Property pick: contemporary house in Charente

Our property pick this week is this contemporary house in Charente with three bedrooms and a pool

Charente, Poitou-Charentes

€494,999

Given the choice between a renovated farmhouse and a modern property, I would pick a period property packed with original fireplaces, wooden beams and tiled floors most times. However, I found my eye caught by this contemporary house in Chalais, built using local stone and with traditional touches, which proves that modern doesn’t necessarily mean characterless.

This house certainly has plenty of character, including my personal favourites: a large stone fireplace in the living room, tiled floors throughout and a balcony in the main bedroom. But, of course, the advantage of a recently built house is that it is fitted with the latest mod cons, so in the fireplace there is an efficient wood-burning stove and beneath the beautiful tiles is an under-floor heating system.

The other advantage of a new house is that the design has been carefully planned for a modern life, and it seems the designer of this house has read my mind when it comes to the perfect layout. The modern kitchen, dining and living areas are openplan with plenty of double-glazed windows to let in the light, while the master suite comes complete with an en-suite bathroom, including a sleek free-standing bath, and walk-in wardrobe. There are a further two bedrooms, one of which is also en suite, as well as a downstairs toilet.

This corner of France has a wonderfully sunny climate, and the property boasts a variety of exterior features that allow for the maximum amount of time spent outside soaking up the sun. As well as a swimming pool, there’s also a covered terrace, pergola with barbecue and outside dining area, perfect for an apéritif or two.

In a sought-after village in Charente, this property also counts a €494,999 price tag among its many attractions, which is certainly more than enough to tempt me away from a period house.

www.charente-immobilier.comHow about a renovated lodge in Aveyron or elegant villa in Provence