Biarritz and its fine historic residences
From its sumptuous past, Biarritz has preserved outstanding buildings, much appreciated in the second half of the 19th century by the crowned heads of Europe and wealthy families of the era. Benefiting from prime locations and remarkable architecture, these proud residences still draw buyers today, but are rare on the market and thus very costly.
Biarritz has held onto a rich architectural heritage dating back to the days when it became fashionable to own a seaside residence. Often in Anglo-Norman style, these houses designed for entertaining guests were built in the town’s attractive neighbourhoods, as explained by Benoit Verdet of the Emile Garcin Biarritz agency : “These fine residences are in the Impériale neighbourhood, the Saint Charles area, around the Palais, and also in the Parc d’Hiver neighbourhood. Some can also be found in the hyper-centre of Biarritz, around Les Halles. The most popular locations for building houses were rather central, so that everything was within walking distance. These properties have retained their original façades and character, though most of them have benefited from extensive renovation inside. It is this blend of period architecture and modern comfort that appeals to the clientele. The two houses we are offering for sale share this same profile : classic architecture and highly contemporary interior layout, with en-suite bedrooms, several bathrooms, large windows, easy access to the terraces and gardens… We recently sold a town house in a quiet location, with a garden of about 350 m2, priced over 3.5 M €”. This type of outstanding residence mostly draws foreign clients, though since 2012, the market, affected by the crisis, has been less international. “Until 2012, 60% of the buyers were non-residents ; today they account for less than 30% !” adds Benoit Verdet. “Tax uncertainties on the one hand, and closeness to Spain and Portugal on the other, seen as attractive destinations for tax reasons, have played their part in this evolution, which is however a result of today’s climate. Fortunately, from a fundamental point of view, Biarritz and France in general remain, and increasingly assert themselves as privileged destinations for outstanding second residences.”
The noble character of period architecture combined with highly contemporary lines - or when old flirts with new -, creates the charm which wins over buyers. According to Didier Lepinoux of the Bliss & Foch agency : “Old buildings are the subject of love at first sight, they never leave anyone indifferent. The appeal of this type of property is, however, highly dependent on the quality of its renovation. For instance, for an apartment in an old building or former private mansion, if there is no lift to reach the upper floors, buyers naturally hesitate. They will tolerate a 1st-floor apartment, but not a 3rd floor. This factor affects the price and the decision to buy, even if the apartment offers a prime location. Nowadays, purchasing power is in the hands of a clientele aged over 50, often retirees looking for the least possible inconvenience. It is rare that buyers in their thirties acquire this kind of property. Most demand is for houses of 200 to 250 m2 built in the early 20th century, proposing stylishness and nobility. For this type of property, prices range from 900,000 to 1.5 M €, though they can easily exceed 2 M € for exceptional residences benefiting from desirable locations, views of the ocean, a garden and top-notch appointments. Beyond 250 m2, there are few properties in old buildings, it then becomes a niche market seeing one or two sales a year by our agency. Our most recent sale was an early 19th-C. house of 200 m2 in the centre of Biarritz, in the Jardin Publique neighbourhood, priced at 1,550,000 €”.
In outstanding sites with views of the ocean, sumptuous residences offering ultra-luxurious attributes and reflecting the glorious past of this seaside town have sometimes been split into apartments, as explained by Astrid Barsacq of Biarritz Sotheby’s International Realty : “The apartment we are currently proposing for sale is in one of the town’s most elegant mansions, built in 1909 for Lady Roussel. Just like this one, other magnificent buildings have been split into several prestigious apartments. The privileged foreign clientele of Biarritz Sotheby’s International Realty (English, Russian, and ex-pats living in Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore...) will certainly fall for this imperial apartment, renovated and decorated throughout by top names in interior architecture. Remarkable finishing touches, magnificent high ceilings and theatrical decor, all comprising the very charming features of which foreigners are so fond. This type of property is mainly intended for buyers of second residences ; which is, in fact, the core of our activity, with 80% of our agency’s sales belonging to this sector of the market. A market which has picked up considerably since the summer 2015, with strong demand for lovely town houses and apartments offering views of the ocean. There has also been a noticeable return on the part of Parisian clients since the attacks of November 13th. The Basque country appeals more than ever for its wonderful environment and quality living conditions, sheltered from insecurity”.
