October 20th, 2008
Maisons de Biarritz launch new luxury properties
Enjoy the unspoilt beauty of Provence while staying at Maisons de Biarritz, an exclusive new batch of private property developments
As the plethora of property programmes so subtly brings to our attention, when living or holidaying somewhere one thing is key; location. A resort only thirty minutes drive from Marseille airport, along winding country roads that pass through French countryside before resting in the heart of Provence certainly ticks that particular box.
Provence is a region of great beauty and history, with picturesque villages scattered throughout it with an almost reckless vigour. Maisons de Biarritz is beautifully nested among this batch of small villages, all of whom have managed to keep their original charm, atmosphere and architecture, such as Aix en Provence and Pierre et Vacances.
Maisons de Biarritz can be found in Mas Tilia Pont Royal, a present day village built in an estate of 180 hectres that blends in effortlessly with the natural surroundings and ambiance of the region. The village has all the facilities one could need, whether living there permanently or on holiday, such as a daily market selling fresh food, leisure facilities and shops, bars and restaurants.
The new Maisons de Biarritz development has taken full advantage of the surroundings, with villas that look out onto the surrounding mountains. Each of the villas have been prepared to the highest possible standard and come fully furnished, so no work is required. The decor is exclusive yet remains under-stated.
Each property has three bedrooms, a state of the art kitchen, two bathrooms and its own swimming pool. In short, the properties are of the standard that one would expect for prices of just under a million euros.
The village boasts the only golf course in France designed by the legendary Seve Ballesteros. Constructed in 1992, the 6303-yard par 72 Pont Royal is a wonderfully designed and maintained course, the quality of which is illustrated by annually hosting the prestigious French PGA Tour event Masters 13.
The course is superbly varied, with some of the holes played over a typical fairway with lush grass and rich vegatation while others, such as the par five 11th, have no fairway to speak off; the player tees off and all that stands between them and the green is a canyon of rough and gravel.
The golf director of Pont Royal is Jean-Marie Casella, who has been in the role for eight years and whose enthusiasm for his job and love of the game is infectious. He is justifiably proud of the way that the golf course is run - every owner of a villa in the village is given the opportunity to buy a share. The price is currently around 16,000 Euros, and over the last six years prices have tripled.
In a truly unique arrangement in France, a committee of shareholders have been elected to run the course with Jean-Marie. Because those running the course also play it on a very regular basis, it is looked after with the most loving tender care; new bunkers and a state of the art drainage system have recently been installed. As Jean Marie proudly states, “All of the money the course makes is put back into the course. It is vitally important that the course is well managed and realised. We are looking to the long term.”
Perfectly illustrating the clubs’ constant drive for improvement are the plans to open a new David Leadbetter Golf Academy in 2010. It will feature a driving range, pitching green, six practice holes, a putting green and specialist coaching for adults and children. The facility will also use the Bio-mech, the latest technological device being use on the PGA Tour to improve golf swings.
The Golf Academy will be mere minutes walk from the new luxury villas, providing golf enthusiasts with the enviable position of being sandwiched between the 18-hole course and new David Leadbetter facility. As was mentioned, location really is king.