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NEWSLETTER No. 45 - APRIL 17th 2007 The JPF newsletter serves to highlight regional traditions and heritage, but also occasionally throws a spotlight on particular aspects of the French home. In this edition, we take a brief look at some innovative technology for the home, with interesting aesthetics and environmental motives. Top properties are stone dwellings in the Gard, both offering gardens with views and swimming pools. Should you wish to be removed from this mailing list, please use the link provided at the bottom of the page. Otherwise, kindly read on. Theme of the fortnight: New technology and new aesthetics within the home Bio Concrete - A new generation of concretes Many clever associations are currently being made between mineral and vegetal substances, such as is the case with bio-concrete, which uses natural fibres to strengthen - it is three times stronger than traditional concrete - and significantly lighten them. Being water- and frost-proof it is naturally very durable, and its strength enables very fine and lightweight structures of a greater number of shapes and sizes can be created. The spiral shower screen is a fine application - it has a height of 1.6m and is 12mm thick. The screen is produced by Bio Concrete (www.bio-concrete.com) who also make a range of garden furniture.  Concrete rain water storage tanks Gaining interest currently are rain water storage tanks, with capacities varying typically between 3 and 20 cubic metres. The company Eaux de France makes a concrete storage tank that is totally waterproof and carries a ten year guarantee. Rain water is naturally acidic (ph of 5), but when in contact with the concrete tank, neutralises to regain a ph of 6.7 to 7.5. Optimal conditions for the storage of water are away from daylight and open air. The tank is ideally buried in the ground, thus keeping a constant temparature, and saving space in cellars or garages. Recycling of waste water within the home Waste water from sinks, baths and showers can now be recycled for use in lavatories, washing machines, watering plants or for cleaning floors. The system is beginning commercialisation in France by Hansgrohe under the name AquaCycle® Pontos. The systems bring a saving of between 30 and 60 litres per day and per person and cost approximately 4500€ (plus fitting). Consult www.hansgrohe.com or request details on Aquafit®, distributed by Universal Market (Tel : (+33 (0)3 88 698 060).  Combined recycling of waste and rain water Going one step further, AQUAE is now commercialising in France a double system that captures rainwater and used domestic water from sinks, baths and showers. Developed by the German company GEP (http://www.gep.info/), it can be integrated within existing houses or incorporated into the design prior to a building project. The systems bring considerable savings in water usage, and offer the advantage of a lower usage of soap products due to the softness of rainwater. http://www.aquae.fr  Stratified wood shelters for pools, spas and outdoor rooms Abriscine designs and manufactures a range of glued stratified wood shelters throughout France. While aluminium structures are the most widespread, wooden ones integrate better with the garden environment with warmer aesthetics. Shelters come with a ten year guarantee and factory water-proofing, meaning maintenance is minimal. http://www.abriscine.com   Top properties: Stone farmhouse with extensive countryside views set between Alès, Uzès and Nîmes. The property is a three storey construction comprising vaulted cellars and courtyard at ground level, along with a large garage in former stables, awaiting conversion. On the first floor are four main rooms, comprising in particular a living room with fireplace. On the second floor are two large bedrooms and an attic (50m²), proving additional space pending conversion. There are three bathrooms and three lavatories. Fittings and decoration are a little dated but the house is very sound and has considerable character. Basic provisions can be made in the village nearby. The neighbouring property is adjoining. The grounds span 1755m² (a little under a quarter acre) on which there is a swimming pool. The asking price is 342,400 Euros. Reference number : 455   Stone village house situated within a characteristically Mediterranean village near Quissac. The property offers a surface area of 300m², with, on the ground floor, a large living room / kitchen (60m²) with fireplace, and a parental suite with bedroom, bathroom, office and walk in wardrobe. On the first floor an artist's studio, a summer use kitchen, various cellars, a bedroom and a bathroom. Landscaped grounds span 1500m² and there is a swimming pool. The property has considerable character. The asking price is 609,000€. Reference number: 456      +33 467 297 068 +33 626 581 415 Contact: http://www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/contact.php 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 (JPF) 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, Nîmes, Montpellier, Anduze, St. Hippolyte du Fort, the Southern Cevennes, Gignac and Clermont l'Herault and the Hauts Cantons. The property selection proposed by JPF is targeted to fit buyers from abroad in terms of types of location, accessibility, environment / landscapes, and types and formats of construction. Besides bringing you a wide array of properties, JPF helps by running specific searches in the Gard and Hérault. JPF acts as an intermediary between you and a number of regional estate agencies, at no extra charge. Selections of properties that meet your criteria can be established prior to your visits, any linguistic issues totally alleviated, questions about French procedures and legislation addressed quickly, and information on prices and property details addressed plainly by all parties. JPF helps you with your purchase from the beginning to the end of the process, often communicating with the assigned notary to make sure that content and conditions of sale are correctly documented, ensuring all is in order for completion, and keeping you informed of progress. Insurance and utilities can also be arranged. In addition, should you wish to have assistance in maintaining or making alterations to your house, or any formalities associated with property ownership or financing in France, JPF can give assistance on an hourly basis. Should you wish to sell your property in the south of France, JPF can also help. If you would like to unsubscribe from this newsletter, please click on the following link: www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/unsubscribe.php |