Sweet gîtes for every budget – FrenchEntrée heralds the start of the annual gîte-hunting season
- July and August are the time for would-be buyers to undertake research (FrenchEntrée)
- Most popular areas include Brittany, Normandy, Poitou-Charentes, Limousin, the Dordogne and Languedoc-Roussillon
- Gîte hunters looking for the ideal blend of affordability and rental potential
Premium French property agents FrenchEntrée are gearing up for the annual ‘gîte-hunting season’ in France. Every July and August, British holidaymakers head across the channel in search of sunshine, relaxation and the perfect property, with gîtes offering the ideal blend of affordability and rental potential.
“At this time of year, we tend to see holidaymakers combining their downtime with research into France’s gîte market. Typically, visitors are exploring areas where they are considering making a purchase to find out about local amenities, transport connections, social considerations and so forth. Many of these holidaymakers use the summer months to really get to know their preferred region, prior to purchase a second home there further down the line.”
Fleur Buckley, Property Services Manager, FrenchEntrée
Brittany, Normandy, Poitou-Charentes, Limousin, the Dordogne and Languedoc-Roussillon are all popular with British buyers. Each area offers its own unique charms. Brittany is all about coastal walks, wide sandy beaches, open skies and green hills. Normandy also boasts beautiful beaches, backed by rich farmland and overflowing with orchards. The inland Dordogne region, meanwhile, offers gently undulating hills, historic towns and magnificent river vistas. Of course, this being France, each area also offers its own unique, gourmet cuisine, focusing on fresh, local ingredients that change with the seasons.
Every region also offers its own style of gîte. In technical terms, a gîte is a property that has an owner living nearby, to welcome guests and provide assistance. This means that many gîtes are former farmworkers’ cottages or outbuildings that have been converted into living accommodation. As such, they can vary in size – and price – quite considerably. This is excellent news for British buyers, as it means that there is a gîte to suit every budget.
“The depth of variety in the gîte market means that buyers are often spoiled for choice. That’s why the summer months are so key to potential purchasers – they want to explore in detail what France has to offer before homing in on a particular location and property. Of course, many are also buying with rental potential firmly in mind, so are researching local holiday rental markets as well during their visit.”
Fleur Buckley, Property Services Manager, FrenchEntrée
Gîtes are incredibly popular with tourists and are in abundant supply. Estimates suggest that there are five gîtes available for every person who wants to book one. Even with France topping the list of the world’s most visited countries, making a living from a gîte is unlikely in such a saturated marketplace. However, many would-be purchasers have a realistic view of this and are happy to factor only a few weeks’ rental income per year into their plans, according to FrenchEntrée. As such, let the gîte-hunting season begin!
Gorgeous gites currently on the market
In the Uzel area of central Brittany, this delightful, renovated farm complex comes with three habitations, two of which are in use as gîtes. The property also benefits from a heated swimming pool, terraces, children’s play area and orchard.
Set in almost 40 acres of land in the Charente-Maritime, Poitou-Charentes region, this stunning property is new to the market. The beautifully renovated stone house comes with two gîtes, spa with sauna and treatment rooms, saltwater pool and summer kitchen area and fabulous grounds, including an orchard and a meditation meadow.
Buyers looking for more of a project will love this small chateau in Limousin, which is packed with potential for someone looking to create a fantastic gîte complex. Bordering a cascading river, the property has around 24 rooms, which could be separated into six or more dwellings. Packed with character, this property enjoys a scenic, peaceful setting that is perfect for promoting relaxation.
For further information, contact FrenchEntrée on +44 (0)1225 463752 or propertysales@frenchentree.com. You can also visit https://www.frenchentree.com/property-for-sale/.