Mistletoe and Vin Chaud...Right on your Doorstep! by Joanna Leggett
C
hristmas in France starts only after Hallowe’en and Toussaint have passed! Only then do decorations appear brightening shorter days ...
Every self-respecting town or village has a Christmas market! Stallholders offer wares from locally produced goods to curious objets enticing those seeking that ‘perfect’ gift. Then there’s all the food on offer – from local vin and aperitifs to charcuterie and cheese with everything in between to tempt the most jaded palate! Mistletoe is plentiful; while enormous bunches hang like vast green clouds in the countryside, buying at a Christmas market is more special! What could be better fun than browsing warmed with obligatory vin chaud? You won’t want to carry everything you buy too far – so we’ve selected three townhouses perfect for your Christmas stocking ... In the historical quarter of Thouars (with the largest farmers’ market in Deux-Sèvres) sits a 3-storey 18th century townhouse (Leggett ref: 66076, photo left) at the bargain price of 141 700€. With four bedrooms in the main house and a one-bedroomed house to renovate, it’s a real opportunity. The town’s amenities are within walking distance - not far to stagger home with all that shopping! All rooms are light and airy, but most charming of all is the private courtyard garden – lovely as a home. and as a “lock up and leave” property.
Parthenay is one of those towns which seems to have more than its fair share of medieval charm. With great views overlooking the city is a wisteria-clad 17th century logis (Leggett ref: 52549, photo right) on the market for 477 000€. It’s a successful up and running B&B with five ensuite bedrooms booked all year round, being sold fully furnished. Again you’re within walking distance of all amenities and the protected medieval historical district of the city! And there’s a garden and masses of potential! On the edge of the Marais Poitevin sits Niort. In its historic centre (close to everything and the TGV station) in a really convenient location with views over the rooftops and a private patio is our final townhouse (Leggett ref: 50157, photo left). Once owned and renovated by an architect, it combines a clever mix of ancient with modern. With four bedrooms and two bathrooms spread over three floors and spacious living at ground level, this elegant stone house also boasts two lovely balconies – for sale at 287 400€ - this house is so well placed you won’t even need a car! Leggett Immobilier is one of the leading estate agents in France. You can access all our local property listings at www.frenchestateagents.com/poitou-charentes-property
LEGGETT
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE YOU CAN TRUST
Ref: 69363 Open plan, 3 bedroom bungalow built in 2006 in a secluded hamlet location, 9kms from a market town. DEUX SEVRES €146,060
Ref: 69954 Located in a peaceful hamlet on the outskirts of the village are these three stone cottages to renovate. LA CHAPELLE THIREUIL €72,600
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Ref: 69390 Renovations have started on the 3/4 bedroom house with garden, garage/barn and large store room. LORIGNE €99,000
Ref: 69971 18thC estate comprising main house, guest cottage, tennis court, pool, workshop, garage and 9 acres. CELLES SUR BELLES €858,600
Ref: 69704 Well presented 6 bed / 6 bath farmhouse offering many original features, outbuildings and 1.7acres. L’ABSIE €349,500
Ref: 69442 3 bedroom single story hamlet house with barns and big garden near the market town of Thouars. BOUILLE ST PAUL €88,000
Wishing all our clients, past, present and future, all the very best for the festive season and 2017. To find out about becoming a sales agent contact max79@leggett.fr
Tel: 05 53 60 84 88 or 0800 900 324 www.leggettfrance.com 46 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, December 2016