Contemporary properties in Bordeaux
A town of art and history with a rich architectural legacy, Bordeaux shows a penchant for remarkable modernity. On the strength of a property market already very buoyant for older houses, the city is making more and more room for contemporary homes in its residential areas. Focus on a market undergoing real expansion and seeing steady demand from both Parisian and international buyers.
Currently in the spotlight due to the up-coming arrival of the LGV line which will place it only two hours from Paris, Bordeaux, a city of charm and tradition, has carried out remarkable urban development. Now opening its doors to modernity, it is making way for contemporary homes in certain neighbourhoods, while preserving the architectural coherency of its city centre. As explained by Marie Charlotte De Demandolx, who directs the Marie Charlotte D agency : “In the hyper-centre of Bordeaux, a very conservative town in terms of architecture, you do not find any contemporary houses, though most of the interiors of “échoppes”, town houses and old wine cellars have now been fully renovated. You have to head for surrounding neighbourhoods such as Le Bouscat, close to the Parc Bordelais, and the Labottière or Jardin Public areas, to find contemporary houses. These residential, middle-class neighbourhoods are extremely highly prized as they are close to good schools. The contemporary style appeals to a good number of Parisians and foreigners : it is a very attractive market in which properties of quality in good locations find buyers very quickly, even at high prices. I recently sold a contemporary house of 370 m2 in Cauderan to a Russian couple, with a garden of 500 m2 and a swimming pool, priced at 1,250,000 €. My clients are primarily looking for comfort, esthetic appeal and high energy performance, all criteria that one finds in contemporary properties. In Bordeaux, offerings of contemporary homes have risen considerably over the past ten years, they are now what sells, what attracts. The city is about to see the arrival of the LGV, and the property market is very lively, with steady demand for this type of property on a par with the expectations of today's buyers”.
Once intended for a discerning clientele in search of unusual architecture, contemporary houses are now very popular among buyers of all kinds of profiles, as confirmed by Pierre de Luzan, director of the Agence Mercure : “The core of our activity consists of properties offering traditional character. We also offer contemporary houses designed by architects as they have a different “rhythm” from that of classic homes, and appeal to all kinds of buyers as long as they propose appointments of quality. Today’s clients are looking for spacious interiors, lots of light and open-space layout. The practical aspect of contemporary homes is particularly popular as it provides living conditions that correspond to today’s taste. For this type of property, our selection targets the upper end of the market, usually from 600,000 €, or even more for substantial homes, such as a house we currently have for sale, in Bordeaux Cauderan, benefiting from 6 bedrooms, grounds of 1,500 m2, a pool and garage, in the process of finding a taker at 980,000 €. Our agency focuses on a highly specific part of the contemporary market, providing the same characteristics as old properties, in other words, luxurious appointments and real originality in their architecture”.
