Saint-Paul/La Colle-sur-Loup
Saint-Paul/La Colle-sur-Loup
scroolDot

Saint-Paul/La Colle-sur-Loup

Luxury and authenticity : two attributes with which the area are generously endowed.


Two attributes with which the Saint-Paul/La Colle-sur-Loup area are generously endowed. Not forgetting beautiful scenery, a sublime view of the sea from certain points, exclusive properties and the proximity of Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport.

The Saint-Paul/La Colle-sur-Loup area is not entirely homogeneous. “The village long popular amongst artists offers larger plots of land : houses stand in 2,500 m2 of grounds versus 1,500 m2 at La Colle. Privacy is thus preserved, and one gets an overall impression of nobility and elegance,” says Claudine Muller of the Burns agency. “Not forgetting a reputation that has become worldwide.” Wealthy clients are, however, prepared to consider properties at La Colle, which also boasts some magnificent homes. Jean-Claude Hilaire of the John Taylor agency says that top-notch properties are virtually the same on the hills above La Colle and west of Saint-Paul. The difference is more noticeable in the villages themselves : Saint-Paul has a view, La Colle does not, though the recent refurbishment of the village streets and the quality of the shops could well be a compensating factor. The renowned Hauts-de-Saint-Paul extend over the two communes and even as far as Vence. The hundred or so properties on this guarded and gated estate start at 1 million € and go well beyond 5 million €. The first would buy a house of 200 m2 in grounds of 2,500 m2 without any particular view ; the second would bring a property of 500-600 m2 in grounds of 5,000 m2 with a view of the Mediterranean. Sven Ingwersen of the Michaël Zingraf agency adds that a house in grounds of 7,000-10,000 m2 costs from 7 to 8 million €. Jean-Claude Hilaire pursues the analysis : “The centre of La Colle offers village houses and small detached houses with gardens of 300-400 m2 starting at 400,000-450,000 €. Locals appreciate La Colle’s closeness to the Côte d’Azur’s main towns, the proximity of shops, and well-established facilities for residents. On the lower slopes of the hills, villas range from 700,000 to 1.3 million €. Locals and foreigners, 75 % from northern Europe, share this neighbourhood. The residential hills above La Colle, in the direction of Saint-Paul, are home to the top end of the market. Prices range from 1 to 5 million €, and no less than 80 % of the residences belong to foreigners. In the medieval village of Saint-Paul, one finds some lovely apartments and village houses. Living space of 70-90 m2 will cost from 400,000 to 600,000 € depending on its condition, orientation, view, and whether it has a terrace or small garden. International clients looking for holiday homes adore this type of property. Close to the village, one finds a wide range of possibilities ranging from 900,000 to several million euros. The hills above Saint-Paul share the same features and prices as those of La Colle. The Malvan valley is less expensive because it’s damper and has no view, rather like L’Escours at La Colle, with villas priced between 400,000 and 1.3 million €. Sven Ingwersen mentions the neighbourhood of Lavencque, where properties facing the sea with vast grounds fetch up to 10 million € and beyond. Claudine Muller evokes homes with character, easily recognizable in the immediate vicinity of the village of Saint-Paul. Houses here with undeniable charm cost from 1 to 2.5 million €. The last micro-market is that of La Souquée, situated between the two villages. Very quiet, this neighbourhood is a haven for French residents ready to pay 700,000 to 1.8 million €. At Saint-Paul/La Colle, the average price of a home is between 1 and 2 million €, which would buy a 4-bedroomed villa with 2,500 m2 of grounds and an unrestricted view. Jean-Claude Hilaire estimates that prices have risen 40 % since the year 2000, though they are now tending to stabilize. Today, there’s a good balance between supply and demand. 75 % of the very exclusive properties are acquired as holiday homes : in the case of enviable and mid-range residences, this figure drops to 50-60 %, then 25 % in the case of “classic” homes.

bienDexception
On the prestigious estate of Les Hauts de Saint-Paul, this stone property offering living space of 340 m2 (5 bedrooms) in a garden of 2,500 m2 benefits from a position facing due south. The pool is perfectly integrated into the lawns. Indoors, one appreciates the quality of the appointments : the wood used for the doors and beams, the terra-cotta floors and limewash paint. 4.9 million €. Michaël Zingraf (04 93 32 32 32).
On the prestigious estate of Les Hauts de Saint-Paul, this stone property offering living space of 340 m2 (5 bedrooms) in a garden of 2,500 m2 benefits from a position facing due south. The pool is perfectly integrated into the lawns. Indoors, one appreciates the quality of the appointments : the wood used for the doors and beams, the terra-cotta floors and limewash paint. 4.9 million €. Michaël Zingraf (04 93 32 32 32).
bienDexception
This property of 1,200 m2 (9 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms) in a park of 11,000 m2 enjoys a sweeping view of the countryside and the Estérel hills. The main residence is elegant and harmonious. Attention has been paid to balance : the house, though impressive, never detracts from its lovely natural surroundings. Louis Sorridente’s signature is visible from the very first glance : arcades, pathways, a play on perspectives, a blend of authenticity and modernity, generous volumes. Stone is used for the flooring ; ceiling beams complement mouldings, and one area leads to the next without interruption. Luxury takes the form of a sauna, hammam, billiard room and wine cellar. Though the most surprising feature is the home movie room. Price 6 to 8 million €. Agence Burns (04 93 32 00 00).
This property of 1,200 m2 (9 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms) in a park of 11,000 m2 enjoys a sweeping view of the countryside and the Estérel hills. The main residence is elegant and harmonious. Attention has been paid to balance : the house, though impressive, never detracts from its lovely natural surroundings. Louis Sorridente’s signature is visible from the very first glance : arcades, pathways, a play on perspectives, a blend of authenticity and modernity, generous volumes. Stone is used for the flooring ; ceiling beams complement mouldings, and one area leads to the next without interruption. Luxury takes the form of a sauna, hammam, billiard room and wine cellar. Though the most surprising feature is the home movie room. Price 6 to 8 million €. Agence Burns (04 93 32 00 00).
bienDexception
Two kilometres from Saint-Paul, this property is ensconced in landscaped grounds of approx. 9.25 acres. Once through the gateway, a private road winds its way for 150 metres between green oaks and olive-trees. On entering the Provençal “bastide” of 560 m2 (4 bedrooms), one immediately notices its perfect symmetry. André Svetchine designed the lounge, the central hub of the house with view of the pool. The building recalls a rather British style : spacious rooms, high ceilings and the recurrent use of dark wood. The layout also obeys this appealing classicism. The lower level accommodates the living rooms (lounge, dining-room and library), the first floor is devoted to the bedrooms, real little apartments, while in the basement one finds recreation rooms, the technical unit, a safe-room and wine cellar. 5 to 6 million €. John Taylor (04 93 32 83 40).
Two kilometres from Saint-Paul, this property is ensconced in landscaped grounds of approx. 9.25 acres. Once through the gateway, a private road winds its way for 150 metres between green oaks and olive-trees. On entering the Provençal “bastide” of 560 m2 (4 bedrooms), one immediately notices its perfect symmetry. André Svetchine designed the lounge, the central hub of the house with view of the pool. The building recalls a rather British style : spacious rooms, high ceilings and the recurrent use of dark wood. The layout also obeys this appealing classicism. The lower level accommodates the living rooms (lounge, dining-room and library), the first floor is devoted to the bedrooms, real little apartments, while in the basement one finds recreation rooms, the technical unit, a safe-room and wine cellar. 5 to 6 million €. John Taylor (04 93 32 83 40).

Claudine Muller has noticed a radical change in clients’ attitudes. Much of the acquisition process now takes place via Internet, though this new approach has not led to a decline in the volume of transactions. The market is lively and clients need to act fast : correctly priced, a property sells within one to three months. In this area, the Provençal style is popular. The Hauts-de-Saint-Paul address is still a valuable asset, like a view of the sea and an elevated position. Building land is rare and a plot of 3,000 m2 facing west with an unobstructed view would cost 600,000 €. Sven Ingwersen says that demand is exponential up to 1 million €, sustained up to 2 million €, and still evident beyond 4 million ?. It does, however, slacken off between 2 and 3 million €. 2006 got off to a good start, but there’s a lack of quality homes which are fairly priced. Mobility is low, in the region of 7/8 years versus 3/4 for owners of de-luxe properties in Cannes. Three factors affect a property’s worth. Noise, which is sometimes a nuisance in Les Fumerates and on the lefthand side (when driving up to the village) of the Route de Saint-Paul, puts off a good many purchasers. Houses facing south and south-west are the most highly-prized, and an unrestricted view (and eventually a sea view) will add 30-35 % to the price. The area’s main competitor is Mougins, which attracts golfers and fans of Cannes. Saint-Paul/La Colle prides itself on its proximity to Nice, Monaco and the international airport. Jean-Claude Hilaire also points to less dense traffic, a serene setting and the coast just a few kilometres away, an advantage which doesn’t pass unnoticed by fans of sailing. A bonus offered by Mougins is the quality of its hotels.

Even if property rental is not a prime vocation for Saint-Paul and La Colle, it does have a few adepts. “A high-class villa (4 to 7 bedrooms) with a panoramic sea view will rent from 35,000 to 50,000 € for the month of August. Prices drop 30 % for June and September,” says Claudine Muller. Potential buyers sometimes rent houses in the low season for two or three months to appraise “the most Provençal” of all the regions on the Côte d’Azur.

By Laetitia Rossi - Photos : Edith Andreotta