Correze and its Property Market 2008

The department of the Correze (numbered 19) is located in the region Limousin and is bordered by the departments Dordogne, Lot, Puy-de-Dome, Canal, Haute –Vienne and Creuse. Like the majortity of departements in France it takes its name from the river Correze which begins in the north of the department flowing downwards through Brive which is the capital and joining the river Vezère before flowing into the Aquitaine region. The Correze is a department rich in untouched landscapes, invigorating outdoor activities and cultural events. Its fertile ground and warm climate is ideal for strawberries, apples, including the famous « pomme du Limousin », blueberries, walnuts and chesnuts. The most famous « Correzien » is probably Jacques Chirac whose Museum houses a collection of gifts offered to him during his seven year term of office.

Most Beautiful Villages

My journey began in the far west of Correze almost bordering the department Dordogne where two of the most beautiful villages of France are located. The Correze in fact owns six of these officially recognised villages which are part of « Association des Plus Beaux Villages de France ». St Robert is built on a ridge which sits upon the border of the Correze and the Dordogne with its charming narrow streets and 12th century Romanesque church. Northwards you will find Segur le Château which sits upon the route of Richard « The Lion Heart » and the river Auvézere on a truly picturesque setting. It is a small and peaceful town which in the Middle Ages had a major role with its important Court of Appeal. One can still see remains of its 12th Centuy feudal castle and wondeful architecture including several half-timbered houses and preserved turrets.

Only 10km east lies Pompadour famous for its castle which was offered by Louis XV in 1745 to his famous mistress Marquise de Pompadour. She was a lover of horses and created the first stud farm here in Pompadour. To this very day the stud farm remains and is now the headquarters of the Equestrian Institute since 1976. It is also the home of France’s National Stud and is famous internationally for its many horses races. Part of the castle, its gardens, Marquise stables and the orangery are open to the public.

To the South of the Correze bordering the Lot lies another classified « most beautiful village in France » called Turenne. This is a stunning, dominating village built upon a hillock with a breathtaking view of the valley of the Tourmente which is an affluent of the river Dordogne. The view stretches as far as the border of the Quercy in the Lot department and on a clear day Mont Auvergne is also visible. The ruins of the feudal castle remain proudly dominating the entire village and the surroundings. Old houses and 15th century shop fronts can be found in the village as well as an old hunting lodge.

Close to Turenne lies yet another picture-postcard village Collonge la Rouge which is a proudly preserved village in a contrasting red-stone. Unmistakingly part of the elite club of beautiful vilages it was in fact the Mayor of Collonges la Rouge, Charles Ceyrac, who in 1981 decided to serve a cause close to heart to protect and promote the outstanding heritage of such beautiful villages. In 1982 the association was made official and 66 mayors throughout France followed the example.

Travelling eastwards towards the river Dordogne lies Curemonte another « most beautiful village » with its three castles and three churches resting silently on a rocky outcrop.

For strawberry lovers we travel to the banks of the river Dordogne as we come across the Medieval town of Beaulieu sur Dordogne. The 9th Century Benedictine abbey was founded here however the abbey church of St Pierre is now all that remains. Thanks to its mild climate it has been given the name « Limousin Riviera » an area which is just right for strawberry production. An annual « fete de la fraise » is held here in the main square where visitors can taste a whole variety of strawberries from local producers coupled with music and animation to add to the ambiance of « la fete ». This year it will be held on Sunday 11th May which will be its 17th year.

The Dordogne snakes its way up to Argentat also on the banks of the Dordogne. For many centuries Argentat used to be an important trading port to transport local produce including wood, leather and oil.

Property Market

At present property prices are considerably lower than its neighbouring departments of the Dordogne and the Lot. This is probably as the department of the Correze is simply not as known and discovered. In terms of current British home owners the Correze has by far the lowest number of home owners compared to its two neighbours making up only 10 percent of the British home owners in the area. The Lot accounts for 28 percent and the Dordogne at 62 percent. Changes are set to shake up the property market here as the new airport near Brive will significantly open up the area to property purchasers. However the new airport is currently behind schedule and is now due to open in 2009.
It is believed that property prices here will shoot up between 30 to 50 percent.

Here is an example of the types of property you will find and their current prices. Expect to add at least 30 per cent in the years to come.

An excellent renovation project like this above costs 61 000 euros including agency fees. 135m² surface area which includes a cellar, bread oven, a large fireplace, exposed beams, stone walls and lots of charm. It is located in a peaceful hamlet around 15 minutes from Brive.

This farmhouse has a barn of 100m², a bread oven of 80m² as well as another two-storey house, an authentic fireplace and a superb view on the countryside. All this for 140 000 euros.

For only 242 000 euros this 5 bedroom country home comes with a large living room with open plan kitchen which gives direct access to the terrace and balcony. Also has a play room and laundry. Located in the strawberry pickers paradise Beaulieu sur Dordogne.

This wonderful stone-built property comes with its own private lake which is 1500m2 in size as well as almost 2 hectares of land. It is located between Brive and Pompadour. It comes with its own outbuildings which are in good condition, 4 bedrooms in the main house, a summer kitchen and plenty of character for 338 000 euros.

This property is also close to Beaulieu sur Dordogne and includes 12 hectares of land. Half of which is woodland and the other half meadow. The property itself is made from traditional stone. It is located on an exceptional setting above the Dordogne valley. This would cost 503 000 euros.

Getting to the Correze

There is quite some choice of airports into the area including Limoges, Bergerac, Rodez and Toulouse all of which receive low-cost flights. The new airport in Brive will also receive low-cost flights.

Nav Vilain
Selection Habitat
+33 5 65 70 10 49
www.selectionhabitat.com
info@selectionhabitat.com