A loft on the Basque Coast

In direct contrast to the classic layout of Basque houses, lofts unfurl their open space, their spectacular, light and airy volumes. Specializing in the sale of these original residences, Ateliers Lofts & Associés in Biarritz proposes year-round a few gems of this genre that appeals to a growing number of buyers. Interview with manageress Julie Lamboley…

“The Basque Coast is not characterized by extensive industrial activity, so lofts are pretty rare,” explains Julie Lamboley.”We are clearly dealing here with a niche market, stretching over a wide area, from Biarritz to Saint Jean de Luz and as far as Les Landes. A painstaking search leads us to discover rather extraordinary properties, such as a former factory that made “espadrilles”, surprisingly facing the ocean ! While lofts constitute a niche market, its clientele is very open-minded. It includes families, young entrepreneurs wanting to combine living accommodation with a showroom, lots of Parisians in search of spaciousness… The loft represents a certain art of living, far from classic properties, sometimes with no partition walls, but endless modular spaces and ceilings that can be 8 metres high. In terms of prices, these residences again stand out from traditional apartments or villas. They are not calculated per square metre : in fact, the more space you have, the lower the price. On average, the price per sq.m is currently close on 7,000 € in Biarritz, compared to 5,000 € for lofts”. Always borne along by liveliness and real attractiveness, the property market throughout the region is doing well. “It is a very buoyant market, one could even say explosive !” comments Julie Lamboley. “Whether for year-round or holiday homes, demand is strong and prices continue to rise.”

Ateliers lofts & Associés, 1 avenue d’Ossuna, Biarritz (05 59 24 67 48) www.ateliers-lofts.com

At the heart of a residential neighbourhood in Biarritz, near shops and amenities, this superb loft of 185 m2 has been entirely relooked by an architect. Offering spectacular volumes and perfect layout, it is comprised on 2 floors of a living-room of 80 m2 with an open kitchen, and 4 suites. Mature garden 900 m2. Parking place. 1.290.000€.

At the heart of a residential neighbourhood in Biarritz, near shops and amenities, this superb loft of 185 m2 has been entirely relooked by an architect. Offering spectacular volumes and perfect layout, it is comprised on 2 floors of a living-room of 80 m2 with an open kitchen, and 4 suites. Mature garden 900 m2. Parking place. 1.290.000€.

Founded in Paris in 1998, Ateliers Lofts & Associés is this year celebrating its 20th anniversary. Based in Biarritz for the past ten years, and run by Julie Lamboley, this agency specializing in lofts, artists’ studios and contemporary properties covers not only Biarritz but also the inland part of the Basque country and Les Landes.

Founded in Paris in 1998, Ateliers Lofts & Associés is this year celebrating its 20th anniversary. Based in Biarritz for the past ten years, and run by Julie Lamboley, this agency specializing in lofts, artists’ studios and contemporary properties covers not only Biarritz but also the inland part of the Basque country and Les Landes.

Located in Bidart, facing the ocean, this sublime loft of 240 m2, formerly an “espadrilles” factory, has retained its raw atmosphere and stands out for its stunning panoramic view. On the first level, it offers a vast living-room prolonged by a private garden, and a bedroom with bathroom. Three bedrooms and a shower room have elected domicile on the upper floor, reached by a metal staircase. A parking place completes the property. 1.650.000€.

Located in Bidart, facing the ocean, this sublime loft of 240 m2, formerly an “espadrilles” factory, has retained its raw atmosphere and stands out for its stunning panoramic view. On the first level, it offers a vast living-room prolonged by a private garden, and a bedroom with bathroom. Three bedrooms and a shower room have elected domicile on the upper floor, reached by a metal staircase. A parking place completes the property. 1.650.000€.