Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

As we see the old year out, sitting in front of a roaring fire, it's nice to think that through selling houses in this wonderful part of the world, we are helping to fulfil our clients dreams of owning a home here. A heartwarming thought.
Next year brings us new challenges, firstly with the new laws coming into effect on the 1st January 2011, requiring home sellers to have Energy Diagnostics done on their homes before they are sold, and some new regulations on septic tanks. Neither of these things are of immediate impact or life-changing, but they do add to the work load of agents and sellers alike.
Wishing you a peaceful holiday and look forward to seeing you in 2011.

New property listed near the beaches of the Mediterranean

This lovely 6 bedroom property, just a stones throw from the beaches and resort of Sigean, is a very well presented house, with a separate, self contained Granny flat attached.
The garden is a nice size, which could easily accomodate a pool without sacrificing room for plants, vegetable plots and lawn. A car port and large garage complements the ensemble.
The property is walled all round, with lockable gates for car and pedestrian access, making it a safe haven for children. Views of the salt marshes and the sea are possible from the upper floor windows. The price is good as well at a shade over €400,000.

Small B&B for sale in Tourist hot spot.

The village of Lagrasse in the Corbieres was recently voted the most beautiful village in France, and has many thousands of visitors each year. The Abbey of Lagrasse will feature a performance by The Royal Ballet this year which will certainly draw in the crowds. So, when I was asked if I would like the opportunity to sell a small B&B business for under €300,000, I jumped at the chance. I cannot begin to describe the breathtaking scenery and the equally quaint village life in this extraordinary place. The artists, antiques markets, bookfairs, restaurants and cafes, galleries, you have to see it to believe it. More on this fabulous opportunity on our website.

Phew! Busy week.

The great thing about having prospective buyers with you is that you also make new friends. Take this week for example. It's no secret that my great passion is motorcycles, so when my clients this week share the same passion, it really makes things fun. But that's the beauty of Leggetts, we get to know our clients well, they can then place their trust in our hands to find their home and know that we will do a good job. We become not just another Estate Agent at the end of the phone or at the end of the email chain, but a person whose judgement is trusted and someone who is working hard to fulfill the dream. Hey - and maybe get another biking buddy to share these fantastic roads. Onwards and upwards.. or as we bikers say.. keep it shiney-side-up!

Another gem, probably the best yet! Big house, Big views, Small price

This is one the most original houses I've seen during my new life in France. The floors are like tapestries, marble fireplaces thoughout. The owner lived in the house all her life, and recently died at the ripe old age of 102. Aparently, little changed during her time in the house. Nice garden, stupendous views of the hills and the nearby river, which has its own beach and lifegurads in the summer. 7 bedrooms, 3 reception rooms, loads of potential for a B&B with the tourist Mecca of Lagrasse just 4Km up the road. The price? €162,000... a bargain.

This is a big one! Lots of space and a garden.

I know it doesn't look like it from here, but this is a big property. It has two entrances, one through the garden, and one from the street. It has lovely accomodation, three bedrooms, a mezzanine, large open-plan lounge, summer kitchen, you could just move in tomorrow. But it's what is downstairs that makes this property special. Entering at street level, there is over 190m2 of space ripe for conversion into apartments or bedrooms for B&B. It's got to be worth seeing so book your visit soon.

This house will not be on the market for long..

This little gem has only been on the web site for two days and has already been viewed on the website over 150 times.
It's got 2 bedrooms (or a third on the mezzanine if you wish) two bathrooms, a living room and dining kitchen. It's got lots of charm and character, it's in a great little village with all amenities and it's a shade over €100,000.
Follow the link below for more details, or email me direct at pmathews@frenchestateagents.com

http://tinyurl.com/ydxvqhe