At Maxwell-Baynes – Christie’s International Real Estate, we have a large portfolio of clients from the equestrian sector who choose France for its fantastic climate, agricultural land value and equestrian facilities. As a key destination for horse owners – France has a lot to offer. Independent Agent and championship horse owner Martin Sheach, outlines the benefits of equestrian living in South West France.
Martin has bred, owned and ridden some of the finest horses, competing at the very highest levels in showjumping, including the World Young Horse Championships – he brings a wealth of expertise and is ideally positioned to support clients searching or selling equestrian properties. He moved to France in 2008 and joined the real estate team of luxury residential experts at Maxwell-Baynes Real Estate in 2019. Specialising in luxury homes, chateaux and equestrian property sales, Martin is based in the department of the Gers, just south of Bordeaux and north of Toulouse. He currently owns 20 horses, so between managing clients and visits, you’re bound to find Martin in the stables at his country home.
What makes France a destination for horse owners?
“In France you get more land for your money – the cost of agricultural land is between €5,000 – €10,000 per hectare, and you need one hectare per horse, double of what the requirement is in that of the UK. The climate is hospitable, particularly on the west coast, which means the quality of the grass is good, and horses can live outside longer rather than stabled for much of the year.
There are 22 national regional stud farms in France; sports horses and thoroughbreds are bred all the way from Normandy down to the Pyrenees. The upkeep of horses is lower than in the UK and the US, equine veterinarians are excellent, and keeping horses in France is a popular pastime.
The quality of forage and bedding is generally higher than that of the UK for example due to the better weather and all feed brands can be found throughout the country. Access to competitions throughout mainland Europe is easy, and many international, national, showjumping and eventing competitions are held in France all year round. Aquitaine in particular hosts a number of equestrian competitions and also has many highly respected horseriding clubs.
There are properties to suit whichever equestrian discipline interests you. Whether you are the competitive rider, hobby owner or breeder, your dream property can be found.”
As a specialist in luxury real estate and equestrian property sales, Martin has a vast network of contacts across the whole of France as well as within the South West. Prices range from €400,000 for a house with outbuildings and land, through to about €5 million for studs, liveries, competition or racing yards and châteaux with hundreds of hectares.
Introducing equestrian properties by Maxwell-Baynes – Christie’s International Estate
SUPERB EQUESTRIAN FACILITY ON 30 HECTARES – Reference MS1028 – Priced at €4,500,000
Situated in a tranquil location at the edge of the forest yet only a few kilometres away from the motorway network, this facility has been built for the raising and training of sports horses. The state of the art stables with air conditioning, some with direct access to paddocks, are complemented by the indoor and outdoor riding arenas, a lunge pen, a 6 horse walker and treadmill. Paths have been created in the forest for walking and trotting. After exercise, there is an indoor showering area, a solarium as well as cross-tie points for the examination of horses. Tack is stored in a stable block and the tractors and other larger equipment in an agricultural shed. There are ample small paddocks for turn out, all with water, and larger paddocks for grazing with field shelters or natural shade.
The 19th century properties have been renovated to a high standard and have charm and character. The family home has a spacious hall off of which is a lounge, snug, dining room, office, billiard room and family dining kitchen and utility room. The master bedroom opens on to the terrace downstairs and has a sitting area, walk in dressing room and large bathroom. An ornate metal stair leads to 3 further ensuite bedrooms and a large room currently used for storage. Across the courtyard is a building with a one bedroomed apartment and 4 further themed ensuite bedrooms and an air conditioned cave in the old stables. The rear of the main house has a large terrace, which can be accessed from a number of rooms and an almost circular lawn surrounded by mature trees with views to some of the paddocks. One side houses an extensive summer kitchen and the other entry into a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gym. There is an indoor garage as well as covered parking for 4 cars. Click here to see more or search reference MS1028.
STUNNING CHATEAU WITH EXCELLENT EQUESTRIAN FACILITIES NEAR BERGERAC – Reference MS1034 – Priced at €1,995,000
A fully renovated 18th Century chateau with charm and character set in a 30 hectare country estate. With luxurious bathrooms and a farmhouse style kitchen, the chateau has 7 bedrooms, 6 of which are en-suite. There is also a large heated swimming pool with an appealing covered terrace. There is an additional building which can be used as a Gite, recently updated and with 3 bedrooms.
The major stable block has 10 boxes, 4 of which are foaling boxes with CCTV cameras. All have automatic water feeders. There are 3 pens for young stock and a treatment area with stocks for examining and scanning horses. There is an area for showering horses with hot and cold water. Finally there is a tack room for equipment and a feed room. Adjacent barns provide storage for hay and straw. There are also further stables within the estate.
Outside there is a top of the range covered 6 horse walker with rubber matting and a large lunge pen with a sand surface.
The estate is 10 minutes from Bergerac and its regional airport. Bergerac is a bustling vibrant town with a wide range of facilities and shops as well as places of interest to visit here and along the Dordogne river. Bordeaux, a major city with its international airport is 75 minutes distant and en route is the motorway network. It is a 10 minute drive to the Chateau de Vigiers golf course and its Michelin star restaurant.
Click here to see more.
To find out more about equestrian properties in South West France, contact Martin Sheach, tel: +33 (0)6 89 01 05 20. Email: martin@maxwellbaynes.com
See Martin’s property listings for sale here.
