Saturday, February 25, 2006

18C Chateau


I have just seen this most beautiful chateau at the Home Hunts website and I want to buy it.

However, the price is way out of my league, but it is the classic architectural "chateau",with lovely parkland, and SOOOOOO rare in the Var.(Near to Draguignan and 50mins from Nice and Toulon Airports)

It is so lovely and I will be very jealous of the person who buys it....but can I pop round for a cup of tea please?

Take a look:

IanF

Sunday, February 12, 2006

Property Consultants wanted - Languedoc Roussillon

We are currently looking for consultants for the Languedoc Roussillon region to help to strengthen the team and develop our services in that area.

For full details, visit THIS LINK

Alternatively, if you are interested and want to know more, send us an email to languedoc@home-hunts.com

Beautiful modern Bastide in the Var


Recently built Provencal bastide situated in the centre of completely flat grounds on the top of a hill close to the sought after town of Salernes.

The property offers panoramic views of the local countryside. The interior is well proportioned with high ceilings and good sized rooms, there is also the benefit of double glazing and underfloor heating. This villa has been designed and built to exacting standards using high quality, local materials.


The accommodation comprises: Large, sunny ( 80m2 ) living room with Salernes stone floors and feature fireplace, good sized fitted dining kitchen with large Godin range and stone fireplace, utility room and WC. On the first floor there is a large master bedroom with extremely generous en suite bathroom ( with walk in shower and separate bath ). Four further bedrooms and two more bathrooms.

Outside, the property stands in grounds of more than one hectare which are flat and laid mainly to grass with a paved and gravelled terrace area and nice ( 12x4M ) swimming pool. There is a double garage which could be converted to provide further accommodation plus a further building comprising of a single garage and carport for four more vehicles. The gravelled driveway ( accessed via electric gates ) offers plenty more parking.

This property needs to be seen to appreciate fully. Please contact us for further details, photos or plans.

VIEWING BY APPOINTMENT
PRICE: 1.207.500 Euros

CALL TIM SWANNIE ON 06.87.45.16.22 or 04.92.28.05.42 for more information, photos or plans.
Alternatively you can email him at tim@home-hunts.com

FREE PROPERTY SEARCH SERVICE


http://riviera.angloinfo.com/forum/ccdetail.asp?CCID=857

Home Hunts team up with International living

HOMEHUNTS have teamed up with www.internationalliving.com - An American based company which also has offices in Argentina, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Nicaragua, Italy, Ireland and Paris- France.

HOMEHUNTS will be their exclusive partner for the South of France. We will take care of their clients who are interested in property in Provence, Cote d`Azur and Languedoc Roussillon.

International living provide an excellent service to those who are looking to change their life and move overseas. They produce a printed and an online magazine which provides information about global destinations. Ths is what they say:

We search the world over continually to find the best opportunities for you to invest in a new home or a new life...to start a new business or invest for your future. In our pages (both print and virtual), you'll find out about everything from river-rafting adventures in Panama to the best buys on the Paris property market...from how to open a bank account in your new country of residence to how to get the best deal on your next airfare home...from the world's best beachfront property bargains to the most reliable local contractors to help you build your new beach home...from island-hopping adventures in the Mediterranean to the best summer fiestas in Mexico...

We are looking forward to working together with international living and are currently assisting them with the creation of a useful guide ( e-book) regarding owning property in France - It will be an extremely interesting guide offering advice, hints and tips and information on all aspects of being a French property owner.

If you would like a copy of this guide, send us an email info@home-hunts.com and a copy will be mailed to you as soon as it is completed.

Place to stay?


Looking for a peaceful and charming place to stay during your trip to the South of France?

A warm welcome awaits you at LA PARARE, an old stone “bergerie” nestled in the hills behind Nice dating back to the 18 th century.

www.laparare.com

The Rolling Stones come to Nice


August 8th 2006 - Palaiz Nikaia - Nice

The Rolling stones European tour 2006 stops in Nice.

http://www.rollingstones.com/abiggerbang/

Information - South of France

A useful website for local information in France http://www.beyond.fr/

The web's leading English language source for travel in France, with maps, travel information, hotels, photos, and detailed sections on villages, gastronomy, wine, sports, trains...

Chopper Taxi Cote D'azur

St Tropez Helicopter - Helicoptere Saint Tropez

Villages in the Var

La Garde Freinet
La Garde Freinet is a quiet village nestled in the oak and chestnut forests of the Massif des Maures found 25 km from St Tropez. While in a hushed location, this attractive village is a gateway to the Gulf of St. Tropez via Le Luc. As old as the 11th Century, the stone houses, old fashioned street names, and the intimate village square create a special atmosphere. The famous Chestnut Festival in autumn sees this quiet little village come alive with local folk coming from many little hamlets outside the village: (Mourre, Cour, and Val d'Aubert) to take part in a this village “fete.”The peaceful feel and the surrounding naturehas attracted bohemian writers, and artists making the town even more "funky."

Plan de La Tour
Plan de la Tour is a quaint unspoiled wine village which dates back to medieval times. When you walk through the cobbled streets through tiny streets you get a real feeling of France. The village church is central to the village and appears over the pretty tile roofs as you enter Plan de La Tour. It is set on a plateau between the vivid peaks of the Massif des Maures. Plaines of vineyards are broken by fantastic provencal villas, and the setting is peaceful. St Maxime is only 9kms away, and St Tropez a further 18kms. 18 “hameaus” satellite Plan de la Tour and the stars are hidden here with Sean Penn having his home here.

St Raphael&Frejus
St. Raphael is the Var city where tourism meets business. St Raphael and Frejus merge into
each other on the Mediterranean to form a large happening centre on the cote d’azur. The volcanic Esterel Mountains which are thought to be a part of the African continent of old are a vivid backdrop, and beaches west of St Raph have fantastic red rock. 13,000 hectaries are protected, and haven for trekkers, and nature enthusiasts.With 5 different harbors, St. Raphael is known for sailing and is the a great place for boating enthusiasts. Along its 40 kms of coastline you can discover sandy beaches, creeks, and inlets, all carved out of the famous red rock of the Esterel Mountains. “You will be able to discover traditional festivities in

every season. There are joust tournaments, celebrations of St. Baume and St. Pierre, Mimosa Week, Jazz festivals, and other typical St. Raphael entertainment”





St Tropez

St. Tropez became "St. Trop" when the show business people, artists and writers all fell under the spell of this charming little port in the 1950's. In the summer one could bump into Picasso, Francoise Sagan, Jacques Prévert and many others, With the arrival of Brigitte Bardot in the 6O's the myth was installed for good. Since then St. Tropez has become the in vacation spot for chic Parisians and the international Jet Set. Night life is very lively and often one can see helicopters bringing elegant guests to private parties in one of the many luxurious villas on the bay. People watching is a favorite sport here in the summer, Visitors like to sit at the outdoor cafés hoping either to be seen or to see some one else. Competition is rife. Huge yachts line up in the port rivaling to see which is the biggest, the prettiest, the best kept, or has the snappiest crew . Only beautiful people hop on board. It is quite a spectacle for the casual visitor!
If you have the choice come here in May, June or September, without the crowds one can take the time to admire the charming little streets and alleys. Early in the morning at the Place aux Herbes one can find fruit vegetables and flowers and watch the local fishermen selling their new catch. This is also the neighborhood of the famous brasseries Le Gorille and Sénéquier. A typical Provencal market is held every Tuesday and Saturday morning in the Place des Lices. Religious and festive processions called "Bravades" are lively celebrations which begin in May and continue until the 15th of June.

Ste Maxime

Ste Maxime is a fun family beach town which faces St Tropez across the Gulf. Sainte Maxime faces straight south and is sheltered from the winds by the Maures Mountains. The nightlife is full of people music at Le Wafoo, and Markets in the main town square. The wonderful weather and the beautiful location make it the ultimate holiday destination with lively pedestrian streets. The beaches right across Ste Maxime and out towards St Raphael: La Nartelle.

Weather in France

Check out the weather in France by following this link:

Francopats - France's Expat Website

This should help when organising your property visits to thej South of France.

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Languedoc Roussillon

HomeHunts do not just find property on the French riviera or in Provence, Var or Luberon areas.

We also have a team of consultants in the Languedoc Roussillon regions. If you are looking for a property in Perpignan, Montpellier, Toulouse, Carcassonne, Nimes, Uzes or any location in Languedoc Roussillon then get in touch.

Monday, February 06, 2006

Property search service, South of France

Looking for property on the French Riviera, Provence or Languedoc Roussillon?

Home Hunts offer a FREE property search service in the South of France. Let Home Hunts do the hard work for you and contact all the estate agents in the South of France, we will find your property.

CLICK HERE to leave your details and one of the team from the French Riviera, Provence or Languedoc Roussillon will contact you.

www.home-hunts.com

Majestic villa, sea views, Valbonne



Outstanding property situated on an exclusive and secure domain with resident guardians. The villa has two swimming pools and a tennis court and it offers one of the most impressive panoramic sea views on the Cote d`Azur.

http://www.home-hunts.com/details.php?id=3151

The domain itself is set in a protected Mediterranean forest and the villa looks down directly onto the old fort and port of Antibes. The panoramic view is uninterrupted to the Cap d'Antibes. Due to its dominating position in the domain, on a clear day you can see both Corsica and the snow capped mountains of the pre-Alps.

This elegant and imposing villa is built in the palladian style. Nine French windows open onto a wide flower bordered terrace made of travertine marble, running the length of the house and shaded by twelve Doric columns. The terrace is ideal for sitting, sun bathing, and al fresco dining. Below the terrace are two swimming pools, one large and a smaller one for children, accessed either by two sets of stairs or through the four French windows of the pool rooms.

Below the Pools is a red clay Tennis court. The Villa has eight bedrooms. The master bedroom is on the first floor with ensuite marble bathroom and a very private terrace with the full panoramic view to the coast. On the same floor, is a second double bedroom with a bathroom, and a childrens room with a mezzanine reached by a wooden staircase. On the ground floor, as you enter through the courtyard into the hall, you find a very large drawing-room, a dining room, a fully-fitted kitchen, a double bedroom with shower-room on one side, and leading onto the terrace a guest suite and a double bedroom with a basin and wc. Next to the kitchen are two further single bedrooms and a shower room.

Going downstairs to the pools level, there is a laundry room, a cellar, a boiler room, a table tennis room and a sauna. The Pool suite has a double bedroom, a shower room, two basins and lavatory, and a sitting room. There is an outdoor pool shower. This property really needs to be viewed to appreciate fully, contact us for full details and further photographs.

Viewings by appointment

PRICE: 3.250.000 €

Charming cottage in the South of France

Charming and authentic two bedroomed, stone built village house (300 years old) in a great location in a quiet area on the outskirts of Grasse, St. Antoine ( easy access to Cannes).

http://www.home-hunts.com/details.php?id=3819

Totally renovated throughout including new electricity and plumbing and exposed beams and ‘chevrons’ throughout. The house is the middle of 3 which were originally one large farm house which cultivated jasmin in the surrounding fields.

The house has a small patio outside and ‘cabanon’ for storage. The property offers 70m2 of living space comprising: Newly fitted kitchen on ground floor with slate floor tiles, stairs leading up to open-plan living room and also the first bedroom which could be used as an office. Stairs then lead up from the living room into the large main bedroom which has open views out onto the hills of Grasse. From the bedroom is also a really nice sized bathroom which has a large walk-in shower with shower/jet column, corner bath, WC and ceramic wash basins, all newly-fitted.

Lovely views from the house over the hills behind Grasse. There is a small cobbled lane leading to the house, a large neighbour’s garden directly in front and parking space on the road. There is a possibility of acquiring a 150sqm garden attached to the next-door house ( ask us and we will explain fully ).All floors have been newly-tiled. Electric heating and mains gas.


PRICE: 250.000 €

Buying a property in the South of France

The French buying process – Important information

The process of buying any type of property or land in France is strictly regulated. HomeHunts are here to offer advice through every step of this process but you need to know what to expect ahead.

Firstly 1 you should decide how you will buy your property.

There are three 3 options:

1.

Buy for cash - a straight forward option, but once capital has been invested in a French property it can be difficult to release equity.

2.

Re-mortgage your main home to raise the cash - again, a straight forward option and one that doesn't involve you having to deal with any French banks, but you will probably find that the interest rates charged by lenders in other countries may be higher than interest rates in France

3.

Finance your property with a mortgage from a French bank or lender.
Prepare yourself for the initial costs
Whether you are buying for cash or with a mortgage, there are some costs you are going to have to fund yourself.

The Deposit - On the day you sign the Compromis de vente (the sales agreement contract) you will be required to pay your deposit, usually 10% of the purchase price for older properties. It is advisable to pay your deposit cheque to the notaire or agent who is representing you and not to the vendor. The deposit is held by the notaire/agent until completion.

Notaire fees - For an existing property, be prepared for 7-8% of the purchase price as the cost for the legal fees. For a new build property, assume 4% of the purchase price. In addition to the notaire fees, there will be the land / property registration fee which varies from region to region. Notaire fees can only be included in the mortgage for French tax payers. If you pay tax in another country, you will have to fund the notaire fees yourself.

Agency fees – The agents selling fees are usually between 5% and 10% and this amount is normally built into the sales price. The vendor usually pays the agents fees from the sales proceeds but there is no hard or fast rule. The important thing to make sure that the price stated by the agent is the price you pay, your HOMEHUNTS consultant will be able to confirm this for you. If you are raising a mortgage you can include these fees in the loan if the agency fees are stated in the Compromis de vente.

Mortgage deposit: The minimum amount you need to provide as your deposit for a mortgage depends on your nationality, the country you live in and where you pay income tax.

For tax payers in France it is possible to arrange a 100% mortgage. For UK and EU residents and tax payers the minimum amount of deposit is 15%. For residents and tax payers in non EU countries, the minimum deposit is 20%

Arrangement fee: All of the French banks and lenders charge arrangement fees. Most charge 1% of the amount of the mortgage, many with a ceiling limit of 1500 euros, but it is advisable to check because they do differ from each other and some do not have a ceiling limit at all, so you may end up paying 1% of the total mortgage.

Bling Villas

House for a King!

Fantastic property for sale in La Garde Frienet


Splendid newy built villa, coming with all the assurances of building insurance, and lower notaires fees. 2641m² of ground with great view over the forests of La Garde Freinet. Huge living area overlooking the pool, with logical pattern of luxury bedrooms and bathroms leading off the main area. There is an office on the mezzanine overlooking the main area and pool.4 bedrooms in total, but a fifth bedroom could be put in very easily; all are large. 1 master bedroom with dressing, WC, and luxury bathroom. Poolside terrace is under roman style arches. Washroom, garage for 2 cars, swimming pool. Check www.home-hunts.com
947,000€.