Could you make your childhood dreams come true? Buying a patch of land, renovating an old farmhouse and finally being able to wake up and smell the heather. What do you need to know before you start?
“In mainland France, every indicator of land use change points to a significant shift from away agriculture and forestry towards urbanisation, infrastructures and other forms of economic activity”, writes Philippe Madeline in L’évolution du bâti agricole en France métropolitaine : un indice des mutations agricoles et rurales (The evolution of agricultural buildings in mainland France: an index of changing agricultural and rural trends). When people deserted the countryside for the city, they left behind them the sheds and buildings of deserted farms, which are now being repurposed for new uses. Previously abandoned farmhouses are now being redesigned and rebuilt.
Despite the significant amount of work often needed to clear, renovate and secure the project site, farms can offer many advantages. The first of these is price, which, depending on the state of the building(s) concerned, can be very affordable. Most farmhouses offer plenty of floor area, and some come with several hectares of land. They may also have desirable features, such as exposed roof timbers and wagon doors.So for those looking for a quiet getaway far from the constant noise of the city – somewhere to de-stress by the fire, a farmhouse could be the ideal solution. Some will also see it as an excellent way of reconnecting with nature and distancing themselves from the madding crowd of city life.
Lastly, today’s appetite for digital detox makes farmhouses all the more desirable, and therefore all the more attractive as an investment.
Successfully renovating your farmhouse
The rudimentary levels of comfort offered by old farms can sometimes be daunting. But renovating a farmhouse opens up so many possibilities. Although you could do some of the work yourself, especially if you’re a competent DIYer, it’s often better in the long run to bring in professionals, especially in terms of improving the energy efficiency of these old buildings. Farmhouses can also be renovated to create magnificent loft-style spaces or ultra-contemporary open spaces. The contrast and complementarity of ancient stonework and contemporary materials are infinitely variable!
So whether you want to roll up your own sleeves or buy a farmhouse that has already been renovated, there are a number of important points to consider, including the roof, the foundations, the door and window openings and the frontage. All of these have the potential to tip the balance and require considerable expenditure. And it’s important to remember that some works will require local authority permission.
