Property Watch: Normandy

Easy to reach from the British Isles, Normandy has long been a favourite for holidays and holiday homes and the beauty of its rural areas is matched by the better-known charms of its long, dramatic Channel coastline.

Marked by both history and war, it has the D-Day beaches, Mont Saint-Michel reborn as an island, fine chateaux and the Bayeux Tapestry but also a real jewel in the Suisse Normande, that is an outdoor-lover’s dream.

The Seine flows through the region and although the weather can be too ‘British’ and damp that does mean the countryside is lush and green, which is perfect for both its apples and its famous dairy products.

Having no direct TGV link does not seem to put off the many Parisians who buy there and regularly weekend in Normandy, with a train from Paris St-Lazare taking 2hr30 to reach stylish Deauville and its boutiques. Interestingly, the region’s first designer shopping outlet has just opened in nearby Honfleur.

It has easy ferry links to Caen, Cherbourg and Le Havre plus this summer sees a direct luxury service from Dublin.

House prices average €1,450/m² across the region, ranging from €1,000/m² in Orne to €1,690/m² in Calvados. These are very rough figures with parts of Deauville seeing prices skirting the €4,800/m² mark for flats and €4,300/m² for houses.

Properties in Basse-Normandie are more in-demand than in Haute-Normandie to the north and prices are rising, too – by up to 15.6% in Caen where a six room house with 510m² of land was recently sold for €270,000.

What your money buys under €125,000

Renovated stone cottage, with large field, pretty courtyard and stunning views.
Situated at the end of a country lane this detached property is situated in the heart of the Cotentin Peninsula, midway between the D-Day beaches and those of the west coast.
93,500 Ref: 62492JCO50

3 bedroom Maison de Maître style property located in the countryside with views.
Opportunity to acquire this newly renovated property.
Lovely location just a stone’s throw from Vire with all its amenities. Ready to move into.
124,000 Ref: 75129EMW14

More than €140,000

Detached property with outbuildings and land of 3,587m2. An ideal family home.
This house is located at the edge of a quiet village, set in beautiful countryside close to Orbec and the A28 with great access to the beaches at Deauville.
148,400 Ref: 58039JDA27

‘Chocolate box’ detached 4 bedroom country cottage in idyllic location.
A spacious property set in beautiful grounds in Beauficel, Manche, with the bonus of an extra plot of private woodland bordering the river Sée. Perfect for salmon and trout fishing.
229,000 Ref: 41466RK50

Properties available through Leggett Immobilier

www.frenchestateagents.com. Tel: 05 53 56 62 54.

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