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NEWSLETTER No. 2 - JUNE 28th 2005 Under the spotlight in this newsletter are a villa new on the market beside the beautiful town of Uzès, along with information on a couple of regional wines, and a briefing on a local building firm specialised in eco-friendly houses and pools. Themes Of The Fortnight: WINES IN THE REGION AROUND UZES Uzes, though a Roman town, is better known as having been the First Duchy - residence to the French Dukes, first in line to the throne after the immediate monarchy. It is a small town of extraordinary beauty, with a castle, cathedral, magnificent arcaded squares and elegant town houses. From August 12-14 Uzès will be holding its annual wine fair. Over 50 winemakers that fall under different labels - Vins de Pays du Duché d'Uzès, the neighbouring Cotes du Rhone AOC Chateauneuf du Pape, AOC Costières de Nimes, etc. - will assemble on the central esplanade for commented wine tastings and aroma initiation activities for children. The label "Vins de Pays du Duché d'Uzès", under which many of the local wines fall, came into being in 1989. They are looking soon to acquire their first AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) - the famous French stamp of quality relating to a particular geography that for wines dictates the types of grape employed, the degree of acidity, and so on. The region is hence rich in vineyards but also in olive groves, peach and apricot orchards, and truffle yielding oaks. Among the organically produced local wines presented at the fair will be those of the Domaine de Malaigue. Their red wine "Lou Souléou" (the sun, in Occitan) is made from a combination of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan grapes. A structured wine, high in tannin and rich with aromas of black fruits (prunes, black cherry) it accompanies stewed or grilled red meat and strong cheeses! Their rosé is 85% Grenache, and 15% Syrah that derive from high yield vineyards on the plain. Various aroma are apparent, in particular, raspberry and liquorice. Accompanies salads and grilled meats. Les Vignes de l'Arque, which also falls under the label of Vins de Pays du Duché d'Uzès will also be present at the fair. These present a red Vin de Pays, exceptional in 2001, that also derives from organic vineyards. This is made from Syrah and Grenache grapes and makes for a vibrant wine high in tannins. INFORMATION ON A LOCAL BUILDER NENUPHAR Sarl, based near Lodève is an eight man multi-talented Anglo-French building firm that has undertaken many restoration projects and new builds, is distinctly turned toward eco-friendly projects, houses and swimming pools. The construction of eco-friendly houses incorporates the following features: natural lime rendering, terracotta insulating bricks, hemp insulation, plentiful use of wood and natural paints and energy efficient technologies (solar panels etc.). For an eco-friendly custom designed new build, count on 1200-1500€ per square metre, inclusive of fees and taxes. A spatious 200m² house would cost between 240,000 and 300,000€, to which is added the price of the plot of land. A rural plot with excellent views, a natural forest aspect and great level of tranquility measuring 3900m² (just under an acre) is currently for sale in the sector for 122,000€. Its assigned ground coverage coefficient (COS) of 0.15 would enable a large house to be built. Natural swimming pools substitute chemicals used in traditional swimming pools with a combination of water cleansing plants. Such pools combine shallow "regeneration" areas for plantlife and deeper swimming areas and take on the appearance of ponds. The presence of a skimmer to maintain a clean surface, a pump for fountain effects and plant filter help maintain high water quality, though are not fundamental.  Natural pools cost 480-720€ per square metre, inclusive of all fees and taxes. Given that approximately half the surface area of the pool is dedicated to plantlife, a pool with an exploitable surface area of 40m² would cost on average a total of 48,000€. Further information on NENUPHAR can be made available on request. Top Property Of The Fortnight: Tastefully decorated villa built in 2000 and standing on 3577m² of exceptional grounds a ten minute drive from Uzes. The house has a dominant hillside position which gives it open views. The property consists in a main house, with a surface area of 141m² and a guest house of 39m². Beneath the main house are a large garage (61m²) and a cellar (14m²). The ground floor of the main house comprises an open plan kitchen and living-dining room that features a traditionally styled fireplace. Beside this is a laundry room, a bedroom, an office, and above a mezzanine with shower unit. A summer use kitchen has been fitted outside under an auvent. The house is understandably in an excellent state of repair. The terrace, accessible from the French windows in the living room and main bedroom runs along the southern side of the house and gives onto the garden. It is partially covered. Fuel fired central heating is fitted throughout, as is double glazing, and a pleasant choice of tiling. The guest house is totally independent and comprises an open plan living room and kitchen, and a mezzanine that serves as a sleeping area. To the southern side is a terrace. The garden measures 3577m² and comprises 3 different zones, a lawn beneath the terrace where a pool could be installed; a shaded portion with oak and pine trees where there is a small pond, and finally on higher ground, a small vegetable garden and hen house. All general necessities are available within ten minutes, and school buses run to schools for children of all ages. What makes this a top property: - The house is a subtle contemporary design with a stylish yet traditional interior - The interior is made to be slightly modular. Hence the laundry room and office could be converted to additional bedrooms if required - The independent house is ideal for older children or for receiving guests - The colour scheme, white rendering and blue shutters blend well with traditional tiling - The grounds have a very pleasant natural appearance The asking price is 450,000 Euros. Further photographs can be consulted at the following address and more are available on request: http://www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/viewpropNP.php?id=265 
Other news: Besides the wine fair in Uzès, various other fairs are held throughout the summer, in particular: - July 23-24, Wine and Regional Produce Fair in Anduze - On August 5, Wine Salon in Bédarieux. RDV in town at sunset for Jazz Aperitif, Restaurants, Wine tastings, Exhibitions Next newsletter will: - highlight how impressive villas can be created from tired ones - showcase a new property on the market  +33 626 581 415 njp@jamespropertiesfrance.com www.jamespropertiesfrance.com About James Properties France: Based in Montpellier in the south of France, bringing to you a carefully picked selection of properties within a 70 mile radius - with the occasional more distant exception - that are chosen for their combinations of attributes, most notably: - Setting of outstanding natural beauty - Distinct character or unusual features - Quality of renovation or authenticity - Value for money James Properties France serves primarily an English speaking, though often highly Francophile clientele looking to move or own a second home in the south of France around such places as Uzes, Nimes, Montpellier, Anduze, St. Hippolyte du Fort, the Southern Cevennes, Gignac and Clermont l'Herault and the Hauts Cantons. Besides being a rich source of housing options, James Properties France represents a useful accompaniment during the process of viewing and purchasing a house. |