The River House

Property Description

Summary
The river house (Artigue)

An elegant mid-nineteenth century, stone house of generous proportions set in nearly two acres of landscaped, wooded parkland with a small pond and overlooking the gently flowing BaÏse river and enjoying an unimpeded view of the Pyrenees and with numerous secluded areas amongst the trees for quiet reflection. 
At a right angle to the house next to the river is a stone outhouse, which can be used for a number of purposes, such as a summer kitchen or dining area or simply as a shaded place in which to relax. A path from a terrace to the side of the house provides access to the river for fishing, boating or simply dipping your toes. 
The house is located in the countryside just five minutes from Mirande, which has all amenities: supermarkets, hospital, schools, restaurants, campsite etc. It is just 15 minutes from the regional capital, Auch, and just an hour away from Toulouse airport. 

The house has considerable potential, either as a large family house or as a business concern offering gîte and/or B&B accommodation.

 

The last owners used Artigue as a holiday home. It has since been cleared out and is ready for a new touch. A considerable amount of work over several months is required to fully restore the whole property to its former glory. Free accommodation in a newly completed gîte nearby is possible for the duration of the restoration. Full details are available on request.

 

A summary of positive aspects

The house is situated in secluded grounds with a clear view of the Pyrenees.
The approach to the house from the N21 is 300 metres along a small tree-lined road.
The grounds have been considerably improved, by planting flowers and shrubs, removing undergrowth and brambles, pruning trees and bushes and general weeding.
The house retains many historic features: terracotta floor tiles, arrow slit windows to the rear, exposed stone walls, parquet floors, a wooden staircase in good condition and efficient shutters.
The roof is in very good condition and there is no water ingress.
Planning permission has been granted for a swimming pool and is valid for the next 3 years.
The septic tank has just been modified and meets statutory regulations. 


The structure of the house is solid and most of the rooms face the south or west.
The walls are over half a metre thick, providing good insulation.
The main fireplace downstairs is working.
All the old wallpaper has been removed revealing that the plaster is in a good state of repair.
The house is not classified, so no special permissions are required for renovation work.

A summary of work required to fully renovate the property.

Upgrade the electricity to meet legal norms.
Install a kitchen and an additional toilet.
Make changes to the plumbing to reflect the installation of the kitchen and toilet.
Install double glazing throughout.
Insulate the roof area.
Completely restore the large room downstairs at the back of the property.

Optional renovations:

Convert the former piggery and the room above it into a two-bedroomed gîte.
Convert the former chicken house into a summer kitchen.
Convert the attic to provide additional living space.

 

The cost of a renovation obviously varies, depending on the quality of materials and whether professional builders/decorators are used or if it is DIY. The following three categories attempt to give a rough idea of the cost of fully renovating Artigue with the use of professional services.

1 Light renovation-from 250 to 500 euros a square metre

Lounge and dining room; bedrooms 1,2,3 and 4, hallway, landing and staircase.

2 Standard renovation-from 500 to 800 euros a square metre

Bedroom 5 and the summer kitchen

3 Major renovation -from 1000 to 2500 euros a square metre

Kitchen, toilet, downstairs back room, gite conversion, double glazing