Belles Demeures for
sale through Sifex Ltd and Buying a Belle Demeure or Beautiful
Property in France
If you are intending to buy a substantial and
beautiful French property but do not want an actual Chateau,
then this portfolio is probably the ideal place to begin your
search. The phrase 'Belles Demeures' or beautiful residence or
dwelling, can be applied to a plethora of different properties
ranging from Manoirs and Bastides to Maison de Maitres, Mas and
even occasionally Villas (although they tend to fall into this
category mostly as a result of their stunning coastal setting
rather than for their architecture). These are some examples of
the different styles of property you will find on the Sifex Belles
Demeures selection of French properties for sale. Not all of these
'types' of property will feature as we only select those especially
beautiful or handsome properties which we consider merit the description
'Belle Demeure'.
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Bastide in Provence
Bastide in Provence |
Bastide
Bastide - a square or fortified house frequently found in Provence
and often with a formal French garden with fountains and approached
through ornamental gates. These properties are generally quite
substantial and command a price which reflects their imposing
stature and rarity. Bastides are sometimes to be found at the
centre of a Vineyard domaine. The majority are built of stone.
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Chartreuse in Midi Pyrénées
Chartreuse in Midi Pyrénées
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Chartreuse
An attractive and pleasing development, generally originating from
the XVIIIth Century, the 'petit Chateau' or Chartreuse is
usually built on one level and frequently forms a courtyard on one
side with various outbuildings. . There are many of these attractive
properties in Poitou Charentes, Aquitaine and the Midi Pyrenees
although they are also to be found in other regions of France.
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Domaine in Rhône-Alpes
Domaine in Languedoc Roussillon
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Domaine
A 'Domaine' usually refers to an estate of several hectares.
It may, for instance, boast a Bastide, as the main house, a Manoir
or even a Chateau. On the other hand it could be an estate
with a relatively simple farm or agricultural dwelling. Whatever
the style of house, a Domaine generally consists of agricultural
land of some description or a vineyard. This type of 'domaine' should
not be confused with the secure developments, generally with caretakers
and often gated which usually contain a number of more modern properties.
These are also referred to frequently as 'Domaines' and quite a
number are located near the coast in the South of France.
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Maison de Maitre in Languedoc Roussillon
Maison de Maitre in Midi Pyrénées
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Maison de Maitre
Maison de Maitre: is a small Mansion although the literal translation
is a ' Master's house'. Generally constructed on two or three floors,
with a central hallway and reception rooms on either side, the private
rooms are generally on the first floor and the second floor was
used for the servants' quarters. You will find Maison de Maitre
in either rural or village settings throughout France. Due to their
elegant proportions and manageable size they are a popular choice
and much sought after.
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Maison Bourgeoise in Midi Pyrénées
Maison Bourgeoise in Provence
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Maison Bourgeoise/Hotel Particulier
These were normally built for wealthy businessmen or professional
classes to reflect the wealth or status of the owner. Typically
built of stone or brick and facing the street, they generally have
large windows and symmetrical rooms of good dimensions. A Hotel
Particulier is not as you might suppose a 'Hotel' at all but a private
Town House or Mansion, frequently similar in style to a Maison Bourgeoise,
which in turn is just a 'large impressive house'.
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Manor in Brittany
Manor in Poitou Charentes
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Manoir / Gentilhommiere
Manoirs - or Manor houses need little introduction. They
are usually elegant properties, predominantly of either stone or
brick, (although Normandy boasts some very attractive Manoirs built
of Colombages).Built in general for the local 'squire' or land owner,
they are usually set in the middle of their grounds or an estate
or domaine. A 'Gentilhommière' as its name suggests, is a
gentleman's smaller manor or country seat.
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Mas in Provence
Mas in Provence
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Mas
A Mas is the term used for a farmhouse in Provence. It is increasingly
rare nowadays to find a Mas which has not already been renovated
and, due to their comparative scarcity, they generally command
quite a high price. From those to restore and the modern houses
built in the style of an original Provencal Mas of stone, the
price range extends from 3-400,000 Euros up to six figure amounts
depending on the size of the property and whether it has additional
features such as Gites or Chambres d'Hotes - or whether it is
in a particularly sought after area ( for example the coast or
the Luberon) - where prices reflect the income brackets of the
international community who reside there. Frequently with their
shutters painted in shades of blue or green or French grey - they
are extremely attractive. The interior may be quite dark in the
original Mas since they usually have small windows in order to
be able to shut out the glare and heat of the mid-day sun.
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Priory in Rhône-Alpes
Presbytery in Western Loire
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Monastery/Priory/Convent - or Abbey
Buildings with ecclesiastical origins come in a wide variety of
shapes and sizes. They incorporate abbeys, priories, monasteries
and convents and depending on their original use, may come with
a variety of different features such as cloisters or chapels
as well as the main accommodation. They are often rich in architectural
features and history and can be suited to either private or commercial
use.
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Donjon in Midi Pyrénées |
Tower or Donjon
The term 'Donjon' in French does not as you might think signify
a 'dungeon' ( the name for which is in fact a 'cachot'), but rather
refers to a tower or the keep of a Chateau or Castle. This
example stands alone,presumably as a relic of a medieval fortified
building.Whilst writing about towers, it is also quite useful to
know that the term 'Chateau d'eau' in France has nothing to
do with a majestic castle, but refers to a water tower!
We recommend that you read our section
on buying a property in France which can be found under Contact/Buying.
To view our selection of Belles Demeures for sale please click
here or to receive details of Belles Demeures, either register
on line on www.sifex.co.uk, or e mail; info@sifex.co.uk
or telephone us on +44 384 1200. Our office hours are 9 a.m. - 6
pm Monday - Friday and if you leave a message, we will get back
to you as soon as possible.
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