This area is called Le Roannais in the département of the Loire.

Yes, of course, many tourists and business travellers from the UK and other parts of Europe visit, or drive through the region down the famous route N7 every year.

This is exactly what they often do – drive straight through or around it without stopping and taking a ‘breath’ but they are missing a lot.

It is not, however, an isolated part of France, like many areas can be in this huge country.

The Roannais is a delightful region with beautiful countryside, forests, lakes, mountains, with the river la Loire meandering through it.

At the central hub of several more well-known regions, the Roannais is within easy access of some famous cities, towns, and villages.

Roanne is the main township with, for example, France’s second city of Lyon just over an hour’s drive or train journey away.

Vichy, with its famous spring waters, is also nearby, and Saint Etienne on the edge of the stunning, volcanic region of the Puy-de-Dôme.

Located on the banks of the river la Loire, with the lower slopes of Auvergne, Beaujolais and Bourgogne (Burgundy) forming the backdrop, the Roannais region offers French lifestyle at its very best.

It is renowned for its food, which includes the famous three-star restaurant, Maison Troisgros (a fantastic gastronomic experience if you’ve got the chance. And the money, of course).

There are also many other local, family-run restaurants which are simply sublime, and for quality, service and surroundings certainly do not break the bank.

Vineyards decorate the surrounding hillsides, with Côte Roannaise wine, made from Gamay grapes, being the local tipple. Also, the popular vineyards and succulent wines of the Beaujolais are just 45 minutes away.

There is much to see and do, from a large number of heritage sites, medieval villages, including some buildings dating from the 13th century and some Roman churches from the 10th century.

Medieval castles and renaissance country houses abound, Château de la Roche being, probably, the most romantic.

Set on a rocky outcrop in the middle of the Loire, this classic fairytale castle is stunning. Every year in August there is an incredible son et lumiere show including dramatic firework displays celebrating its medieval history.

Roanne is surrounded by the uplands known as the Monts de la Madeleine, Monts du Beaujolais and Monts du Lyonnais.

They provide breathtaking panoramic views of the Roanne Valley, and are easily accessible for hill-walking, mountain-biking, and, of course, skiing and snow-boarding during the winter months.

Due to its location near the Loire, the Roannais area is also popular for river cruising through the Loire gorges. Water sports, such as sailing, canoeing and rowing are also available.

There is plenty to do for families and children all year round. It is certainly a great place for either a holiday home, or more permanent residency.

This is a region which is developing and is becoming much more easily accessible due to new links to France’s ever-growing auto-route network.

Lyon, in particular, continues to expand, and the Roannais is becoming easier to commute between.

Most villages and townships within 25 kilometres of Lyon have seen massive increases in property prices during the last 10 years.

The Roannais is less than 70 kilometres away, and is such a prize of a place for country living but with all amenities such as shops, entertainment, schools and colleges for people wanting to live ‘the life’ whilst working and earning in the city.

There is even the possibility of a direct TGV link into Roanne in the near future. Even now, access to the TGV to Paris and Marseille, for example, is simple with easy connections to Lyon.

The ski resorts of the Alps are around three hour’s drive away, and the popular southern regions and French Riviera are within easy reach.

There are several convenient airports such as Lyon (St.Exupery), Saint Etienne, Grenoble, Chambery and Geneva.

Property opportunities abound, and with all the rapid, ongoing regional development it seems, therefore, to be a particularly good time to invest.

Such opportunities include remarkable, ancient châteaux, farmhouses, barns, and medieval village town houses either in the mountains, hillsides, or amongst the forests and rich farmland.

Prices are good. There are absolute bargains and renovation opportunities to be had.

You can pick up a large château for less than €550,000, a sizeable farmhouse for less than €150,000, or small barn or cottage, ripe for renovation, for less than €50,000.

Prices, of course, like most regions throughout France, vary a lot, and the willingness of the Roannais locals to negotiate is well known.

In the last 10 years property prices have increased throughout the Roannais region, and in the next five years, or so, property prices, despite the current economic malaise, are certainly expected to move upward further. An investment ahead of the game is well worth consideration.

It is, of course, impossible to depict the Roannais in its full glory, and define the myriad of opportunities available in this short article. You must visit, and see for yourself. It’s the only way.

If you want to know more about property opportunities in the Roannais and our ‘Property Finding Services’ please contact Brian Franklin direct at: info@purefrancenow.com or visit our dedicated website: www.purefrancenow.com

Also visit www.thisfrenchlife.com for more information about all things French, and a unique property renovation project in the Roannais at: Discovering the Roannais in the Rhône-Alpes – follow a series of editorials about a ‘Grand Design’ project by Brian and Lucy Franklin.

Purefrancenow Property Services

www.purefrancenow.com

At last! The work is over, the spending has slowed down, and the results of all our efforts can be clearly seen and appreciated.

In some respects, there is an element of anti-climax about it all.

As we neared the final stages of completing the ‘Cuvage’ renovation we, of course, could see all the elements of both interior and exterior renovation and conversion becoming a reality, and all our design and previous project control decisions working together as a whole.

Le Cuvage had eventually become a sum greater than its parts.

It was wonderful to walk up to the building and enter its doors to reveal the magnificent interior, and be pretty pleased with all our efforts.

It was a delight to spend our first holiday break within its four walls – to test out the showers for the first time, to christen the kitchen, to wake up with the newness all around us, and the sound of the Roannais countryside surrounding us.

Our first family occupation took place at Easter 2006, after myself and my good friend, Dale, had moved all furniture and houshold items into Le Cuvage during a very wintry and snowy February, a month or so before.

We had, typically, done a ‘white van’ trip from England, and had also ‘stripped’ our previous holiday home (‘The Stables’) located in the  original chateau grounds, and only a minutes walk away from our new residence.

We had prepared our interior furnishings pretty well, and would of course add to these over time. To be fair, we needed to ‘live’ in the place for a while to get a good ‘feel’ of how everything worked, and how the layout suited us.

Generally, it was all that we we wanted from our French ‘Dream House’, and more!

Yes, of course, there are always improvements and changes that one realises could be made – a wall here, access here, electric points repositioned, additional or less lighting, extra storage, But generally, we were very happy with the two dwellings we had created out of this huge wine-making barn.

Having previously owned a holiday home in the same enclave for 12 years, we were, of course, very familiar with our surroundings, and the region.

Whenever we arrived for a holiday  we immediately felt ‘at home’. So, although the newness of ‘Le Cuvage’ was a little strange, and we had to get to grips with a new home living experience, we did not have to contend with the need to discover  a new locality, and relate to new people, and find new friends. All this was already there!

There was no doubt that the attention to detail we had maintained, and the quality of internal and external installation and fixturing had all paid off.

We, of course, still had plenty to occupy us, and although internally it was really a matter of moving and positioning furniture to maximum effect, outside was a totally different matter.

I was keen to get into the garden, and commence the ‘tidying up’ work prior to the planting of trees and shrubbery.

Our new pool, too, and along with its surrounding area, required more attention to bring it to a decent holiday standard.

So, all-in-all, we still had more work cut out, but we were determined to enjoy it, and breathe in all that fresh French air!

Le Cuvage is definitely not a ‘holiday home’ in the normal sense of the term, and was never really intended to be such. It was designed for purpose – a ‘principal’ home ready for our eventual, and intended permanent commitment to living in France.

I hope that this ‘renovation diary’ has been of of interest to the many readers who are looking to for a property in France, whether for a holiday home or permanent residence.

Each person’s project, of course, is individual to themselves, but  seeing the results and hearing of the experience of others helps to see what can be achieved, and the potential benefits that the French way of life has to offer.

I also hope that the stage-by-stage images of our project, which have been featured in each issue during the last 7 months, have  demonstrated to varying extent what is possible with a renovation project like this.

In our view, France is a brilliant place to buy and develop a property, and there are still many opportunities and bargains to be had in many regions.

The French way of life is a great experience for couples, families, and, particularly children learning a new language, and discovering another culture.

‘Le Cuvage’ has been an incredible experience for us, and it is still continuing in so many different ways.

We look forward to many years of appreciating all it has to offer, both as a home, and as a place that gives us access to a beautiful part of France.

Take a look at the full series of articles featured during the last few months at  www.thisfrenchlife.com

The latest article can be seen at: Looking back and lessons learnt, of “Le Cuvage Project”

Brian and Lucy’s Roannais website:  www.purefrancenow.com

TOP TIPS – When buying and renovating in France

1. Spend plenty of time planning your electrics. You will rarelyl ever get it perfect (certainly before you start living and using your new place!). This includes positioning of all electrical sockets, radiators, and particularly lighting. Economy and coverage of light  is a delicate balance.

2. Plan all your rooms well, and try to avoid large areas of wasted, unuseable space. Make sure you maximise on bedrooms (you always need them when friends stay!).

3. Ensure your kitchen is a good size (the most important room in the house!). A good ‘Buanderie’ (storage/utility area) and you have plenty of other storage around the house (you’ll always need it!).

4. Externally, make sure you position your terrasse/patio areas in the best place for the sun, and access from the house. Ideally, if possible, ensure there is a covered area to get away from the heat of the day, and include a convenient barbeque space for all that outside entertaining!

5. If you are having a swimming pool, try and make sure it is as private and  as wind-protected as possible. Follow the French legal and security requirements for private and rental use.

www.purefrancenow.com

Our French friends, Jean-François and Adeline, co-partners in this exciting joint project, have now moved into their part of Le Cuvage.

Their new home looked great!

Although each of the three dwellings, being created out of this original ‘pressoir’ (wine-making barn) was individually planned and designed differently, the essential style and concept, led by our French architect, was consistently followed throughout each interior for a ‘co-ordinated ‘look’.

Our friends stepped over their threshold and moved into their new home before us at the end of October 2005.

This was purposely staged to be completed first so that they could move from their current smaller home at the ‘Pavillon de Chasse’ (hunting lodge), in part of the original grounds and courtyard of the Chateau des Cresses. Of course, unlike us at the time, Jean- François and Adeline lived in France, so it was essential that they ‘moved in’ first.

A young couple with modern attitudes, their new home in ‘Le Cuvage’ reflected an imaginative and contemporary ‘flavour’, with ‘lacquer-sealed concrete floor throughout the ground floor, stunning red kitchen, and a generally ‘fun’ atmosphere about the place.

We were impressed with their interior treatment and the practicality of Jean-François who had completed much of the flooring, painting, and lighting installations himself. As I have said previously, he is a useful, ‘hands-on’ guy (I have to admit with some envy!)Anyway, in the meantime, whilst our friends moved in, we moved on…!

Read the full article at:  www.frenchlife.com – The Cuvage Story

www.purefrancenow.com

Before we moved a single lump of earth or hacked into any structure, we commissioned a comprehensive build programme assessment, and cost estimate by a specialist building economiste. He organised devis (quotations) from a minimum of three different companies before making any recommendations and final selections.

The companies were assessed on experience, quality, reputation and approach, as well as price.

This pre-estimate and budget confirmation covered all the key areas of build including structural works, carpentry, windows and doors, heating and electrics, plumbing, partitioning, plastering, and roofing, etc. The final document was very detailed and professionally put together – in fact, a veritable tombe!

Once decisions were made and contractors chosen, a full critical path was developed for all the different stages of construction and installation.

This was then monitored and reported on every week, along with price control checks which measured contractor invoices against actual production and original quotations.

Any variations or additional work required would be assessed accordingly and quoted for approval by us before any work was commenced.

The initial cost projections for our share of the main works, including architect’s fees and agreed joint external works (but not kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, tiling, painting and decorating, and any other special requirements) was approximately £260,000 for our two dwellings (two-thirds of le Cuvage.

Once all the final plans, along with these initial estimates, were fully agreed between all parties then our project was started with a vengeance!

Read the full editorial plus all the previous ones at  thisfrenchlife.com – Le Cuvage Story

www.purefrancenow.com

Over the Autumn in 2005 our ‘Grand Design’ project in the Roannais continued apace. Incredibly, all the work progressed like clockwork.

Even we were amazed at how smoothly things went. Our previous renovation and conversion of The Stables at the Château des Cresses was, to be honest, fraught with various beginner’s problems, mostly due to communication difficulties, although despite being messed about a bit, the result was a success – and we were happy with that.

We expected some difficulties with our first project in France – it went with the territory of taking on a renovation job in a foreign country, relatively far from our base in the `UK. So, when it came to ‘Le Cuvage’, we were more experienced and aware of the many problems likely to occur.

As it was a much bigger and more involved project our approach was, of course, more detailed and professional. We were determined to get this one right form the start!

However, because of our past experiences we could not help being a little apprehensive, constantly expecting a phone call, letter, or e-mail revealing some terrible and fundamental problem which was insurmountable, and, therefore, to be reflected in huge additional costs. This was a big investment for all of us, so some fear and trepidation was to be expected.

I am glad to say, these fears were never realised. Luckily we did not encounter any big problems. And there is no doubt that we were both surprised and refreshed by the professionalism and organisation of the team we had chosen to organise the renovation and conversion of ‘Le Cuvage’. In retrospect, this was thanks to a number of salient factors:

1) It was a joint project with French friends of long-standing, who we could trust and who were on the ground at all times.

2) We employed a highly-regarded, local French architect with a reputation at stake.

3) We selected and used recommended, reliable builders and contractors after detailed assessment, seeking several competitive quotations for every element of the work.

4) We all approached the project with shared aims, care, intelligence, experience, and with quality always in mind.

5) We also had the money, more or less, readily available to invest at all stages, and in line with pre-agreed budgets. Any extras had to be contended with as they occurred.

6) There was a genuine communal approach to the whole project by all involved, as though we were creating something very special together. A team spirit was evident throughout. It was a great feeling. It was a joy!

Read the full article at:  This French Life -  ‘Topping Off’ a ‘Grand Design’ building project in the Roannais!

www.purefrancenow.com

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Brian Franklin continues his story of how he and his wife, Lucy, slowly and sympathetically renovated a collection of outbuildings found in the grounds of the Chateau des Cresses, near the medieval hill village of Perreux.

Visit:  This French Life  – It’s a serious business building in the Roannais, Rhône-Alpes.

“As time moved on, and building progressed, all our earlier plans and decisions were now coming to fruition.

We could start to see the fundamental structures and layout taking identifiable shape.

It was an exciting time as there were always new things happening and new stages to see….”

www.purefrancenow.com

Following on from our new discovery in the Roannais, Rhône-Alpes, and our eventual purchase of ‘The Stables’ there is, of course, much more to tell.

We paid around £12,000 for this building which needed a complete renovation job. Some of this money was also part of a contribution to the communal courtyard and pool.

Basically we had bought into a small ‘co-propriété’ (joint ownership of communal grounds) of about 10 other dwellings which formed part of the original courtyard of the Chateau des Cresses (an ornate, gothic-style pile built around 1908)

The courtyard – ‘Cour Rossignol’ – made up the ‘servicing’ complex of the chateau.(with Bakery, Winery, Butler’s Pantry, Barn, and, of course, our Stable block)

The other building which formed this courtyard was, in fact, the stylish ‘Pavillon de Chasse’, an 18^thcentury hunting lodge and salon, built around the time of the French Revolution, and oozing ‘old French Empire’. This was the original and only building on the site before the chateau was constructed clumsily around it.

It was a picturesque location, however, with great potential. Our excitement and eager anticipation at developing our ‘ruin’ in this wonderful location was immense. Our uncertainty substantial!

However, we made our decision to apply a clean, contemporary approach, and involved one of our architect friends in England to create an outline interior concept that was simple, stylish, and which maximised on utilising the potential living space available to us. How smart!

It was sharpen pencil time! There was no shortage of ideas. We were creative, that was our job in England – interior design, image-building, photographic concepts for kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and living rooms. In fact, totally in our realm! France here we come!!

I’m not going to turn all this into some ‘Grand Design’ type saga (It was not big enough for that, of course! That will come a few years  later.), but it could turn into a saga all the same. A different type of saga. A saga of intrigue, and the ‘mentally’ insane. Of the’ ups and downs’ that occur when you take a ‘runner’ – a risk. A small risk it maybe, but a risk all the same, entwined with heartfelt dreams of a new home, and a new life experience.

Yes, we got ‘ripped off’ a bit.

Although, it is said of the French: ‘they see us Brits coming’ , maybe it is  because they see an easy ‘kill’, an easy ‘euro’ or two (it was actually the famous French Franc, then), because our brains were still, temporarily at least , resting, sloppily, on the dockside at Dover!

Our many dealings with the French have been incredibly rewarding, and in our relationships with artisans, shopkeepers, neighbours, and with those that have become great friends, we have found all of them to be incredibly generous, exceptionally friendly, honest, and personable people).

Yes, there are always ‘rogue traders’ about (so you have to watch out!), and you are never far away from diabolical experiences, whether from individuals or from the famous meanderings of the over-developed (and often over zealous) French bureacracy and legal sytems.

We bought into a 10-dwelling co-propriété, and our experience of this was certainly not an ideal one.

It is difficult to get all people to agree, and conflicts occur. These type of co-ownership organisations may work for apartment buildings, or well-organised holiday complexes in places like Spain, but my suggestion would be to avoid getting involved in this type of property arrangement despite some of the price advantages, and shared communal costs for items such as pool maintenance, gardening, insurances, etc.

They are often troublesome, and your several neighbours can be just a little too close! However, at the same time, all the negatives and positives of this experience were thoroughly stirred into a pot-pourri, a melange of wonderful discovery, fun, and friendships.

We had, in fact, a brilliant time planning and designing The Stables.

Our, discovery, too, of Lyon – France’s second city – was also a fantastic experience, and Lyon is now a place which we regularly re-visit.

The local Roannais region, also, was, and is, brilliant and has so much to offer, from medieval villages and chateaux to picturesque wine-growing countryside, mountain vistas and some of the best food in France.

To be fair,  in the early days, and the early year or so, things moved on pleasantly, albeit very slowly.

We finally signed for our ‘ruin’ and full payment was duly made (some of it, I might add, siphoned off to some unknown destination and bank account in England! You have to watch out for this sort of thing, because any money paid outside the transaction is not recorded, so you are likely to pay more capital gains tax on any profit later further down the line if/when you re-sell your property)

Our real fun and adventure with France could now continue with a vengeance! For a while the distance actually helped between England and France.

Yes, the communication and project control aspects were difficult and frustrating at times. French language problems were always an initial hindrance, and part of the equation to solve. But, we were tenacious.

It was something we had to accept as part of the ‘risk’ of buying  and renovating in France from a distance. We had to put it all down to experience – ‘The French Experience’

The Stables moved gradually on, and started taking internal shape. It was beginning to look like a home on the cusp of habitability. We made decisions, we flew over as regularly as we could, and thoroughly enjoyed ‘The French life’ as we found it.

We also continued to throw more money at the project!

And gradually, bit by bit, over 2 years or so (It wasn’t rapid!), we turned the place from a ruin into a home.

‘The Stables’ ended up as a delightful 2 –bedroom dwelling (with retained French character on the outside and a contemporary, clean ‘look’ on the inside!). We were very pleased with the results: Good-sized kitchen and dining, separate lounge with wood-burning stove and exposed chimney. Feature stairway and landing to two large double bedrooms, and bathroom with bath and shower.

The countryside and woodland views of the original chateau grounds were superb, and a great setting for our own new piece of France .

And our new French way of life!

www.thisfrenchlife.com

www.purefrancenow.com

A simply adorable ‘character’ property with courtyard and swimming pool, set within the original woodland grounds of the Chateau des Cresses. Near the medieval hill village of Perreux, and close to the main township of Roanne.

The Old Bakery, Chateau des Cresses
2 double bedrooms sleeps 5 set in a lovely Chateau courtyard
Delightful cottage, originally a bakery, part of an elegantly restored Château in the heart of Burgundy/Loire countryside. Ideally located for access to Loire river and several lakes with swimming and watersports, horse riding etc.

The Beaujolais Hills, Burgundy vineyards and the ski resorts of the Madeleine Mountains (Massif Central) are all within 30 minutes drive.

Accommodation: Downstairs: large beamed living room satellite TV/video/DVD with well equipped kitchen (microwave, washing machine) and living area (with sofa bed), wood burning stove, bathroom with bath/shower. Upstairs: 2 large bedrooms (one double, one twin), electric heating.

PRICE: £85,000 (inclusive of fees)
For more information, and to arrange a visit to the property please contact www.purefrancenow.com – Brian Franklin direct:  info@purefrancenow.com
www.purefrancenow.com

An amazing opportunity to buy into your own slice of France in the beautiful region of the Roannais, Rhône-Alpes. The remarkable “Old Winery’ part of a chateau, near the medieval hill village of Perreux, has already been renovated to a high standard. Situated with original chateau courtyard and woodland grounds, there is also a swimming pool and ample parking facilities, including garage.

Ground floor: Large open-plan living/dining area, kitchen to rear with integral fridge/freezer, four-ring electric hob, electric oven and separate washing machine. Ground floor bathroom. Stairs to first floor.

First floor: Two double bedrooms, each with ensuite shower room, one with fitted wardrobe. Spiral stairs to second floor.

Second floor: Landing/sitting/study area. Shower room. Two double bedrooms, one with fitted wardrobe.

Heating: Ample electric wall heaters (installed approx. 2007) are provided throughout the house. There is also a new hot water cylinder,  installed in 2007.
Outside: Single brick-built garage with pitched roof, with up and over door.

Woodland grounds, courtyard with swimming pool.

PRICE: £140,000 (inclusive of fees)

For more information and to arrange a visit to the property please contact www.purefrancenow.com – Brian Franklin direct:  info@purefrancenow.com

www.purefrancenow.com

Situated close to the traditional village of Noës in the Rhone-Alpes this a rare chance to acquire a superb plot of land with stunning views across the wooded hillsides toward the river la Loire and the Vallée du Roanne, with the opportunity to design and  build your own holiday home to your own specifications.

The choices of the 3 different plots are each available for £75,000 (with the additional option to have your own home designed and built to your own specifications.)

A full ‘Project  Control’ and ‘Advisory Service’ is available, including interior design, architectural service, and cost control.

For more information on this exciting and beautiful part of France visit: www.purefrancenow.com

If you would like to make an initial ‘no obligation’ enquiry about this land and property development opportunity please e-mail us at: info@purefrancenow.com