Athurugiriya_House for Sale
An historic property for sale in Aspres-sur-Buech, a village of the Hautes-Alpes in
northern Provence. The village itself, with a population of 725 and an altitude of approx. 2200ft., lies at the hub of its
District and thus provides many essential services - a large general store, post office, fire and police station, pharmacy,
bakery, two doctors and one of the most sought-after primary schools in the area. Aspres is linked to much of the region, not
only by the D1075, but also by excellent public transport, with its own train station and coach stop.
The property
was for many years a small hotel, a landmark on the route from Marseille to Grenoble. The ground floor comprises one huge
room of 132 s, with multi-vaulted ceiling. On the first floor are 3 newly-created flats: two 2- bedroom, with
balconies facing south, and one studio, all with excellent exposure. The heating is mostly electric, with one of the flats
connected to a fuel boiler as well. The original windows and doors have been double-glazed, and the owner has had all wood,
including the ceilings, treated and varnished. The insulation has been thoroughly done, extending even to interior
walls.
Above the flats is a large grenier or loft, already fitted with windows. The roof is in perfect condition.
To the rear of the building is a small courtyard, two enclosed storage areas, and a cave or vaulted above-ground cellar. The
surface area of the whole is between 350 and 370 s - a substantial property, given its location in the heart of the
village.
The building offers the choice either of domestic or commercial use. Its potential is excellent as a
rental property: flats-to-rent are at a premium in this region, not only for holiday-makers, but for young French couples,
employed in the main towns, who seek accomodation in the villages.
Attention should be drawn to the rez-de-
chaussee, or ground floor. As mentioned above, this floor consists of one huge space of 132 s, and is truly Provencal:
the multi-vaulted stone ceiling is extremely high; there is an L-shape to the room, on one side a lovely set of steps leads
out to a patio, and on the other, a door opens into the small courtyard. The possibilities for this space include: a huge
studio flat or large 1-bedroom; a restaurant; office space; art gallery; Health Food shop. This floor remains un-renovated,
although it is in excellent structural condition and offers the opportunity for an imaginative approach to the space.
My husband and I have lived in Aspres for 6 years, and have seen many properties in the area; you are most welcome to seek
our advice regarding the permutations and combinations of this one!
The asking price for the property in its entirety
is 297,000 euros.
For further information in French,
you are most welcome to contact the owner: M.Gerard Faure,
Chemin du tresoriac, Aspres-sur-Buech, 05140 FRANCE.
Telephone: 0033(0)492586017.
If you would like assistance in
English please email Susan Newman, or
telephone: 0033(0)492233682.