Posted on April 4, 2010.
French Farm - A French Renovation Ideal? The idea of renovating a French farmhouse style, is extremely attractive to many people. Whether the wood-building half of Normandy, the solid rock of Limousin or spacious houses surrounded by fields of lavender in Provence, it is a style for everyone. Depending on where you purchased, you can be very affordable too.
As you drive through the French countryside, you will often see beautiful old structures of all shapes and sizes in a variety of conditions impeccably restored dilapidated ruins. If you really want to renovate a French farmhouse style, you will not be short of choice!
Planning permission is not generally difficult if you make something nice. In fact, according to French law, as it has a back wall there is a renovation, not a new version, which makes everything much easier. You must be a bit careful what you say real estate agents because they have been known to be a little economical with the truth. In many cases, you can submit your own plans, but it depends on the floor of the building completed so it is best not to take for granted.
Unless you're an experienced builder, it is probably best left to the architects' fees. Actually, unless you speak French authorities, it is likely a good idea because the French bureaucracy is notoriously complex!
But if these beautiful old buildings are great projects, why are not all French farms during renovation by the French?
The truth is that most French people prefer to live in a modern building. ownership is less important to many and they are very happy to rent. In addition, it is much cheaper to build new than to restore. You do not end with the wonderful type of construction that uses many of us, but many French people prefer the convenience of a modern box. That is why there are so many farms available to people traveling in other countries.
To be fair, the renovation of a traditional French farmhouse is certainly not cheap. The idea that you can buy something for 50,000, spend a few thousand on it and live in splendor is a myth. These beautiful old buildings are full of character, but not full of straight lines! You will probably find that all doors and windows is different, just for your new home must be done by hand. To read handmade "expensive". You probably have walls two feet thick. It will not fall anytime soon, but working on it hard. French masons are highly skilled, but ... you guessed, not cheap.
However, if you have time, or if you do not mind getting your hands dirty, the result can be extremely satisfying and very beautiful to watch and live in. Even if your budget is not everything you wish there are areas of central France, as the Indre, who continue to offer great value. If the renovation of a traditional French farmhouse is a dream of yours and if you can keep a good sense, practical head about it, so it is certainly achievable.