Preserving the Baulois heritage through the restoration of exceptional buildings.
Thanks to the emergence of telecommuting and the phenomenon of semi-primary residence, the desire to live year-round "in the vacation country" has allowed the high-end real estate market in La Baule to attract a new clientele. “With demand doubling between the first half of 2020 and the first half of 2021, primarily composed of French and expatriates, supply has become significantly scarce, and the La Baule property market has appreciated,” observes Etienne de Gibon, Associate Director of BARNES Nantes-La Baule.
In La Baule, demand is focused on two types of properties in the neighborhoods of Oiseaux, Casino, and near Benoit beach: Firstly, apartments of about 100 m² facing the sea and in good condition are highly sought after, and with a high floor, they can reach 15,000 €/m². With the scarcity of supply and the desire to return to roots, BARNES has observed an increase in demand for historical Baulois villas that require renovation work. “These properties are so unique and mostly listed as exceptional or remarkable heritage of La Baule, that it is not uncommon to wait several years before finding a project that meets one’s desires,” continues Etienne de Gibon.
The renovation of existing buildings in service of heritage
A member of the association for The Preservation of the Heritage of La Baule, the BARNES agency, a specialist in high-end real estate, has been participating in the enhancement of the Bay since its inception. “In order to preserve and restore this unique heritage, BARNES has surrounded itself with professionals, such as architects, decorators, qualified artisans, landscapers, project managers... to offer more than just a simple transaction. We support future buyers with renovation projects imagined from A to Z,” explains Etienne de Gibon.
To embark on such a project, one should budget at least 1 million euros for the purchase and between 2000 and 4000 €/m² for the renovation. “Despite the cost of beautification works, there is a real added value for the buyer. It is, on one hand, emotional, as the buyer participates in the preservation of the Bay and its history through the renovation of these properties listed as exceptional heritage of La Baule. On the other hand, La Baule property has always been a safe haven that does not depreciate,” adds Etienne de Gibon. These acquisitions are largely initiated by French people in love with the area and eager to perpetuate the history of this unique heritage.
It all began on the esplanade Lucien Barrière-plage Benoît
Even before finding a buyer, BARNES worked with the Urban Planning Department of the City of La Baule, architect Frédérique Akeroyd, and stylist and decorator Pascale de la Cochetiere. Together, they took on the challenge by imagining a comprehensive rehabilitation project that blends facade restoration, respect for the property's history, and interior renovation. The success of this project was the result of this original approach, offering 300 m² of living space with breathtaking views of the Bay.
This was not the first attempt in the sector for BARNES La Baule, which had already participated in a rehabilitation project through the marketing of the Résidence Riviera, located at the corner of Lilas and Alfred Bruneau avenues. The building, constructed in 1920, was a renowned family pension until the early 2000s. The total rehabilitation carried out by Qualytim and Gaalon-Guerlesquin, combining modernity and respect for the existing structure, will allow 8 future buyers to benefit from apartments ranging from T2 to T5, combining the charm of the old with the comfort of the new.
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