France is a country inexorably bound with ideals of beauty, style and high fashion. From its poetry to its property, the world’s most visited country has a certain je ne sais quoi that draws people in.
Visitors who are charmed by France’s allure may want a more permanent stake in the country than a two-week holiday. Luckily, there are some exceptional properties to choose from. French second homes offer rich pickings to those with a taste for luxury — from palatial Parisian apartments to classic country chateaux.
With so many luxurious properties available, the age-old question of city versus country rears its head once more. A chateau in the heart of the countryside and an apartment in central Paris offer utterly different lifestyles. Thanks to our friends at FrenchEntrée, we are taking a look at the differences between city and country living.
City Living
Country Living
City Living — A Paris Apartment
Paris is a fascinating city, and the Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognised landmarks on the planet. For €18 million, it’s possible to own a stunning apartment on the historic Avenue du Président-Wilson, with views of the Eiffel Tower.
An apartment in Paris is the ideal property for those looking to get the most out of city life. From shopping on the Champs-Élysées to dining in some of the world’s best eateries (Paris is home to 10 restaurants with three Michelin stars and 106 Michelin starred venues in total), a Paris apartment is perfect for a lively life packed with social engagements and glitzy gatherings.
In Paris, there are a range of ultra-fashionable, contemporary apartments that boast superb proximity to some of the capital’s best attractions, from the Museum of Modern Art to the Palais de Tokyo.
Country Living — A Country Chateau
For those who prefer classic grandeur to urban style, a countryside chateau can deliver all the serenity and solitude that country living has to offer. It’s hard to put a price on having the space to relax and breathe, away from the frenetic pace of city life. Although at €14.7 million, this chateau does just that. Less than an hour’s drive from Paris, this property offers all the benefits of the country lifestyle.
With meadows, mature trees and a wealth of flowers and shrubs, a home in the country is a lovely contrast to a home in the bustling city. Whether homebuyers spends their time horseback riding or hosting a beautiful garden party, the options are limitless in the French countryside.
Set in the greenwood countryside of La Vallée de l’Ancoeur, this chateau offers 173 total acres with a 42-acre park.
Montage Residences Palmetto Bluff just announced an offering in the spirit of their 15th Anniversary. Deemed “A Place to Create Forever Memories,” Montage introduces this $2.75M, 2,900-square-foot residence, decked out for those seeking the ultimate outdoor recreation lifestyle.
Situated within Palmetto Bluff, a 20,000-acre residential community and conservation preserve, this property is seated next to 32 miles of riverfront and marsh front coastline, with extensive nature trails, a vibrant Village center complete with river access, boat storage and canoe club. This community embraces its rich history natural rural landscape, and is a historical haven to gain a true sense of the Lowcountry lifestyle.
The collection of homes features charming, timeless interiors that have spacious living areas, celebrating authentic Southern tradition. The indoor-outdoor spaces flow naturally with breezy entryways, with other highlights including…
- Residences situated in a waterfront setting in close proximity to the resort
- Two, three, four and five-bedroom, single-story residences
- Indoor/outdoor sitting rooms with fireplaces
- Oversized master suites with his-and-hers walk-in closets
- State-of-the-art kitchens
- Antique heart pine floors
- Driveways and walkways utilizing Old Savannah brick throughout
Photos courtesy of Montage Residences Palmetto Bluff
Pendry Hotels is slated to redesign and reinvigorate one of America’s great country estates in Somerset, NJ, in addition to developing 24 contemporary countryside residences in 2020.
Nestled in the rolling hills of Somerset County, New Jersey, and less than an hour from New York City, the grand, Tudor-style, 33,000-square-foot Natirar Mansion, formerly owned by the late King of Morocco, was originally completed in 1912 as an estate home for heiress Kate Macy Ladd and husband Walter Ladd. Currently consisting of the award-winning Ninety Acres Restaurant & Cooking School, a sustainable farm, the Mansion Ballroom banquet facility, and a private membership club, Pendry Hotels enthusiastically announces the next phase of the Natirar resort development.
The estate will be restored with careful attention to detail and expanded to feature an adjoining hotel with 66 guest rooms and suites, re-emerging as Pendry Natirar in spring of 2020. Pendry Natirar will feature a full-service Spa Pendry including an extensive health & wellness curriculum, fitness center, swimming pool and tennis courts, private membership club, and a variety of classic and unique outdoor activities to be discovered throughout the property—all set among scenic trails and pathways groomed for hiking, biking and horseback riding surrounded by 400 acres of protected land along the north branch of the Raritan River.
“We could not be more honored to be stewards of Natirar,” said Alan J. Fuerstman, founder, chairman and CEO of Montage International. “To be able to take one of the country’s most idyllic country estates and reinvigorate it with new life that makes it accessible to guests, club members and homeowners is an incredible opportunity.”
Pendry Residences Natirar will bring a bespoke collection of private, whole-ownership Estate and Farm Villa Residences created for luxury, country-style living to the pastoral grounds. Pendry Residences Natirar will give owners their own customized experience, with the ability to immerse themselves in a community focused on sustainable living, wellness and connection to nature.
Set within a private gated enclave named Abby Road, within the 90-acre resort property, the Estate Villa Residences will offer a semi-custom home building experience with abundant living spaces up to 4,000 square feet. With expansive views and options to personalize selections and home configurations, the estates convey the true essence of Natirar living. The Farm Villa Residences, with a working farm as the backdrop, affords the most optimal connection to outdoor living and wellness management with modern design spaces and residential amenities that inspire the ultimate indoor-outdoor experience. Fully integrated into the Natirar 12-acre farm, these modern Farm Villas will provide a unique connection to country living.
“When you think about bringing to Natirar the same quality of lifestyle living experienced at other Montage International residential properties like Laguna Beach, Beverly Hills and Kapalua Bay, to name a few, we are offering a resort residential type of living that doesn’t exist in our area,” said Robert Wojtowicz, Founder & Owner of Natirar.
Once complete, Pendry Natirar will usher in a new era of the great American country estate—the ideal place for a quick getaway; an extended respite; a romantic escape; a stunningly bespoke wedding or event, or simply an opportunity to rediscover nature in an unparalleled, tranquil country setting accompanied by the utmost in service and hospitality.
Photos courtesy of Pendry Residences Natirar