Land on your feet S
o, you’ve decided to make the big move and put down roots in France? An
exciting decision, and now the fun can really begin as you start hunting for that dream property! You will most likely already have a property spec for your new house, but you may be wondering how much outdoor space you need. The longer, warmer summers mean you will probably want some outdoor space, but there are many diff erent aspects to keep in mind when hunting for a place with land in the French countryside. Rural France is a beautiful
mix of small towns and villages, remote hamlets and secluded properties surrounded by miles and miles of countryside. Each setting off ers its own unique living experience and it’s a good idea to think about which one corresponds best to your needs, wishes and family. Towns and villages mean more facilities compared to hamlets or rural spots, while hamlets and secluded properties often mean
more privacy and outdoor space. But which one is right for you and your situation?
REALITY CHECK I remember my parents showing me the photos of the fi rst property they bought in France and being amazed at how big the garden was compared to our tiny cottage garden in the UK! It was in a small hamlet and neither of our neighbours had children of a similar age to myself or my siblings. While we have great memories of living there, within a few years we had moved to a small village where there was slightly more going on. That dream of having lots of outdoor space wasn’t right for our family, and the property we moved to had a smaller and far more manageable garden! It’s relatively common to
see people moving over from the UK and wanting to buy somewhere with no near neighbours and lots of land, as these are hard to come by in the UK. However, the reality of having multiple
34 FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: July/August 2023
acres doesn’t always match up to expectations. It’s important to consider
how much space you really need. Of course, if you have a specifi c reason for needing a fi eld or two, such as you want to keep animals or you have horses, then you are going to need plenty of land. In these cases, you are most defi nitely going to want to start searching for a fairly remote property. Equally, if you don’t want
any neighbours, then looking for a secluded property with plenty of land surrounding it, a large garden, an adjacent fi eld or two or even some woodland to give you a privacy barrier is probably the best option. Keep in mind that you will have to drive everywhere, as it is unlikely there will be facilities within walking distance. However, if you don’t have
a specifi c need for lots of land, then it’s a good idea to carefully consider where you want to live. If you wish to be based in a small town or village, then you are likely to have to settle for a smaller-sized garden. Most
A beautiful garden like this needs to be
carefully maintained – it belongs to the
property opposite in Deux-Sèvres
Dreaming of buying a property sitting in acres of grounds? Many people do, but is it the right move for you? Jessica Randell delves into the realities of owning lots of land in rural France to make sure you keep both feet fi rmly on the ground!
villages in rural France have properties with some sort of garden or terrace, just maybe not a large garden off ering endless possibilities! On the outskirts of a village,
you may fi nd properties with decent-sized gardens and still be within walking or cycling distance of that lovely boulangerie, popular restaurant or buzzing bar in the centre. This off ers the best of both worlds – suffi cient space and privacy without being isolated.
SIZE MATTERS It’s important to keep your expectations realistic; unless you need lots of land, maybe you don’t need to buy acres just because you can. But how big does your garden need to be? If you are buying a holiday
home, consider a smaller garden or you’ll be mowing the lawn and weeding and maintaining your land for most of your holiday. You might also need to hire a gardener to keep your plot in check while you’re away, which isn’t ideal for a place you just want to enjoy.
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