A charming address in Biarritz

Radia Amar - 13 April 2016

This seaside town owes its international reputation to its beaches, much appreciated by fans of surfing, its very busy airport, a prestigious golf-course, renowned thalassotherapy centres, luxury hotels, a modern lifestyle and charming architecture, all ensuring that it is one of France’s most delightful places for both holidays and year-round living.

Based in Hossegor since 2007, the Terres & Océan agency has opened a second office in the Gare du Midi neighbourhood in Biarritz and proposes a good range of properties all over the commune, as well as exceptionally charming residences. As illustrated by a late 19th-C. property set in a park of almost 6,000 m2 with a pool and annexes. Offering a wealth of historic and well-preserved old features, the property, in need of renovation, in the highly-prized neighbourhood of La Négresse, offers high potential for all those fond of houses with a soul. “On offer at 892,500 €, this property embodies a style of homes now very rare in Biarritz, likely to have a “love at first sight” effect on anyone searching for a home with genuine charm,” says Serge Pilke, who manages both agencies. Another example of a charming property in a lower price bracket is a triplex of 65 m2, which could appeal to buyers looking for either an apartment or a town house. Designed and appointed in contemporary style, this property benefiting from a quiet location close to shops and the Côte des Basques beach is up for sale at 378,000 €. “French and foreign clients - mostly Swiss and British -, with generous budgets ranging from 1 to 2 million euros, keep a very close eye on the market in Biarritz,” explains Serge Pilke. “Even though highly sought-after neighbourhoods such as Beaurivage have very scarce offerings of fishermens’ houses, mansions or town houses, we can offer fine properties likely to appeal to this demanding clientele wanting to live near the beaches, either on the commune of Biarritz or in neighbouring towns such as Arbonne, Arcangues Ahetze, Bidart and Guéthary.”

According to Julie Lambolet of Ateliers Lofts & Associés, an agency based in Biarritz since 2009 : “On the outskirts of the town centre, the neighbourhood of Lahouze has a few lofts in former workshops and premises used by craftsmen. However, most of our clients set their sights on the town centre, hoping for a “walk everywhere” lifestyle near shops, the beaches and Les Halles. They also want a terrace and parking place. It is very hard to meet all these requirements, and buyers realize, after reflection, that they have to make concessions. Which implies, despite rather limited offerings, acquisition processes that take quite a long time. Clients really take their time to consider before buying a property without an outdoor area or parking facilities, for example”. In the centre, properties described as atypical come in the guise of apartments transformed by architects. “We select unusual and special properties that people fall in love with,” says Julie Lambolet. By way of example, she mentions a loft of 62 m2 with very high ceilings and a “suspended” bedroom, in a listed 1920’s building in the highly-prized Impérial/Saint-Charles neighbourhood. “Priced at 388,000 €, this real contemporary gem sold after only two visits.”