Best Architect Designed Homes for Sale in France in January 2012

A selection of ten of the best architect designed properties on the market in France in January 2012

French property with an individual style

Architect designed homes are often uniquely beautiful properties. And although they can be expensive, this is certainly not always the case. There is a vast variety of styles, locations, sizes and prices to choose from. You may be pleasantly surprised at just what you can get for your money.

Huge variety and choice

France is a hugely diverse country, and there are architect homes to be found all the length and breadth of it. Are you looking for a sleek, city pad (Best Luxury Property for Sale in France in 2011 - Perfect for Bankers' Bonuses), a seaside stunner with views over the Med, or the Atlantic, or something special in the mountains? Is an eco friendly property top of your shopping list (Green and eco friendly building in France), or is it all about exclusivity? Are you looking for a clearly contemporary design, or is it more important to you to find a home that harmonises with the countryside and style of existing, traditional buildings?

A home with the wow factor

If you are one of those people who like your home to have the wow factor that only an architect designed home can give, then take a look at the following properties. Ten of the very best architect designed properties that have come onto the market recently in France are lined up for your inspection and all you have to do is take your pick.

 

	Midi-Pyrénées House with stunning views at a surprisingly low price 198,000 Euros  The common perception of architect designed homes is that they are very modern and sometimes even a little outrageous in design, and almost always expensive to the point of excluding the average cash strapped buyer. Fortunately, a quick glance at this property proves otherwise. Within the reach of the average buyer, at a very affordable 198,000 Euros, is this super house in the Aveyron department. Unassuming at first glance, the house offers stunning views of the fabulously unspoilt countryside, a charming mezzanine area and a very useful sous sol level to boot. More details
	Brittany Very attractive eco friendly home 267,750 Euros  This one is a real find at a very small price. Unique and set in a fabulously desirable location, just ten minutes from the gorgeous mediaeval town of Dinan in northern Brittany, this wood constructed home really deserves a second look. Described as bio-climatic, this house is a dream come true for the eco friendly purchaser whose green values include sustainability, environmental responsibility and resource efficiency. To complete the green picture, it comes complete with a lovely garden, orchard and veggie plot perfect for growing your own organic produce. More details
	Poitou-Charentes Lovely indoor pool and glorious gardens 275,000 Euros  Another stunning property which offers incredible value for money is this next property, found in the Deux-Sèvres department. Poitou-Charentes is home to so many ex-pats who appreciate the beautiful countryside, accessibility of cosmopolitan cities and numerous attractions it offers. This property is sure to be appreciated by anyone who loves their outdoor space, as it has extensive, well laid out private gardens and a charming, ornamental pond. Inside the appeal is only intensified, as an amazing indoor swimming pool has been incorporated into the design. More details
	Midi-Pyrénées Ecologically sound quality home 495,000 Euros  Trie sur Baise in the Gers department of the vast Midi-Pyrénées region is the location for the next architect designed gem. This superbly built home will appeal to minimalists everywhere, with its clean lines, lack of ostentation, utter attention to detail and high spec of all the materials used. The house has also been designed to be ecologically sound and environmentally friendly, so it is ethical as well as desirable. More details
	Poitou-Charentes Unique house with an enclosed Japanese garden 657,200 Euros  The next property up costs a bit more, at 657,200 Euros, but has loads to recommend it and is still within the reach of a lot of buyers. It has the unique look and style that instantly marks it out as architect designed, yet keeps a sense of decorum and comfort making it a perfect family home. It is set close to the bustling centre of the fabulous city of Angoulêeme, handy for the TGV, and has stunning Japanese gardens to enhance its exclusive look. More details
	Rhône-Alpes Traditional design in the Alps 695,000 Euros  Not all architect designed properties are contemporary in design. This traditionally constructed chalet styled home can be found in the awe-inspiring setting of the Haute-Savoie department in the French Alps, and it is the attention to detail and finish that marks this one out as really special. The chalet doesn't jar with its surroundings, having all the features common to original Alpine buildings, it just is that bit more beautiful, comfortable and stylish than the rest! The chalet oozes class and offers ultimate Alpine living. The price is pretty amazing too, given the quality of the build, the superb design and fantastic location. More details
	Aquitaine Breathtaking property on four levels 799,980 Euros  The dramatic nature of this property comes in several ways. Firstly, the dramatic and beautiful Pyrénéan Mountains can be seen from the property; second, the undulating and extensive grounds, painstakingly landscaped, offer amazing close up vistas from the house; and thirdly, the interior design of the house itself is quite breathtaking. The indoor swimming pool is straight from your wildest daydreams, while the split level design is contemporary and practical. More details
	Languedoc-Roussillon Sleek and stylish, within walking distance of the Med 1,060,000 Euros  There is no getting away from it, the Mediterranean is a hugely desirable location for property. The south of France has a superb climate, perfect for spending those sun-filled days at the beach, or beside your pool with a glass of local wine in hand. Nowhere is this a more likely scenario than in the Hérault department, perhaps the most prolific wine producing area of France. This is the setting for our next property, a sleek and stylish and very contemporary home with an undeniable touch of luxury. More details
	Midi-Pyrénées Luxurious property with the wow factor 1,260,000 Euros  The wow factor is one of the benefits of purchasing an architect designed home. You benefit from the architect's professional knowledge of style, quality of materials and creative vision, and whether the home is of contemporary or traditional design, there is almost an inbuilt wow factor to be had. This property, in the Lot department of the rural Midi-Pyrénées is a real case in point. Transformed from its original calling as a farmhouse, this huge home is a perfect blend of traditional character and modern comfort and luxury. A big indoor pool, tennis court and fabulous grounds complement the elegant and charming interior to make a home any millionaire might crave. Did I mention the 56 hectares and additional guest cottage too? More details
	Pays de la Loire Looking out on the River Loire 1,575,000 Euros  A home overlooking water is high on the list of the most desirable factors sought by buyers coming to France. The mighty River Loire flowing past your windows has to be a major plus for this fabulous property! Exceptional in every way, this large house has charm, quality of build, practicality of design and a delightful setting to tempt you. The price tag of 1,575,000 Euros is on the high side, but there is still a lot of property here for your money. More details

The choice is endless

The properties listed above are just a small election of the current crop of architect designed properties on the market around France, and serve to demonstrate the diversity, quality and range of price that can apply to these very individual homes. Not all will be to your taste, but isn't that the point? Somewhere among this lot may be your dream home, and if not, keep looking, there are many, many more.

Additional articles which may be of interest:

Best Ski In Ski Out Property for Sale in France in 2011
Buying Off Plan Property in France
The Best Chateaux on the Market in 2011
French Mills

About the author

Joanna Simm moved to the Languedoc area of south-west France in October 2004 having found her property through French Property Links.

Do you have photos relevant to this article?

Please send them in via email by clicking the link below (don't forget to mention the location!):

Do you know this subject better than we do?

Spotted something we've got wrong? Or like to see more information added? Please enter in your comments and click "GO".