The idea of renovating a French farmhouse is extremely attractive to a lot of people. Whether it's the half-timbered buildings of Normandy, the sturdy stone of the Limousin or the airy homes surrounded by fields of lavender in Provence, there's a style to suit everyone. Depending on where you are coming from buying one can be very affordable too.
As you drive across the French countryside you will often see charming old structures of all shapes and sizes in a variety of conditions from immaculately restored to tumble-down ruins. If you really want to renovate a French farmhouse you won't be short of choice!
Planning permission is generally not difficult if you are doing something sympathetic. In fact according to French law, as long as it has an end wall it is a renovation, not a new build, which makes everything much easier. You have to be a little bit cautious about what real estate agents tell you because they have been known to be a little economical with the truth. In a lot of cases you can submit your own plans but it depends on the floor area of the finished building so it's best not to take it for granted.
Unless you are an experienced builder it is probably best to allow for architects fees. Actually, unless you speak competent French it is probably a good idea anyway because French paperwork is notoriously complex! But if these lovely old buildings make such great projects, why aren't the French farmhouses all being renovated by the French?
The truth is that the majority of the French would rather live in a modern building. Actual ownership is less important for many and they are quite happy to rent. In addition, it's much cheaper to build new than to restore. You don't end up with the kind marvelous building that appeals to so many of us but a great number of French people would rather the convenience of a modern box. That's why there are so many Farmhouses available to people moving in from other countries.
To be fair, renovating a French farmhouse certainly isn't cheap. The idea that you can buy something for 50,000, spend a few thousand on it and live in splendor is a myth. These beautiful old buildings are full of character but not full of straight lines! You will likely find that every door and window is different so everything for your new home has to be hand-made. For hand-made read "expensive". You probably have walls a couple of feet thick. It isn't going to fall over any time soon but working on it is hard. French masons are highly skilled but... you guessed it, not cheap.
Having said that, if you have the time, or you don't mind getting your hands dirty, the result can be hugely satisfying and quite lovely to look at and to live in. Even if your budget isn't all you would like there are areas of central France, like the Indre, which still offer tremendous value. If renovating a French farmhouse is a dream of yours and if you can keep a sensible, practical head about it then it is certainly achievable.
For more info about French Renovation and a light-hearted but informative view of all things French pop over to French Life For Real. It's by an English-speaking ex-pat living and working in France full-time so whether you're coming to France on vacation, or thinking of moving to France permanently, it's well worth a look.
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