My Dream Home: interview with an agent in Charente

Alison Laming of Europ’Immobilier explains why this three-bedroom home, on the market for €435,750, gets her vote

Why does this property stand out for you?

First and foremost it has to be the location: a beautiful rural setting, close to the Lacs de Haute Charente and just minutes from a lively and pretty village with the all-important bakery and bar-restaurant. In addition, one of the region’s best restaurants is within walking distance. The property itself is immaculate throughout and the kitchen and bathrooms are to die for. The mix of old and new has been carefully considered and much of the original character has been retained, without hindering practicality.

Why is it a great buy?

The property comprises two sizeable, renovated houses plus a readymade gîte business, all attractively priced – you do the maths! The gîte brings in a decent income to suit the lifestyle of the current owners and there is even room to add a further gîte (subject to the appropriate permissions) by converting the garage, workshop or both.

What’s the wow factor?

It’s difficult to pick just one! Is it the kitchen with its clever storage and mod cons, or is it the gym? The bathrooms are a strong contender too – beautifully designed, with luxury showers and large baths. For me personally, the number one wow factor has to be the pool area, totally enclosed but with plenty of space to relax. There is an adjacent summerhouse with a fully equipped kitchen, changing room, WC and covered terrace for dining – perfect!

Who would it suit?

People of any age who enjoy peace and quiet, a slow pace of life and a bit of luxury. The area’s warm climate is obviously a big draw and the existing gîte business would, I’m sure, pull in plenty of clients too. Extended families often make the move together and this property could make an ideal family home, with the cottage suitable for parents, adult children or visitors.

What is your favourite feature?

A woodland walk is something that not many people or properties can boast. I love to be surrounded by nature and the grounds of this property are idyllic; you can wander, sit and watch the prolific wildlife, and with the bluebells in May there’s no need to be nostalgic about the UK!

What’s the immediate location like?

The property sits in a small hamlet surrounded by rolling farmland, forests and fishing lakes. The local village is 4km away and has a doctor and a pharmacy plus other usual amenities, and there are a number of lively market towns within easy reach.

What’s the appeal of the wider area?

You can walk for miles, cycle, ride, swim, sail, kayak, fish or just sunbathe on the sandy beaches of the Lacs de Haute Charente. The borders of both Dordogne and Haute-Vienne are just down the road and the Périgord regional park is minutes away. There’s a nearby adventure park, an 18-hole international golf course, three fishing rivers and a plethora of medieval churches, museums and châteaux – but despite all this, the area never seems to feel crowded.

How easy is it to get to?

It’s very accessible from the UK: six and a half hours’ drive from Calais or four hours from Caen. Limoges airport is an easy 45-minute drive, Poitiers around an hour and Bordeaux two hours. There are train stations at both Chabanais and La Rochefoucauld and Angoulême is served by the TGV.

www.europ-immobilier-44.com