A house in les Landes

A highly-prized region, Les Landes has long been seen as a sound investment by buyers in search of both main and second homes. From the iconic commune of Hossegor to Capbreton or Seignosse, houses top the bill. Interview with Serge Pilke, founder of the Terres & Oce´an agencies, active in this area for over 18 years.

In the country or on the seafront ? A contemporary villa or a traditional house ? The de´partement of Les Landes boasts a rare heritage. While Hossegor is the benchmark address, nearby communes also meet clients’ desires. “On the one hand, there are buyers looking exclusively for houses on the seafront or facing the lake, and on the other, those who prefer the hinterland,” explains Serge Pilke, founder of the Terres & Oce´an agencies. “A 15- or 20-minute drive from the coast, it is easier to find old houses built of stone, farmhouses to renovate or properties benefiting from acres of land and sometimes even woods ! The difference is not solely geographical, it is evident in prices which are significantly lower the further one gets from the ocean. Prices can double for an equivalent property, soaring from 1 million euros in the country to 2, or even 2.5 million euros, in Hossegor.

Serge Pilke founded the first Terres & Océan agency in 2007, in Hossegor. In 2016, he opened a second branch in Biarritz.

Serge Pilke founded the first Terres & Océan agency in 2007, in Hossegor. In 2016, he opened a second branch in Biarritz.

Near the beaches in Capbreton, this smart contemporary villa of 177 m2 on three floors offers a living-room, kitchen, 5 bedrooms. Swimming pool, terraces, view of the sand dune.

Near the beaches in Capbreton, this smart contemporary villa of 177 m2 on three floors offers a living-room, kitchen, 5 bedrooms. Swimming pool, terraces, view of the sand dune.

In the centre of Hossegor, this large 1950’s Basco-Landaise house of 290 m2 in grounds of 1,500 m2 offers a living/dining-room, kitchen, 7 bedrooms. A garage of 140 m2 and annexes complete the property.

In the centre of Hossegor, this large 1950’s Basco-Landaise house of 290 m2 in grounds of 1,500 m2 offers a living/dining-room, kitchen, 7 bedrooms. A garage of 140 m2 and annexes complete the property.

Near the beaches and golf-course, this countryside property in Orx benefits from over 5 acres of land with a pool, pool-house, tennis court and pond. Dating back to the 18th century, the house of 280 m2 offers 4 bedrooms and a self-contained 1-bedroom apartment.

Near the beaches and golf-course, this countryside property in Orx benefits from over 5 acres of land with a pool, pool-house, tennis court and pond. Dating back to the 18th century, the house of 280 m2 offers 4 bedrooms and a self-contained 1-bedroom apartment.

Near the centre of Hossegor, this 1930’s Basco-Landaise property on the front row before the lake stands in grounds of 2,000 m2. The main house of 270 m2 offers two living-rooms, a dining-room, a high-spec kitchen, 5 bedrooms, a study and gym. Garage.

Near the centre of Hossegor, this 1930’s Basco-Landaise property on the front row before the lake stands in grounds of 2,000 m2. The main house of 270 m2 offers two living-rooms, a dining-room, a high-spec kitchen, 5 bedrooms, a study and gym. Garage.

Along the coast, in Seignosse and Capbreton in particular, you can find houses with more streamlined architecture dating back to the 1960,’s but also typical Landaise properties with half-timbering, timberframe houses, and contemporary villas. As for Hossegor, the characteristic architectural style is Basco-Landaise, inspired by Labourdine Basque farmhouses, some with Hispanic and Art Deco influences. The range is wide and prices are well-sustained, starting on average at 1.2 to 1.4 million euros, and rising to 8 million euros for exceptional houses and large properties. We recently sold a very lovely 1930’s Basco-Landaise house for slightly under 5 million euros. In this sectoor, 80% of the clientele is comprised of French buyers or French ex-pats. We also recently sold a house of 230 m2 near the beaches to a French-English couple residing in London, at a price between 2.6 and 2.8 milion euros.” On the subject of the market, Serge Pilke adds : “We have seen more buoyant periods, though the market is active. In this early part of the year, we are in fact ahead of our goals in our agencies, but keep an eye out for any evolutions in the overall picture”.