Charente, France - A Place in the Sun

2024 / Charente, France, Jean Johansson on 19 November 2024

Charente, France, Jean Johansson

Jean Johansson is house hunting with Hastings couple Lisa and Rob in the lovely countryside villages of Charente in South West France, on a budget of £150,000. They want to move with their two young children, to enjoy Charente’s sunshine and a slower pace of life. But can Jean find them their perfect place in the sun?

About the area

Set in Southwest France next to the Atlantic coast, British travellers can get to Charente in under two hours via four airports - La Rochelle, Poitiers, Bordeaux and Limoges. Largely rural, and soaked in sunshine well into the autumn months, Charente’s symbol, the snail, represents its stress-free way of life. This is one of the most popular areas for British property buyers, and is currently home to over 16,000 Brits - so whilst house prices in the region have been falling over the last 5 years, Charente bucks the trend.

Property 1

3 Bedroom Stone Cottage in Saint-Mary

In addition to a front courtyard and sizeable garden with a patio, there’s a large cellar beneath the property. Stepping inside through French doors, a lounge with a wood burner leads to a kitchen/diner. Upstairs, one staircase from the kitchen opens onto a master double bedroom with a dressing room and separate ensuite, whilst another staircase from the lounge leads to 2 more double bedrooms, a toilet and a shower room.

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Valued at £148,966 at the time of filming.

Property 2

3 Bedroom House in Chassenon

This property also has a large garden - with chickens already in residence. But it comes with a covered terrace, balcony and two garages in addition. Inside exposed wooden beams are found in the living room and adjoining kitchen diner. Whilst the mezzanine level above the kitchen is currently divided into an office and guest sleeping area. Upstairs, there’s two double bedrooms, a large single, a family bathroom and a separate toilet.

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Valued at £123,362 at the time of filming.

Property 3

3 Bedroom Grand House in Taizé-Aizie

This grand house has lots of potential. In addition to the big, flat garden, and a large separate garage come workroom outside, Inside, there’s a basement and not just one, but two living rooms. A dining room leads to a separate kitchen and utility room. There’s also a storage room and a separate toilet. Upstairs, there’s 2 double bedrooms - one of which has an adjoining shower - and a twin room, a family-sized bathroom, connected to a dressing room, and another separate toilet.

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Valued at £149,353 at the time of filming.

Property 4

3 Bedroom Barn Conversion in Saint-Laurent-de-Céris

This property comes with panoramic views overlooking 2 acres of land. In addition, there’s outbuildings, which include a workshop, garage and barn, which could be converted into guest space. Inside, there’s a huge living room with characterful beams, a light and bright kitchen diner, and a utility room with toilet. Upstairs, there’s 3 sizable double bedrooms, a family bathroom and a separate WC, and attic space which is yet another option to convert into a future fourth bedroom.

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Valued at £145,241 at the time of filming.

Property 5

4 Bedroom Large Detached House in Chirac

This property is a great find, with outdoor space which includes almost an acre and mature gardens, and three outbuildings. Inside, there’s a huge living room diner with exposed beams, a separate kitchen and living area leading out to the garden, and a family bathroom. Upstairs, there are 4 spacious and bright double bedrooms and another family bathroom.

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Valued at £167,586 at the time of filming.

Hot Property

6 Bedroom Country House in Ronsenac

One of the most luxurious properties in the area. Set on 2.5 acres, it comes with its own swimming pool, extensive outbuildings and terraces. Inside, a grand hallway leads to several large living areas, including two kitchens - whilst upstairs there are 6 bedrooms.

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Valued at £832,759 at the time of filming.