Small French village getaway.

DARISC · 10-02-2011, 02:08 PM

Is finding the below even remotely possible?

Small, one or two br house or apartment in picturesque, small village in a temperate region of France. Older, traditional style architecture, exposed beams, stonework, modern plumbing/electricity, etc., nothing fancy but not needing restoration, $150k.

Ideally, village would have bakery, one or two restaurants/bar...

I'm guessing probably not, but figure someone here might have an idea.

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

Why France? I'd be more comfortable in Germany or Austria. My brother has a neat little place where Ferdy used to live.

speeder · 10-02-2011, 02:58 PM

Life in France is very expensive right now. But it's a beautiful place.

motion · 10-02-2011, 03:03 PM

The French countryside is really beautiful. There are so many small, lovely towns.... this must be possible. Stay away from the south.... crazy.

speeder · 10-02-2011, 03:10 PM

I was almost there this week but the stars did not line-up properly. Maybe in a couple weeks.

6e0ff · 6e0ff's Garage

It depends on what you mean by temperate. If you are looking for a place in the south, I haven't seen anything like you describe for that little. If you are willing to look further north, like in Brittany or Normandy, it is possible. Places will be small though and likely will need some work.

DARISC · 10-02-2011, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

Why France? I'd be more comfortable in Germany or Austria.

Both are beautiful (and I'm of Germanic descent), but I grew up in the Midwest and don't like cold winters.

Quote:

Originally Posted by motion

...this must be possible. Stay away from the south.... crazy.

Well that's encouraging. I know to stay away from the south - big bucks and crowded. Brittany looks great but I'm not sure the climate would be mild enough to suit me. I've lived in pockets of Mediterranean climate in coastal SOCAL for tears and I'm very spoiled.

DARISC · 10-02-2011, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6e0ff

...Places will be small though and likely will need some work.

Small is what I'd want, but no resto that would cost more than $10k to pay to have done.

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

Italy or Spain? No obnoxious waiters....

imcarthur · imcarthur's Garage

Mont Saint Michel 130,000 €

Look around Normandy or the Dordogne or non-wine Burgundy etc.

Ian

DARISC · 10-02-2011, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

Italy or Spain? No obnoxious waiters....

Italy's beautiful as well. Spent some time there, haven't been to Spain or France. All three are of interest, but at the moment, France appeals to me. My impression is that, outside Paris, obnoxious Parisians/waiters don't exist?

I've yet to do much research, but.both Brittany and Normandy appeal to me as they have great Atlantic coastlines and I've lived most of my life within a couple of miles of large bodies of water (Lake Erie and the Pacific). Haven't yet read about the weather. I'd be happy with crisp winters, but not freezing and snow.

I loved Greece when I was there years ago and property is probably even cheaper there, but the current socioconomic conditions would be unsettling to my mind.

I'm just beginning to consider even doing this. I suspect Dottore might chime in, maybe RKPESQ also.

tevake · 10-02-2011, 05:07 PM

There sure some attractive areas in the south of Europe!
I have seen some relevant episodes of International house hunters Show that turned up some good looking places in S.W. France, Spain, Italy, etc. Some dirt cheep for what they are.
Have you read A Year In Provence? Funny story about ex-pats trying to rebuild an old run down country place is S. France. Very Funny!!
Check out Slovenia too.
Good luck In your search.

Cheers Richard

DARISC · 10-02-2011, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imcarthur

Mont Saint Michel 130,000 €

Look around Normandy or the Dordogne or non-wine Burgundy etc.

Ian

OMG is that idyllic or what?! That would be fantastic, especially with rental income and if it's near s village. I'm an artist and I'd feel like I was living in a Monet painting!

imcarthur · imcarthur's Garage

"Peace and quiet assured, nice location, not isolated, 800 meters of all amenities and services: supermarket, bakery, butcher, local market, supermarket, doctors, ATM, Post office, pharmacy, hairdressers, tennis, fishing, hiking trails Etc ...

Actually used as a "Gite", weekly rent.
Annual incomes: 8000 euros."

I thought you might like it. But it will be cold in the winter.

Ian

DARISC · 10-02-2011, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imcarthur

...I thought you might like it. But it will be cold in the winter.

Ian

Well...I was raised in OH and eastern PA, so it wouldn't kill me... and I could go there summers. I wonder if the place attracts winter renters.

motion · 10-02-2011, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DARISC

Brittany looks great but I'm not sure the climate would be mild enough to suit me. I've lived in pockets of Mediterranean climate in coastal SOCAL for tears and I'm very spoiled.

My impression is that anything in the northern continent is cold and dreary. I could be wrong... but this is coming from a SoCal person.

Zeke · 10-02-2011, 05:36 PM

"House Hunters International" has come up with some really incredible places at modest prices, but 150K US in France ready to move in does not seem plausible. You could either look long to the East or buy into something that has income potential to offset the cost.

DARISC · 10-02-2011, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeke

"House Hunters International" has come up with some really incredible places at modest prices,

Been watching those for months. Have three French ones recorded that I've watched.

DARISC · 10-02-2011, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motion

...cold and dreary...

...Is what I grew up in and DON'T want! I'll be researching weather very closely. Been a SOCAL person myself for many decades.

motion · 10-02-2011, 05:50 PM

LOL, well anything north of northern Italy is extremely green, even in early fall. What does that tell you?