From beautiful bastides in the country to Parisian Haussmannian apartments, here is a list of six of the most popular French property styles to improve your search for the perfect property.
1. Bastide
The term “bastide” comes from the name given to fortified mediaeval towns in the 13th and 14th centuries. Bastide properties are found in the countryside or in towns and villages, and are usually larger and more elegant than traditional farmhouses, yet built in a similar style. Often with courtyards or outbuildings, they are square or rectangular in shape with highly practical layouts.
This eye-catching five-bedroom property near Grasse (HH-9652372) is a good example of a traditional stone bastide. Built in 1895 it is every bit the dream Provençal home, having been renovated throughout and featuring a large luxurious swimming pool and an arched open pool house. There is also a beautiful rose garden, olive trees and a two-bedroom guest house. The price is available on application.
2. Château
A château is one of the most popular French property styles and always in high demand from overseas buyers. Some of the most beautiful can look like just like fairy-tale castles. Whether small or large, they are considered to be impressive country homes, and while renovation costs can be high, they can also bring in a substantial profit on resale.
An excellent example of how many imagine a French château to be, this beautiful 24-bedroom property (HH-8625074) is located just 45 minutes from Geneva in Conrod. The building and the parkland (on 130 hectares of land) have been restored to their former glory, and include canals, stables, riding arenas and outbuildings. An incredible commercial investment opportunity, a viewing is highly recommended and the price is available on application.
3. Chartreuse
A chartreuse is a French property style that could be best described as an elongated (often one-storey) manor house built between the 17th and 19th centuries. It was the Carthusian monks of the Chartreuse region who originally designed this type of property as their monastery and that is where its name originated. Chartreuse is also the name they gave to the alcoholic liqueur they made, which was aged with herbs and flowers.
Located near the popular medieval town of Sarlat-la-Canéda, the capital of the Dordogne, this 15th century chartreuse (HH-8765881) is surrounded by 2.5 acres of parkland, which includes several outbuildings and three spring-fed wells. The main house is spread over three levels and includes a basement, which was a former winter garden room. There are also stables and a guardian’s house which requires renovation.
4. Maison de Maître
The maison de maître (or “master’s house”) is a large, square-shaped property that is usually found in the middle of a village or the countryside. A French property style that is often designed by well-known architects, the windows on the first and ground level are usually aligned with a central window above the front door.
This four-bedroom 18th century maison de maître (HH-7485447) is in the Haute-Garonne, around 40 minutes from the international airport at Toulouse. It offers a beautifully-restored living space along with original architectural features on five hectares of grounds. Highlights include a swimming pool, summer house, pigeonnier and a guest apartment. At €780,000 it will not be on the market for long.
5. Belle Epoque
French for “beautiful era”, the Belle Epoque period was between 1871 (the end of the Franco-Prussian war) to 1914 (the outbreak of World War One). The arts exploded during this prosperous period, which is typically associated with “joie de vivre” (joy of living), and many new forms of entertainment were introduced, such as the Moulin Rouge cabaret in Paris.
This opulent, six-bedroom Belle Epoque property (HH-8931026) is located between Saint-Tropez and Pampelonne beach and is a fine example of just how majestic this French property style can look. A stunning view over Canoubiers Bay, stylish design inside and out, and a centrally-positioned swimming pool that continues the impressive staircase from the grand entrance, makes this a unique and magical property. The price is available on application.
6. Haussmannian
Georges-Eugene Haussmann, the Prefect of the Seine under Napoleon III, can be credited with the splendid renovation of Paris during the latter half of the 19th century. He replaced overcrowded neighbourhoods with wide streets, parks and squares, created new landmarks and introduced Haussmannian apartment buildings. While the design of the interiors was largely left to the owners, each had a strict facade design rulebook which meant they had the same height, colour and appearance, becoming the famous Haussmann buildings – and one of the most recognisable French property styles – that still exist today.
In the 16th arrondissement, this stunning three-bedroom apartment (HH-9788465) is located on the sixth floor of a striking Haussmannian building. It possesses bold and beautifully-designed rooms throughout, each with three-metre ceilings and a balcony. Stylish and luxurious, it also has a wonderful view of the city and the Eiffel Tower.
To look for luxury property in France, visit www.home-hunts.com, but to speak with a consultant directly about your criteria and other French property styles, call +33 (0)970 44 66 43.
