Chateaumeillant Property Insight

Châteaumeillant is a 2,058-inhabitant village situated in the very south east of Cher, in the Centre region. The village is located on the road that leads from Montluçon in the Allier department ( Auvergne.) to Châteauroux in the Indre department.

Overview

The village has a long history as the oldest level of occupation goes up at the Gallic time. Julius Caesar visited the town, the ground fortifications of which surround a urban space of 18 hectares. It seems that Chateaumeillant was an important commercial town in the past (many exchanges with Italy). Hedged farmlands surround the village, creating this a nice and natural setting. As it belongs to the Berry area, we can find in Châteaumeillant many traditions from the former French province…

As regards economy, agriculture, livestock farming (bovines, sheep) and wine-growing are the main sources of income. Vineyards have been growing in the area since the 6th century. Chateaumeillant is on the Saint Jacques de Compostelle pilgrimage route and welcome thus many people all year round.

Chateaumeillant Immobilier & Property Market Trends

Property prices in the Cher department are really affordable. With an average price of €1,137/square metre in Mai 2009 for a property to buy, Chateaumeillant is a great place to settle in. The average housing price for a house is €118,448. 69.9% of the properties are main homes and the proportion of vacant dwellings is pretty important: 13%. Most of the properties are detached houses (88.9%) and 71.5% of the inhabitants own their property. Why not be the happy owner of a large property in this lovely village in the centre of France? Do not wait to much as prices could rapidly increase, especially given the fact that the Centre region attracts more and more people.

To get updated info about the property prices in Cher, please browse our French Property Market Reports published in the News Section every month.

5 Reasons to Buy a Property in Chateaumeillant

• Culture, art and historical heritage: the village houses a stunning example of the Romanesque Art in Berry: the church Saint-Genès. Built during the 12th century, this church is an actual jewel in terms of architecture. The church Notre Dame la Petite (11th century) – also known as ‘Chapitre’ - is worth seeing too. It was the chapel of the ancient castle and was used then as a place for covered markets, a jail and even as the town hall! Do also visit the Archaeological Museum - musée Emile Chenon - which is home to a collection of more than 3,000 local items.

• Events: even if Chateaumeillant is a small village, many events are organised all year round to the greatest delight of both locals and holidaymakers. From the celebration of St Vincent (St owner of the vine growers - procession, mass, dinner and dance) in January, to concerts in the church St Genès in August, going through flea markets, sport events, varied exhibitions and wine festivals, you can not be bored in this lovely village!

• Location: as said before, Chateaumeillant is on the road between Montluçon (Allier department) and Châteauroux (Indre department), but it is also on the axis Clermont (Puy de Dôme)-Tours (Indre et Loire). Located only 30km from the A71 motorway Orléans-Clermont, Chateaumeillant is easily accessible by road. Paris can be reached within about 2h30. The nearest airport is situated in Tours where the low cost airline Ryanair has flights from and to UK. Using the TGV (high speed trains) railway might also be an option.

• Activities: numerous leisure activities are available in Chateaumiellant and its surroundings: playing golf, swimming, cycling, climbing and so on. In the neighbouring village of Sidiailles (15km from Chateaumeillant), a reservoir allows people to practise all the water sports: windsurfing, canoe-kayak, pedal boat, fishing, etc. This is the perfect place for families, especially in summer.

• Wine: Châteaumeillant’s vineyard spreads over about 90 hectares It extends on seven communes of the Cher and Indre departments (Chateaumeillant, St Maur and Vesdun in Cher, Champillet, Feusines, Néret and Urciers in Indre). The area produces, amongst others, Pinot, Gamay and Sauvignon grapes. Local wines should get the AOC label in a near future. All the wine growers will be pleased to make you visit their exploitation. Do sample these delicious wines, they are marvellously tasty with poultries, cheese or roast meat.

Property Styles and Architecture in Chateaumeillant

• Farmhouses: located in the countryside, these properties are often in need of renovation but offer large dimensions and many possibilities of extension. They often come with outbuildings such as barns and are surrounded by a large piece of land. Farmhouses are authentic properties. Wood beams are often visible in the ceiling and stone may be used inside, in the walls for instance. Once renovated, the farmhouse can have a modern layout. Buying a farmhouse around Chateaumeillant is a great investment as you can live in the quiet countryside and also be close to all amenities and events which happen in the village.

• Town houses: such properties are also good investment as they are situated close to all amenities and offer good dimensions. Their size may vary and they can be one to two-storey properties. Sometimes in need of renovation, they come with a garage, garden, cellar and/or attic. Town houses are good for a first investment or a buy-to-let as they are often cheap.

Click here for more info about the Architecture in the Centre region.