Saint-Aygulf and Valescure, addresses for initiates

Radia Amar - 20 January 2015

One is in Saint-Raphaël, the other on the commune of Fréjus. Saint-Aygulf and Valescure are highly-prized for their pleasant holiday homes in quiet, protected surroundings.

Now well-known for its golf-courses, Valescure owes the root of its name to the contraction of “Vallis Curans”, meaning “the valley which cures (ailments)”. In the late 19th century, this part of Saint-Raphaël drew the attention of Lord Aschcomb who fell for the charm of its mild climate and majestic parasol pines, and had the first golf-course built here. Since then, enviable villas have sprung up on gated estates in this quiet, luxuriant area. Canat & Warton, which opened an agency in the neighbourhood, proposes beautiful, luxuriously appointed properties. “Our portfolio is comprised of lovely villas ranging from 700,000 to 2 million euros, and apartments with high-quality appointments targetting a clientele of well-off retirees - mostly French - living in Saint-Raphaël all year round, or owning two or three residences. Desirable villas in generous grounds with pools priced from 700,000 to 1.5 million euros, depending on their location and appointments, account for the majority of our transactions in the golf-course area,” says Karim Cordelier, director of the Canat & Warton agencies. These villas were built in the early 2000’s and therefore offer enticing characteristics, in terms of insulation, for example. “Prices have declined and some genuine bargains are currently to be snapped up. Especially as the properties available have been placed on the market by owners wanting to sell as quickly as possible,” adds our specialist, citing a neo-Provençal property in an elevated position offering lovely views from its terraces. Proposing 5 bedrooms, grounds of 1,600 m2 with a free-form pool, pool-house and 3-car garage, it is on offer at 890,000 €. A very appealing price, given the property’s quality.

An elegant neighbourhood on the coast in Fréjus, Saint-Aygulf - acclaimed by Guy de Maupassant back in the 19th century - attracts fans of kite-surfing who practise their sport on the beach of Les Esclamandes, a stretch of lovely sand 8 kilometres long. Other natural gems in this seaside resort are the lakes of Villepey forming lagoons in an area of over 642 acres. A wild, protected sanctuary playing host to 268 species of birds. Finally the harbour has managed to preserve its heritage with its picturesque “pointu” boats and pleasant café terraces. “Our clients - French, Belgian, Swiss, Russian, English and Italian -, are mainly looking for peacefulness here in Saint-Aygulf,” explains Philippe Lombard, director of the Agence Angeli founded in 1964. “The most frequent enquiries come from buyers aged 45 to 65 with budgets ranging from 350,000 to 550,000 €. They can envisage houses near the centre with open views. Villas all on one floor are widely sought-after. As for apartments, the most common criteria are closeness to amenities and a view of the sea.” Even though prices fell in 2014 by about 10 to 15 % for all types of properties, an impeccable villa with sea view and a garden can still not be found here on the right side of 700,000 €.