Le Beaufortain, properties of character

Surrounded by the mountain ranges of Les Aravis, Les Bauges, La Vanoise and Mont-Blanc, Le Massif du Beaufortain offers varied mountain scenery, while its architecture has a unique style, recognizable throughout the entire territory.

Benefiting from authentic atmospheres, Arêches-Beaufort, Hauteluce, Queige, Villard-sur-Doron and Beaufort-sur-Doron are appreciated by buyers looking for holiday homes in protected sites in the mountains. “All over Le Beaufortain, we are seeing steady demand for lovely old chalets, in Arêches or Hauteluce, as close as possible to the slopes of Les Saisies, and offering commanding views,” explains Marie-Pierre Garbay, manageress of L’Immobilière du Beaufortain. “Well-off clients appreciate non-renovated properties in mountain pastures, which cost around 300,000 € and have retained all their original authenticity with log frontages and wood-tiled roofs. In search of properties with a mountain atmosphere, clients preferring those which have already been renovated are prepared to spend from 750,000 to well over 1 million euros for 17th- or 18th-century farmhouses endowed with vast barns, rehabilitated to provide generous living-rooms with high ceilings and exposed beams.” These properties were built on sloping hillsides. At the top end, openings were used to pass the hay into its storage place, while the openings lower down were those of the home and stables. Usually longer than wider, they all have gable roofs which are typical of local architecture. Further away from the resorts, in Queige, houses are more square. With their bottom halves in rendered stone and their upper levels built of wood (uprights/beams and cladding), they appeal to buyers from the Rhône-Alpes region, wanting to benefit from their mountain home with their families in all four seasons. “These farmhouses start from 300,000 €,” comments our specialist. In the little towns, village houses, including some fine mansions, often feature painted decors : clamping with trompe l’œil, fake windows… Here again, timber-clad frontages are dotted along the streets. By way of example, Marie-Pierre Garbay cites a residence which formerly belonged to a local worthy in Beaufort. Offering living space of close on 500 m2, it is up for sale at around 550,000 €. “For buyers giving priority to the comfort of new homes but appreciative of the charm of old buildings, we are launching the sale of 14 apartments in two Savoyard buildings dating back to the early 19th century, at the heart of Hauteluce, facing the Baroque church. Their renovation has involved preserving all the old features. Christened “Le Mont Joly”, this residence, with some apartments enjoying views of Mont Blanc, posts prices from 4,800 to 5,000 € per sqm.” And what about new properties ? There is demand for them too.

Respected for the quality of its residences, the developer Arêches Immobilier markets one new residence on average per year. And this, for the past 30 years. “Our clients appreciate our developments as we build residences on a human scale, always giving priority to the quality of the materials and construction work, while showing deep respect for the Beaufortain style,” says Michel Blanc-Gonnet. He gives the example of a residence designed in the purest local style yet offering high-end contemporary appointments, including the possibility of choosing the layout on plans and benefiting from personalized decor. To be delivered in June and consisting of 14 high-class apartments, it has won over a French clientele mostly from Lyon and Paris, who have spent about 3,500 € per sqm. to treat themselves to this address blending prestige and tradition. Another example mentioned by our specialist is an intimate chalet comprised of only 7 apartments, all designed to feature warm wood, solid and natural materials, and volumes meeting today’s requirements.

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