 16. Here’s what he said:

“Sheltered from the Atlantic Ocean to the west by its sister department, the Charente Maritime, the beautiful department of the Charente lies just to the north of the famous Bordeaux vineyards. Its varied landscape never ceases to please with river valleys, forests and hills covered in extensive vineyards interspersed with fields of sunflowers.””

But there is far more to the Charente than its scenery. There is an extremely rich history from pre-history to modern day via the Romans.”

“Fantastically accessible, there are five regional airports serving the area, along with the super high-speed LGV and major road links to Paris, Bordeaux and beyond. With all this you would be forgiven for thinking that property prices would reflect the Charente’s desirability, but you would be wrong. The Charente offers some of the best value-for-money properties currently available in France with average prices well below the national norm.”

On that note, here are some gorgeous properties on the market in Charente.

€94,000

If you’re looking for the perfect retirement property, look no further. This lovely little cottage in a hamlet has two bedrooms and feels so typically French, with terracotta tiles, whitewashed walls and of course the blue shutters. It’s compact yet full of light, and comes with a large garden and a handy barn for storage, as well as n outbuilding which would be great for keeping chickens. The village of Esse is nearby and it’s a five minute drive to the larger town of Confolens.

On the market with Charente Immobilier

€244,000

This traditional charentaise is just beautiful, and would make a wonderful large family home or even a B&B. Situated in a peaceful location between two charming and touristic towns, the property has five bedrooms and gorgeous features including beams and floorboards throughout, as well as a traditional country kitchen. You could make extra income from the two-bedroom gîte, and use the large barn for storage. Rounding off the package is a pretty enclosed garden and a large pool with views of fields.

On the market with Charente Immobilier

€695,500

If you’re after something a bit grander, this magnificent property has plenty to offer, and it only costs the same as a modest house in London. The main house has five bedrooms and stunning large reception rooms, with high ceilings, sweeping staircases and period features. The listing also includes a lovely two-bedroom annexe which could be rented out for extra income. There are several substantial outbuildings, a fabulous pool, and a large plot with mature shrubs and great views. The property is 3km from the nearest village with amenities.

On the market with Charente Immobilier

€113,000

For the best of both worlds, this charming house is in the heart of the market town of Mansle, yet the garden leads directly out to the river for a feeling of complete serenity. The house has two bedrooms and is clean, bright and ready to move into. Even better, to the rear of the property is a completely independent one-bedroom annexe which the owners currently rent out for €300 per month. Pop five minutes down the road to check out the local market, before heading back home to tend your vegetable garden and watch the river wildlife.

On the market with Charente Immobilier

€420,000

This exquisite listing ticks almost every box there is. The property itself is a stunning five-bedroom townhouse, immaculately finished with parquet flooring, beautiful cornicing and a neutral colour palette. It’s in the heart of popular Jarnac, with amenities including shops and schools within walking distance. The great benefit of this property is that the town location doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice outdoor space – there’s a walled garden with enough space for a pretty lawn and huge courtyard, as well as a swimming pool. It also comes with an enormous barn, in which you could keep a whole fleet of cars, or use as a workshop.

On the market with Charente Immobilier

€171,200

Rounding off the property selection is this beautiful four-bedroom detached stone cottage, which would make a perfect family home. It’s 1.5km from a pretty village with shops, a restaurant and a post office, and just a short drive from Champagne-Mouton with more services including schools. Inside the house is cosy and traditional, with a great family kitchen and feature fireplaces. The garden is well-kept and perfect for children to play in, and there are also several very useful outbuildings including a three-room building which could be converted into a gîte, a hangar, a workshop and a garage. So many possibilities!

On the market with Charente Immobilier

If you’re tempted by these, take a look at our full selection of properties in Charente on France Property Shop, above

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Why it’s a difficult time to buy a French property -and why that’s great news!

Uk vs France: What can I buy for my budget?

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