Property hunt in La Creuse
We recently sold our renovated Charentaise Longere to British buyers and are now ready for the next phase of our life in France. We haven't settled in Charente since moving here in October 2014 as we find it too hot and dry for us and the landscape is a bit boring. We are currently in temporary accommodation in Charente whilst we search for our next project.
We have been visiting Creuse since May this year and have been over probably a dozen times now. We are searching for an old granite built character house/fermette to renovate and the property must have a decent amount of land with it, upwards of 1.5 hectares.
We have viewed some renovated properties as well as complete renovations, but the renovated places have mainly been done in a style that doesn't appeal to us or without taking energy efficiency into account, so we would rather take on our own project.
The areas we favour are in the more rugged south and east of the Department and particularly around Aubusson, Felletin and Crocq. We also like some areas in the east around Bellegarde en Marche, Auzances and Mainsat. We would also consider properties south and east of Bourganeuf. Mainly we have been searching in an area south of the D941 that runs from Limoges to Aubusson.
Our budget is up to a maximium of €100,000 for a property needing full renovation, but we would rather pay less if the property needs a new roof or major structural work. Property must have a barn and/or outbuildings as well as decent amount of land of an absolute minimum of 1.5 hectares, but preferably more. The land and location is very important as we wish to carry out an eco tourism business. The house must be in a quiet and secluded location, preferably wthout neighbours and away from main roads.
We realise this is a difficult search and so far we have viewed 15 properties since July, with no luck!! We have been searching using all the estate agents as well Notiaires websites and also private adverts on Leboincoin, Paruvendu Facebook etc. Driving around Creuse for the last few months, we have noticed many empty properties, however a great many of these appear not to be for sale?
If you know of anyone selling a house or know of a suitable property in the part of the Creuse you are in which has maybe not been advertised through an agent or online, please let us know. Also there maybe a farmer or house owner close to you with a property they might consider selling? Also if anyone has any advice to help us with our search we would be very grateful.
Kind regards Paul and Jackie