Allez Francais: The logic of a logis

When it comes to buying a house, everyone has their own preference for style of maison. For some it will be large windows allowing cascades of light to enter into a room, for others it will be features such as arched doorways or stone crafted walls. Some just fall in love with a style of house, whether it is a maison bourgeoise, farmhouse, logis or the ever popular millhouse. The logis is always an attractive property, built to good proportions and in a dominant position within the locality At the moment we have a choice of total renovation projects to the finished article. The cheapest option is a logis close to Brioux sur Boutonne, available for around £100,000, with a beautiful location fronting on to a river. Sadly it has been neglected; the grounds are overgrown and the house needs some basic TLC. Having said all of that, the house is in very good structural condition, the stone walls are fine and the roof is good, but every room needs some investment of time and money to restore its former glory A 15th-century logis with listed fireplaces and views over Champdeniers St Denis is also on the books at £150,000. With over four acres and immense outbuildings, this offers a significant opportunity for someone to develop either a rental complex or an equestrian centre. Some of the beams are the largest I have ever seen and the fireplaces take your breath away. On the downside, the property needs some roof repair work and the second floor loft space is still to finish. Another logis in the Gatine area that dates back to the 15th century has been partly restored, but still requires major investment. The owner has not been able to maintain the programme of renovation planned due to business commitments. In addition to the main house, there is a very large three-bedroomed renovated house, which could be used to live in while the renovations take place to the main house. Afterwards, this dwelling could be used as a holiday let or provide accommodation for the 'extended family'. This property complex, with barns, and another small house is available for around £150,000.	The logic of a logis Peter Elias takes a look at a few millhouses and logis in Poitou-Charentess This logis near Brioux sur Boutonne, with fabulous indoor pool, is for sale at 332,400 euros		Another restoration project is an old mill, with operational water wheel and vast outbuildings sited on five acres, sadly all in need of major work, Due to the unique location and the sound structure of the buildings, the asking price is 150,000, but it is doubtful that it is possible to find a comparable property within the Poitou-Charente. For those with a larger budget, a mill near Chef Boutonne with three large bedrooms plus an up-and-running gîte, in grounds of 7000m² is on the market for 210,000. The main house has a feature mill working in one of the reception rooms where exposed stone maintains the ambience of the setting. At 230,000 it is possible to buy a five to six bedroom mill, in the Charente Maritime, within 20 minutes of the coast, with a separate gîte and two acres of land. Some work is required on the house, mainly redecoration, nothing major or structural, it is possible to move straight in, All facilities are within walking distance of the mill in the village. Finally at the top of the scale there are two magnificent moulins to choose from. The first at 300,000 is situated on the River I'Autize alongside a waterfall and has over four acres of land. The second, priced at 365,000, is truly luxurious, located on the Sevre Niortaise, with heated swimming pool, thermostatically-controlled wine caves and spectacular large reception rooms. Of course, there is always the prospect of a plain house, chateau, manor or priory.
	The other extreme is a beautiful logis, close to Brioux sur Boutonne, that has been restored to the very highest standard,while maintaining its true character. It features large reception rooms with lovely stone fireplaces, flagstone floors, exposed stone walls and beautiful beams. A barn attached to the property has been restored and now houses a superb indoor swimming pool, providing truly luxurious surroundings. Upstairs are five bedrooms, two of which have their own suites, making this a very desirable family home or a fantastic rental opportunity It is for sale at about £207,750. If the prospect of a millhouse is a greater pull, the entry price for such a property is currently £75,000 which buys a four bedroom millhouse in the Gatine, with a small plot of 600m², a swimming pool and direct access to the river.	For a bigger investment, and a project into the bargain, a restored two bedroom house with a separate millhouse to restore from scratch, in an exceptional setting on the River Sevre Niortaise, is available for about 100,000. Accompanying land of 3700m² is broken into islands, but features beautiful walkways and Roman bridges. The millhouse requires complete restoration, but many original workings are still in situ and this will make someone a fantastic home in a spectacular setting one day.