This old Tobacco Drying Barn is, once again, for sale. It was bought a few years back by a couple of architects, but problems befel them and their project fell-through. It's now back on the market.
It recently suffered quite badly from a violent storm, and a few bits fell off, but it's still just about OK.
I've often thought about buying it and making part of it into a big lofty downstairs studio, with a small apartment above. This would only take about a third of the available space, and would leave plenty of barn/storage/garage space.
The big studio windows would need to face East-ish; a tiny bit annoying if one was working in the early mornings (my studio is the same).
It isn't ideally situated. It's on the corner of two roads, it's quite close to other houses, and it's just 50 metres from the light-coloured semi derelict building on the left (above), which is directly opposite the main entrance to our super new 'HOLIDAY VILLAGE'. As I say; not an ideal location.
It comes with 4,000 square metres of slightly sloping land, and with water and electricity already in situ.
However, there's one very big problem; the asking price is a whopping €52,000. Far far too much. I might go to €3,000, but no higher.
I see it remaining unsold for a very long while; at that price it may even fall down before finding a buyer.
It looks like it it is going to fall down any minute.
ReplyDeleteThe actual structure is OK, although it does need some strengthening.
DeleteIf architects have given up hope now it has less chance someone else will buy it.
ReplyDeleteGreetings Maria x
They didn't really give up hope. They couldn't find a local builder to do all the complicated stuff they wanted; then they divorced.
DeleteCrazy price.
ReplyDeleteTotally. I expect it's the architect's estimation; trying to recoup his expenses.
DeleteA deteriorating asset is losing value. AU$81,000 sounds an awful lot for rural France.
ReplyDeleteFor a falling-down wooden shed; it would even be expensive in Mayfair or Manhattan.
DeleteCould it be that the price is largely based on the value of the actual land rather than that of the barn in its current state?
ReplyDeleteHow is the Holiday Village coming along? Couldn't help smiling at your mentioning it.
U
I suppose it's half and half. I don't know which they value more; possible the land in this case! The holiday village hasn't materialised as yet, but it's still going ahead.
DeleteIt looks like an awful lot of work.
ReplyDeleteSens Doug over, we'll do it together.
DeleteI suppose it's the land + services and the OK to build.
ReplyDeleteMaybe; it makes more sense.
DeleteYour ideas fire the imagination. You'd need a bit of 'fire' and money to carry it all out. I would love to see 'after' photos one day. Price seems reasonable to me. A long thin piece of land next to us with only olive trees is going for 100,000 euros! It has been on the market for 10 years......and probably will be for another ten years. Greatly over priced.
ReplyDeleteMy plan for it wouldn't cost much; €10,000 max.
DeleteServices alresdy there and planning permission add a lot of value. In Norfolk this barn would be valued at £150,000 and sell quickly for conversion to a dwelling.
ReplyDeleteYou only have to mention the word 'BARN' in the UK, and the price doubles.
DeleteDick Strawbridge and wife bought a whole, albeit decrepit , huge chateau in N France with moat etc. about 5/6 yrs ago for £280K so this sounds a bit expensive for a few bits of old wood! Have you seen any of the " Escape to the Chateau" programmes? I love them.
ReplyDeleteYes I have seen bits of them; his wife is fun. Lady M can't stand his huge moustache.
Deletep.s. If you fancy an old Chateau, there are plenty for sale starting at about €200,000.
DeleteChateaux DIY is even better. Brits doing up chateaux with Dick and Angel's advice. Makes great tv.
DeleteI think that's the one I've seen bits of.
DeleteI think prices have shot up all over Europe. Spain has priced itself out of the domestic market now.
ReplyDeleteWell, this one has certainly priced itself out of the market.
DeleteIt looks a daunting task and it doesn’t look as if there is much left !!!! I hope someone buys it ( at a lower price )
ReplyDeleteand sympathetically restores it, but that might be hoping for too much ...... and it could take some time to sell couldn’t it ? I think you should sell your body and buy it Cro !!! XXXX
Sell my body? Or sell my body to science? Either way, it'd take a while to pay for this!
DeleteMoney pit. Regardless of it’s asking price, the cost and work to restore it would take a toll.
ReplyDeleteNo, my plan wouldn't take much. One big open studio downstairs, and a small apartment upstairs. I reckon €10,000 would be plenty.
DeleteThere is something very attractive about it in its derelict state I think Cro.
ReplyDeleteI rather like it like that too. In fact I'd be rather sad to see it changed into a house; unless it was done very sympathetically.
DeleteThere are thousands of derelict tobacco barns in this area, forgotten and falling to ruin. Tobacco used to be a major cash crop around here, but those days are long gone.
ReplyDeleteThe same as here Jennifer. No-one smokes anymore; which is probably a good thing.
DeleteMight be interesting to see how much you could get for the aged wood to use as flooring and beams in new or refurbished construction. Old barn wood is very expensive here!
ReplyDelete