Top ten property features wish-list

I was just reading the results of a survey where buyers were asked to list their top ten wish-list requirements for their dream house, and it struck me how achievable in France most of these ‘dreams’ actually are and not just for those with the largest budgets.

Here’s the list:

1. Barns for Conversion
This one is certainly immensely achievable in many rural regions of France and It is also much easier to get planning permission to convert a barn here than it is in many parts of the world, whether that be for an office, studio or guest accommodation.

2. Walk-in Wardrobe
Again, eminently achievable because houses here are much larger with generally many more rooms, some of which can easily be converted from single bedroom and knocked through to create a walk-in wardrobe.

3. Kitchen/Diner
While this is more the norm in American, Australian and UK houses, it is still a fairly new concept here in France, but it is a trend which is fast catching on and I am now seeing many old properties which have been renovated and had two rooms knocked into one to create this much in demand kitchen/dining/living space. What’s more, because the houses tend to be larger and windows bigger, the space created can really add that wow factor.

4. Pool
I am not surprised to find this in the top ten dream wish-list but in much of France a pool is not seen as a luxury nor just the preserve of the wealthy and often even the most modest village house has a pool. Land is more plentiful here, hence gardens tend to be bigger, so space is not an issue and there is a great deal of competition from pool companies which has driven prices right down to affordable levels. Plus of course, thanks to the plentiful sunshine in many parts of France and cheaper alternative heat sources, a pool can now easily be useable from May to the end of October providing a great way to keep the family fit on top of being the ideal way to cool down in the hotter months.

5. Pantry
This one made me laugh – my grandmother had a pantry, and it seems a quaintly old-fashioned and wonderfully modest dream but I am in total agreement. A pantry is a great addition to any house and the majority of old French houses still have the original back kitchen and pantry usually full of heaps of fresh produce freshly picked from the potager waiting to me made into chutneys, jams or tonight’s supper.

6. Cinema Room
In the last few years, I have seen more and more properties with a cinema room. And if a house doesn’t already have one, certainly with the numerous rooms in most old French houses, this is eminently achievable and broadband connection is so good in most parts of France that film streaming is excellent.

7. Large Grounds
If anything, most foreign buyers in France tend to buy houses with too much land because they can. In many parts of the world, land is for wealthy landowners but here anyone can be a landowner. What’s more, if you don’t want to manage the land yourself, it is very easy here to find a local farmer who will happily cut the hay or graze animals in return for the crop or use of the land. Gardeners are also easy to find.

8. Beach Location
France not only has lots of beautiful coastline but also plenty of beach side locations with river frontage and also many lakes where you can swim or sail your boat in sight of your house.

9. Library
There are a surprising number of properties here with libraries or small rooms converted to libraries, many complete with open fireplaces and covered terraces with views.

10. Wine Cellar
Well, in France, this almost goes without saying; it is rare that I see a house that doesn’t have some kind of wine cellar. They range from vaulted caves to converted piggeries to under-stairs cupboards but, for most of my clients, a wine cellar is a must-have not an unfeasible luxury!

So, I guess, if nothing else, this Dream Home requirements list shows that, if you want to tick every box, you could do much worse than a property in France.