6 dream holiday homes in Bordeaux

The south of France's riverside city and surrounding wine region is teeming with fantastic properties for anyone seeking a second home in the sun

A holiday home in Bordeaux is the property alternative to a little black dress. Always in fashion, worth the investment and you’ll get plenty of use out of it. Plus let’s be honest, it looks pretty darn good.

Just imagine sitting on your veranda at sunset, eating French bread, sipping on a glass of local red wine and gazing out across the surrounding vineyards. As Her Majesty the Queen once said, the region is ‘the very essence of elegance’.

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Thanks to trains from London racing to Bordeaux in just six hours, and regional flights available from airports including Liverpool and Belfast taking around 90 minutes, you can nip back and forth as much as you like. What’s not to love about the wine capital of the world? Here are some of the most desirable holiday homes on the market right now…

1. Seven-bedroom castle, Zoopla, £1.3 million

The only issue with treating yourself to this decadent seven-bed castle in Gironde as a holiday home, is that you’ll probably never want to leave it. Superbly situated with a close proximity to the shops, restaurants and local bars, the residence is set in its own four-acre park with mature trees and a pretty stream. Also found in the park is a 13^th-century tower, an old water mill, a heated pool and a tennis court. Just wow.

2. Four-bedroom home with investment potential, Zoopla, £875,000

Surely the best bit about this splendid late 19th-century mansion, ideally located in Entre deux Mers on its own parkland, is the path access it enjoys to the Dordogne. Other than the four-bed home with a magnificent adjoining veranda, you will also be buying a building housing four independent cottages, making it an ideal set up for a holiday rental business. Other sweeteners include a huge greenhouse, swimming pool, terrace and private garden with a lovely fountain.

3. Six-bedroom chateau, with Maxwell Baynes, £2.6 million

Kicking off our roundup is this most beautiful French chateau that’s been very tastefully restored to its original grandeur. With far-reaching views over neighbouring vines, it’s surely the dream home away from home. The property comes complete with a swimming pool, sauna and a tennis court, so you’ll have no shortage of activities for the whole family. Situated near a lovely little village with shops and services, this is a great location to wander the pretty streets, eat well and drink better.

4. Two-bedroom apartment, Home Hunts, £1.2 million

A smaller (yet by no means less luxurious) home is on offer in the prestigious Place de Tourny quarter of Bordeaux, in the so-called Golden Triangle. This is where all the best shops, restaurants and chic pavement cafés are to be found amidst 18th Century classical buildings. The spacious ground floor apartment, with private garden, is exquisite in every detail and bathed in natural light. Just half an hour drive from airport and centrally located in the heart of Bordeaux, this is a super option for a holiday home. It even has a guest annexe that lends itself to renting separately.

5. Five-bedroom historic home, £865,226

If you’re hoping to set up a French B&B business then take a look at this excellent opportunity. The charming Napoleonic house, less than an hour from Bordeaux in Entre-Deux-Mers, comprises five guest rooms that are each serviced by their own shower room. Guest can also enjoy your gorgeous pool, complete with its own pool house. Frankly we’re tempted to buy this and never come back!

6. Villa in Arcachon. With Maxwell Baynes, price on application

A rather unusual – but seriously impressive – home is this picturesque villa, found in the heart of historic seaside town Arcachon. The classic design has been inspired by different architectural styles from the 1870s, and uses brick and wood ornamentation, with numerous balconies and terraces. Inside you’ll find four levels of bright accommodation with lovely high ceilings. If you’re hoping to get your creative juices flowing during your visits, you’ll love the separate artist’s studio, or if you just want to relax then the (very inviting) pool area and terraces are perfect for you. The best bit? It’s just a five-minute stroll from the beach and shops.

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