For the price of a family apartment in Paris you can buy a château or mansion in the Dordogne amidst some of the most beautiful countryside in France. With house prices set to increase throughout 2016, now is the time to buy a property in the Dordogne.
The American author Henry Miller was so impressed and moved by his visit to the Dordogne that he said it gave him hope for the future of the human race and for the future of the earth itself. “France may one day exist no more,” he said, “but the Dordogne will live on, just as dreams live on and nourish the souls of men.”
The Dordogne, part of the Aquitaine region, has always been a favourite with overseas visitors, especially the Americans and the British. According to statistics by INSEE, Aquitaine is home to the highest concentration of expats (after Paris).
What is it about the Dordogne that is so special and why should you consider buying property in the Dordogne?
1) The best of France in one department
For many the Dordogne sums up the best that France has to offer. A sparkling combination of charming villages and châteaux-studded countryside, this department also has an enormous number of traditional properties and renovation opportunities available. Buying a property in the Dordogne is a perfect way to achieve a slower and more tranquil pace of life, but there are also many options to support those who require an additional revenue stream.
2) An abundance of airports means regular trips
Whether a permanent or holiday home, close proximity to an airport is vital so long weekends away are as frequent as possible, and rental possibilities are optimised. The Dordogne has airports in Brive, Limoges, Bergerac and Bordeaux, which means it is fairly easy to find a property that is located less than an hour from the nearest flight home.
3) Historic destinations on your doorstep
Must-visit towns in the Dordogne are: the famous medieval town of Sarlat-la-Canéda, which has stunning architecture and a buzzing food market; Domme, which offers unforgettable 360-degree views of the Dordogne; Périgueux, a charming an old Roman town and capital of the Dordogne; and Brantôme, one of the most romantic villages in France.
If you are looking for property in the Dordogne, here are three striking homes that are all located less than an hour from the nearest airport.
Charming château in popular bastide town
This property is located in Eymet, a bastide town that is extremely popular with British expats – in fact around one-third of residents here are from the UK. Founded in 1270, it has a bustling weekly market, is visited by around 10,000 people each year, and is a half-an-hour drive from Bergerac Airport.
Set on 3.5 hectares of parkland, this splendid nine-bedroom château (HH-10091593) is also a thriving rental business that comes with its own nine-hole golf course, beautiful swimming pool and sauna. Properties of this standard and in such a popular area are not often on the market, so if you are looking for a property in the Dordogne that will offer a second income, a viewing is highly recommended. The property is valued at €1,272,000.
Home sweet home in the heart of Périgord Noir
In 2014, Home Hunts found that the Périgord Noir was the most popular area with overseas buyers looking for property in the Dordogne. The reasons seem to be twofold: the scenery and the ambiance.
This unique five-bedroom character property (HH-9659815) is full of oldy-worldly charm and is located in the pretty town of Montignac, just 45 minutes from Brive Airport. Positioned on ten hectares of land and in perfect condition, this property is also set up to accommodate guests and features a round pool and tennis court (which does require some improvement). It takes 15 minutes to get to the historic village of Sarlat-la-Canéda from this property, which is on the market for a tempting €870,000.
Manor house and investment opportunity in Ribérac
Ribérac, a 45-minute drive west of Périgueux, is less than an hour from Bergerac Airport. Its Friday market is reputed to be the biggest in Périgord and it is a wonderful base from which to explore the rest of the Dordogne.
This stunning manor house (HH-9447785) in Ribérac has eight en-suite bedrooms and is set on seven hectares of land. Originally built in 1870, the living areas are spread over three floors, all of which have been renovated to an extremely high standard. The property offers a good investment opportunity as there is also a separate building, which could make a large house or two smaller cottages, and a barn that could be converted. Set on three hectares of parkland with an additional four hectares of adjoining woodland, at €742,000 it won’t be on the market for long.
To view more properties in the Dordogne, visit www.home-hunts.com, but to speak with one of Home Hunts’ consultants directly about your real estate criteria, call +33 (0)970 44 66 43.
