Near to village - 3 bedroom house with large garden!

Ref:  5591s                                          SOLD!

Price:  79.000€ (agency fee included)


Situated just on the outskirts of a village with all small commerce.  Well what can I say about this one????  Huge potential is probably the best!

The exterior is in good condition, well no structural problems.  Perhaps needs a little cosmetic attention in some areas.  The interior well.... shabby, half finished, untidy and the kitchen is something else!  However, is is spacious, light and bright and has a huge garden!

*3 bedrooms

*Office

*Kitchen

*Laundry room

*Lounge

*Dining room

*Garden of 4972m2.

*CH upstairs

*Double glazed

The lounge room really is quite nice.  Stone floor and old fireplace - this could be a very nice room indeed.  There is also a separate dining room.  The kitchen is very light as it has double French doors giving a fab view over the garden.  It has been semi fitted out but to be honest, you need to start again as the layout, I didn't think, worked at all!  For some bizarre reason the boiler has been blocked in by units which would have to be dismantled if it needed servicing!  However, the plumbing is in place so that is important.

One big negative is the very steep narrow staircase going up the first floor.  Once upstairs you find a quite spacious landing area with three good sized bedrooms, bathroom and one box room perhaps better used as an office.

 

OR - I think it would be better to use that box room and part of the dining room downstairs to put in a new staircase.  You really would be making a very comfortable house that way.  

Also on the first floor landing is a door leading out to steps going down into the garden.  Originally the property was only habitable on the first floor so it has quite a large staircase on the side.

 

The garden is large and flat.  As you know I am always honest!  So I have included photo's of the before when it was well kept and the now when it isn't!!  Just wanted to show how it can look!

I have confirmation that the caravan will be going!

The house is situated right next to a road leading into the village, not a busy road but I like to inform you!  Opposite that there is also a train track.  However, this is a single line track only and not very often used.

My view:  The price is good for a stone built property with a garden this size.  I think it will certainly be a very attractive property and will give very comfortable living.   It does need quite a bit of work but this will allow you to choose exactly what you want!  The garden is large and private.  The road and train would not disturb me and I liked the fact the property is situated near to the village.

 

On the edge of town. A big house with overpowering wallpaper!

Ref:  6328                                                          SOLD!!!

Price:  109.000€   Reduced to 98.000€ (agency fee included). 


On the French details, this one states that there are only two bedrooms.  However, actually, it has sort of been transformed into two apartments so you could in fact have 4 bedrooms, or more if you convert the attic also!  It's a large property with a surface of 284m2.

Situated just on the outskirts of Souillac, within just a few paces of the town centre.  It does have two roads, one either side, which is why the asking price is lower. ( These are only used by locals).  However, that is just one of the things about living near to the centre of town.  If you don't like living rural then maybe this one could be of interest as you can walk to the shops during the day and walk home from the restaurant at night!

This is a stone built property.  Exterior wise it's not in bad shape.  It needs a bit of an overhaul here and there - slipped guttering, that kind of thing.  Roof looks good.

The interior - well!!!!  Step back into the 70's ladies and gentlemen!  It certainly needs modernizing throughout.  Busy busy, flowery wallpaper covers nearly every available wall, ceiling even doors!  The lovely avocado bathroom suite is just a bonus!!  However, it must be said that this property has a feeling of quality about it.  The woodwork is fantastic and the rooms large and very bright and light.

Entering into the property  you have the kitchen to your right.  On the left is a huge lounge of 31m2.  There is a bedroom and bathroom on this floor.

Upstairs there is another bedroom of 17m2, a large lounge of 29m2, another kitchen and another bathroom.

There is the attic space of 32m2.

Under the house is a full basement of 71m2.  A garage of 18m2.

Quite a large garden for a town house.  1300m2 in total and it has a little building also....

My view:  Rip down that wallpaper for starters!  Paint in light colours, new bathrooms and kitchen and revert back to 4 bedrooms.  Plant the garden and enclose it more to give privacy.  You would end up with a very nice, spacious house indeed!


Please contact me if you would like further specific information by e-mail, kim@century21.fr

Don't forget to add me to your favourites or click on the link to 'follow' the blog. I will be updating as and when new properties come onto the market, news about the area, oh, and a little about my French life!!

            

Another little railway cottage - N° 99 !!

Ref:  6534s                                        Sold !

Price:  only 29.000€ ! (agency fee included)


Here is another little 'passage à niveau'.  You must have seen them before on my blog if you are a regular visitor, there is always usually one little railway cottage for sale at any one time!  These little houses, were the guards accommodation before gates were automated.  They are all identical!

I'm going to show you something different with this one....  yes it is a before and after but with bit of a difference....  but I will start with the after...  all will become clear!

This little cottage had been totally transformed only a couple of years ago.  However, the unlucky owner had rented the property out to some terrible tenants who did not look after it and there was substantial water damage from a tap left running.  Therefore, the property does need some works.

*Lounge

*Kitchen

*2 bedrooms

*Shower room

*Cellar

*Garden 736m2
*Full double glazing!

The exterior is in good condition.  Walking inside into the kitchen/dining room.  To the left is the lounge.  Upstairs there are two connecting rooms and a shower room.  As with all of the cottages, you do have to walk through one of these rooms to get to the other bedroom so maybe this would be more ideal as a one bedroom property unless you know the others in the other bedroom well!  Or this could become a nice office area.  

You will see from the photo's that much of the damage is actually to the floor in the main bedroom and the kitchen ceiling.  Consequently, as the property has also been closed for a considerable amount of time, the dampness had affected most of the other rooms just because of the humidity.  However, it has now completely dried out and although I would recommend that the floor in that bedroom is inspected to make sure it is still solid enough, (it seemed to be) together with re-decoration throughout should see this little house bought back to it's former glory. 

There is a good sized garden, 736m2 in total.  The cottage is situated just on the outskirts of a village with all commerce and within walking distance.  There are some properties nearby but not overlooking at all.  The railway line is still used, however, this is only a very small single track with few passing trains!

Here are the photo's of how it looked before and a good insight of what it can look like again:  (makes your blood boil doesn't it??!!)

The following are the before photo's!  The cottage now looks like in those above :(

My view:  I love it!  Perfect for a little holiday home.  Price is really interesting too with not much money to lay out to get this back to how it should be.

        

Please contact me if you would like further specific information by e-mail, kim@century21.fr

Don't forget to add me to your favourites or click on the link to 'follow' the blog. I will be updating as and when new properties come onto the market, news about the area, oh, and a little about my French life!!

Vin de Merde!

This made me laugh out very loud!   I asked all my French colleagues if they had heard of it and they hadn't.  So funny, they all think it special publicity for us gullible foreigners - probably right!!  Click on the following  link:

http://french-news-online.com/wordpress/?p=3122

Recent comments about the blog and questions I get asked...

Every morning I arrive to an assortment of e-mails and messages.  Most of my clients come are from far and wide, sometimes thinking they are alone in the many questions that they need to ask before embarking on buying a property in France.

I thought I would share some of the e-mails I get.  Some will show how and why people are looking to buy in France and some will show the kind messages of support I get concerning the blog. :) !!  If one of your e-mails is here - a special thank you!

Hi Kim,

I stumbled upon your site and blog and I must say I love it, although an honest estate agent with a sense of humour must be an endangered species.

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Hello Kim

My next query is about pets - we have three cats, three tortoises and two chinchillas (a mini zoo!) that will be moving with us.  I know how to get pet passports for the cats, but do you know where I can find out about the rules on taking the tortoises and chinchillas?  Also, do landlords of rental properties allow you to keep pets in them?

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Dear Kim,

Good site! Lively commentary!

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Hi Kim,

I came across your blog today when I was looking for properties in France.  Love your descriptions of the properties; my opinions were the same as those you expressed which makes you an ideal house-hunter for me!  And your blog adds so much information about the area, from a personal perspective, which is so lacking when just looking at the listings.  Often you have no idea what the neighborhood is like.  I also like that you comment on the "feel" of the house; that's very helpful as well.

Currently, my favorite listing is Reference: ++++S. My husband is 6'6" tall and it's hard to find old homes that fit him; we're lucky to have found the 1860s farmhouse we live in now in Virginia, USA. I grew up in Germany and would love to have a place (in France) to go home to for part of the year.  The referenced property did not have a garden which would be an eyesore while we were away! Looks like the ceilings are fairly high.

Wish I was there to talk to you in person; you come across as someone who would be a lot of fun to go house exploring with (I love doing that)! I had my realtors license here for awhile many years ago but the bug never goes away...

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Dear Kim,

My mother, sister and I spent long hours of delight reading your blog this
weekend and looking at your listings.
I lived in Rousillon briefly in
the early 80's, and have since toyed with the idea of living in France part
of the year. Although I passed through Souillac and saw the Abbey, I don't
remember much else--besides the village has no doubt changed in 30 years!

I have basic questions in terms of buying a French property, and I wondered
if you'd take the time to guide me a little:

1) Are prices negotiable?
2) How might I calculate property taxes per year?
3) Are there aspects of French law in terms of foreign purchase which I
should know about?

That seems to cover the basics, so that I can consider in more
practical--rather than fantasy--terms.

You should know how appealing your approach is, warm and personal, yet
clearly informed. Your description of properties is just what one might hope
for; we appreciated your eye for what might appeal as well as for what might
prove a challenge.

Thanks,

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Hi Kim, Good name ;-)
I like some of your properties, 6348S in particular.

At the moment I'm working in Sicily and then back to our base in Malta but should be free towards the end of September.
Maybe we can meet up then and have a look if the property is still on the market.
Best regards and please don't do anymore "A place in the sun" as the Brits will pay stupid prices which I guess is good for you but not for me ;_)

Kim

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... well-written with great photos. Makes a nice change from negotiating my way around the usual crop of awfully designed websites.

I also love the properties that you have on your site but they are not in the area we are considering. I don't suppose you ever market properties in the Midi-Pyrenees?

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Dear Kim

We would like to thank you for your assistance and hospitality during our visits to properties selected for possible purchase.

Not only were you as entertaining as your blog site but also very informative about the housing market in this part of the world.

As we left it, you have proposed to send appropriate details of houses to meet our requirements. However after our meeting with you we saw a property with another agency and following a second viewing, made an offer that was accepted by the vendor.

Obviously we are delighted to find a house we feel has the potential (yes it does need a new bathroom and kitchen!) to become a very comfortable distraction to daily routines and set in a very beautiful landscape.

I am sorry that this means we will not have the pleasure of seeing you again, but wish you continued success in your business and hectic social life!

Kind regards

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Bonsoir!

Thaks for your mail, Kim  and keep those properties coming.

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Hello KimThanks for your latest property details. The entry porch is a catastrophe- I DO love plastic........

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Sorry I missed you last night - I was stuck on the good ole M25 in heavy rain, another good reason to want to upsticks and move to France!

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Kim,
First of all this is going to be long, so grab a cup of tea! (or
coffee – or a wine).
I have been visiting your web-page frequently after I stumbled
across it whilst googling all things French Property (!!!) and LOVE the way you
write and the enthusiasm you put into all the wonderful properties you find. I
feel I am there with you.

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Just a little word to let you know how much I enjoy looking at you blog. After wading through all the "immobilier" sites, and just before I go into a hypnotic trance, I switch to  your site.

Alas, only to dream of what could be.

My wife and I are currently looking for our retirement home. Unfortunately our meager budget of only 150.000 Euros does not seem to be buying much in France nowadays. But surely there must be a little gem waiting for us somewhere. Isn't there?

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Good Morning!

Very much what I am looking for! Big doors can be swung open for air...and yes there is lots of stone and block to be prettified.

And really was the space 2500   m2  counting the upstairs area?

 

Tis ugly (but I was born in a factory town in New England...cobblestone street with ugly factories..so I got that ugly-sentimental thing going).

And if the village is vital - one can take their art to the street or just enjoy the local life.

 

And is this really in the center of SOUILLAC?

 

thanks for my me laugh this time - this morning, Kim - and yes, this is the kind of thing I am open minded too (I don't believe anyone would break into there if I left it a year - and if they did, my flexible solar cells and I would be gone).  ;-)

 

Very good - let me look at this after work and think.

Cheers Kim. Thanks for not looking down on me for wanting to buy weird stuff.

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I'm so glad to have found your blog...it's fabulous and a great idea.  Please know I truly appreciate your help and will try not to drive you crazy with emails & questions.

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Thank you everyone!

A nice 'Pavillon' and a step back to the 70's!

Ref:  6455s

Price:  175.000€ (agency fee included)


This quite elegant property is situated between Souillac and Gourdon in the LOT surrounded by 2000m2 of garden.

The exterior is in excellent condition.  Stepping inside is like a trip back to the 70's!   However, that very intense flowery wallpaper or vertical stripped wallpaper is still perfectly in place - not one scrape or peeling corner!!!   So if you needed to move in directly, you could, although I have a feeling I would go slightly insane and closed in by the overwhelming paper style vegetation, particularly in the bedroom!

*4 Bedrooms

*Large lounge/dining of 37m2

*Kitchen

*Bathroom

*Laudry room

*Garage of 53m2

*Terrace of 18m2

*Garden of 2000m2

*Central heating

As I said, the look of the property really is very nice.  As with most 'pavillions' from this time, the living accommodation is on the first floor and up.  There is a very nice terrace area to the front with doors opening up onto the lounge.  Perfect for outside eating!

I have outlined above, the rooms of the house.  The interior is actually in good condition!  Just colour and decor may not be to everyone's taste ...  or should I say anyone's taste!!  I have seen a few of these properties re-decorated in modern minimalist style, or even with just white walls and they look very classy and very elegant!  Along with re-decoration, the property would certainly benefit (and so would you ) from a new kitchen and bathroom.

Two of the bedrooms are on the first floor and two have been made in the attic space.  A little bit of a negative point is that the corridor between those bedrooms has not been finished... So a little work needed there to finish it off and make good.  However, there is enough space there to make another bathroom if desired.

The garage underneath is huge, measuring 53m2.

My view:  A beautiful house with comfortable living proportions.  Most properties you would probably want to re-decorate to your own tastes anyway so present embossed, raised, shiny flowery wallpaper should not be a put off!   Not major works either, so that is a real bonus.


Please contact me if you would like further specific information by e-mail, kim@century21.fr

Don't forget to add me to your favourites or click on the link to 'follow' the blog. I will be updating as and when new properties come onto the market, news about the area, oh, and a little about my French life!!