Property Weekly

Rooting for the Riviera

May 7 - 13, 2008
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France is a geographically diverse nation offering property investors almost an unparalleled wealth of opportunity right across the country.

French properties are still largely affordable with only the most popular towns in the most admired regions reaching heady heights in terms of property prices.

France is a nation that not only welcomes some of the highest numbers of international visitors annually, it is also a country in which many expatriates choose to live or retire. This constant flow of inward migration results in a strong demand for property across France, which means investors have an active potential resale market to tap into as well.

A property investor considering France has many regions to choose from and each offers a range of alternatives. An investor can choose 'buy to let' opportunities in cities such as Paris or New Orleans and tap into the professional rental market and corporate letting side of things. Alternatively, there are many universities and higher education facilities in towns across France that has students who seek affordable rental accommodation and who offer an investor another market to target.

Then, of course, there is the vast holiday market, demanding everything from beachfront apartments in the South of France to rural farmhouses with swimming pools in the French interior or close to the Northern ports that connect France to the UK.

At the moment, the French Riviera, known as the Cote d'Azur, is one of the most wanted destinations for investors and holiday seekers. It has a surplus of jet set towns including Nice, Cannes, and St Tropez. The beaches of the Riviera are known throughout Europe as the hottest and most glamorous spots to tan, and as the sun goes down, the Cote d'Azur is known for its wild all night parties.

For those seeking to invest, there is a beautiful villa for sale on Cote d'Azur. It is only an hour's drive from Nice, situated between St Raphael and St Maxime with St Tropez only 18 kilometres out of sight across the bay.

The property is one road back from the coastal road and is positioned on a quiet former rail line now known as a road. It also overlooks Port Ferreol.

The villa displays panoramic sea views of the Esterel mountains above St Raphael, and is 400 metres from the nearest sandy beach along the old road. Both the nearest towns with beaches and holiday spots are a 10-minute bike ride along the very quiet and flat rail line road.

Three restaurants can be found less than 10 minutes walk away. The nearest shop is 250 metres from the house. There are three golf courses and sailing clubs in towns nearby. Skiing is available for the ski enthusiast and is 90 minutes drive from the villa. The nearest railhead is at St Raphael.

The house is fully equipped for living or renting, including curtains, bedding and all furniture at no extra cost. The kitchen for example includes crockery and cutlery for up to 12. Any items not wanted can be collected from the gate by council services once a week at no charge. The house is also equipped with high speed internet connection which needs to be renewed by the new tenant.

The villa is made up of two levels. The upper level features two double bedrooms, a study, lounge, a long terrace, modern kitchen, bathroom and separate washroom. Only one of the bedrooms has an en suite bathroom with shower. The lounge leads to the terrace which runs the length of the villa and overlooks stunning views of the mountains. The terrace has plenty of room for a mellow seating area to enjoy those scenic views.

The lower level is equipped with two double bedrooms and a bathroom with shower, basin and washroom. There is also a small cellar outside to store bikes.

All heating is electric, although there is a functional fireplace in the lounge. All windows have been replaced with double glazed units in white aluminum. Electric shutters have been fitted for security and convenience.

The villa has a swimming pool with a swim-current pump and a shallow section for the toddlers. It also features a medium-sized mature garden which is terraced on the hillside providing sloping paths and flat seating areas.

The garden has a path to the coast and a delightful public coastal path leading to small rocky inlets where one can swim or simply sunbathe away from the crowds.

There is abundant parking space and permission to add a garage if need be on the side of the villa. Investors can also extend the upper terrace if they would like.

A reliable gardener, pool boy and cleaning lady are currently employed to care for the property and investors can carry on with the current staff if they so wish.







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