Buying a Home in the South of France

Buying a Home in the South of France. Oh, that title sounds SO romantic doesn’t it?

But how does one capture a bit of the dream without it turning into a French folly?

There have been many books written on the subject. I myself love Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence as he perfectly and humorously captures the French work ethic. There are also a few films such as A Good Year and Under the Tuscan Sun that had thousands flocking to France and Italy in search of their own piece of Paradise. But please know while the films were made to entertain there is also a heaping dose of absolute truth in the well-scripted plots.

Buying a Home in the South of France

Americans were spoon fed on the concept on manifest destiny. However, it is not a concept embraced by the French. More than one American has become completely exasperated in the red tape and rules associated with owning French architecture and given up. You must have patience and an understanding that the French are just trying to protect and preserve their culture. Particularly if the home has been designated as historical architecture. Unlike America,  French properties cannot be torn down or massively altered if it is a historical property.

But that’s ok. It is because of this that France is France which is why we love it. Grasp this concept and you will be fine. Oh and one other small thing. You must LOVE France. Because we all know that when you really love something you will make allowances for its idiosyncrasies.

My cousin and her family LOVE France and are in the beginning stages of purchasing property in the South of France. I for one wanted to sit shotgun on this ride. 

A City Home

Not everyone wants a place in the country. My cousin is a city girl and wanted a place close to a train station so that if she and her dashing husband woke up and felt like having lunch in Spain or Italy they could. For that reason, she looked at properties in town and after some lengthy research, her heart was captured by a 19th century set of apartments.

You can see that the exterior of one side of the apartments has been cleaned and completed its restoration.

The other side has not. This is the entrance to her apartment.

Johan and François

Now is a good time to introduce you to Johan and François. Johan, on the left, is an agent immoblier. Better known as a real estate agent. The best way to find a good one is through the recommendation of a friend. François works for the French architect who will be renovating the property. Both are well versed in the rules regarding French property. Let me also say that everything that is said about French men being totally charming and having that certain je ne sais quoi is true. After spending the afternoon with these two gentlemen I inquired if they were single as both would have been lovely suitors for my daughter. They both laughed (charmingly) and Johan was very game. 

Upon entering the property I immediately noticed the mosaic floor. From then on I basically had stars in my eyes throughout the visit.

The amazing staircase was straight ahead although a small lift (elevator) will be installed as well.

I want to say that there were two apartments on each level and there were approximately five flights of stairs. So it is a relatively small complex. At the top of the stairs was a skylight that filled the space with amazing light.

The Apartment

Are you ready to see the apartments? Remember, there is “No smoking” on the tour.

We toured several apartments. Upon entering each space in the main salon there were French doors on the left…

…and French doors on the right. A small balcony ran between the two doors with a grand view of the town. Even though the day was overcast and rainy the light was lovely.

Yes, the paint was peeling but the plaster ceilings were SO good!

No two spaces were alike. I loved this ceiling medallion with its cherubic faces. I would finish it off with a lovely old sparkly chandelier.

This medallion would work well with a modern fixture.

Everywhere you looked love was living in the details.

Sure the bathrooms need to be updated…

…and the kitchens all require a complete overall….

…but there were surprises upon surprises just waiting under layers of bad remodeling.

If you have priced French antique hexagon terracotta floor tiles (tomettes anciennes, carreaux de terre cuite, format hexagone) you know that you are looking at a treasure trove.

I would remove the black ceramic tile, which was added at a later date, to let the focus remain on the carreaux hexagones.

But if you would prefer not to have this classic French tile…

…there were several apartments with antique oak flooring.

What’s Your Style?

As well as numerous styles of fireplaces.

One of the apartments had suffered through some interpretation of monolithic deco mid century madness.

With a bit of Art Nouveau on the walls thrown in for good measure.

But for the most part with just a bit of scrub, sand, paint and glass replacement I can see the potential that lies beneath. Can you?

For those that need a garden don’t despair….

… a lovely little park is right next door.

A Good History

Yes, the building is just filled with goodness. On the exterior, there is a plaque that says so. A loose translation is that during WWII the building was used to house many Jewish children who ultimately were saved from deportation. I think this is what sealed the deal for my cousin. You can read more about the amazing Camille Ernst HERE.

French bank accounts and mortgages are a must. Once it is finished, which may be a few years, I shall report back to you.

Laura