Saint Yrieix Property Insight

In the extreme south of the Haute-Vienne department, Saint-Yrieix is situated in the triangle formed by Limoges, Brives and Perigueux. It lies at 365m of altitude, and marks the border of the Natural Regional park of Périgord-Limousin. Arédius founded the town and established a cloistered community in the 6th century. Thus, the religious origins of the town provide a specific and beautiful patrimony such as the Collegial of Moustier (11th to 14th century) or the Bible of Saint-Yrieix, handwritten and illuminated, which dates of the 12th century. Nowadays, the population reaches 7,000 inhabitants.

Overview

The town is also famous because of the discovery of kaolin, which is white clay used for the porcelain and now is internationally known. Thus, Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche is often associated to Limoges and its renowned porcelain. That is why many porcelain shops are located in the town. Its economy can be characterised as flourishing. Beside porcelain, gold was extracted in this area 3,000 years long! The exploitation just stopped, but remains a curiosity for several people. That is why demonstrations are organised during summer.

Saint-Yrieix enjoys a privileged situation. It stands in the middle of a vast countryside. Peaceful is the right word to describe the feeling that its surroundings communicate. This simple sensation, combined with the tasty gastronomy of the region, will emphasize the wellness palpable.

Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche Immobilier & Property Market Trends

Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche is located in the south of Haute-Vienne. This department, as the whole Limousin region, is one of the cheapest of France. However, the town stands very close to Dordogne, a highly sought after department especially by the Brits. Thus, prices can be a bit superior to the general average of Haute-Vienne, which was around €1,400/ sq m at the beginning of 2009. However, it remains a good opportunity, the average in France being about €3,200/ sq m.

In Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche, 7% of the properties are second homes and 7% of the properties are vacant. This means that several properties are available, directly to move in or to renovate. In the region, many exploitation buildings as large barns or even farmhouses are really cheap because they need restoration. This represents a good investment for everyone who would like to take the plunge!

To get updated info about the property prices in Haute-Vienne, please browse our French Property Market Reports published in the News Section every month.

3 Reasons to Buy a Property in Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche

The charm of rural areas completely works in Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche. The delicious taste of freedom increases the sensation of wellness everyone can feel in this preserved area. These are some assets it has to offer:

• Good food: the local gastronomy encompasses the famous veal of Saint-Yrieix and the apple of Limousin, which are both certified. It also includes the special pig “cul noir” (black bottom pig) and the famous “madeleine”, a scallop-shaped tea cake, plunged dunked in fine chocolate. Chestnut is also an important element of the local cuisine, because it is produced in the area.
• Tranquillity and scenery: the area comprises many treasures of nature. Its privileged geographical situation with watercourses, ponds, forests and meadows breathe the quietness of an unspoilt environment. The beautiful Arfeuille lake is a good way to relax, in doing pedalo,canoeing, bathing or hiking around it thanks to the several tracks it offers.
• Events: lots of various events make Saint-Yrieix a living town. Of course, the most important are the fair, every two Fridays, and the farmer market every Saturday morning. Then, you have the biennial of the artist books (every two years), Formule Sports (sportive animations), music festival, flea markets, rally, Limousin fair of Antiques, art job fair…

Property Styles and Architecture in Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche

• Stone town houses: in the centre of Saint-Yrieix, there are houses built in stones. The façade is usually plastered with coating, but sometimes the stones are left visible on the inside walls. Thus, it leaves character to the house.
• Farmhouses: the specificity of the stone farmhouses in this area, is that they are usually built in length. It is to say that the outbuildings dedicated to the agricultural exploitation, are often stuck to the house. Thus, the farmhouse reminds the Longère style (a typical French house built in length) and offers good volume if needed.

Click here for more info about the Architecture in Limousin.