Husband and wife team offer solution to property shortage

Burgundy's fertile land is worth far more to the local people when covered in rows of vineyards rather than developed into modern housing. This makes it difficult to buy property in the wine villages of Burgundy since there is a real shortage of supply. However, a husband and wife team are providing a solution by converting property in Burgundy.

Burgundy is a region which boasts abbeys and majestic chateaux encircled by reflective moats, Romanesque churches and arched bridges. The region has over 1,200km of navigable waterways (including France's oldest working canal) lined with poplars and lilacs alongside fields of poppies and sunflowers.

Those who enjoy the outdoors can cycle or stroll along the picturesque canal paths, while golfers can practice their swing on any of the region's 20 or so golf courses. With so many enticing features, it's easy to see why Burgundy attracts those looking to buy property in France.

With homes in the region in short supply, potential buyers will be encouraged to hear that Su and David Bishop are a couple who, through their renovation company, Arena Park France, have been breathing new life into derelict and disused property in the Burgundy wine region of France since 2003.

"Like its celebrated wine production, Burgundy's property market focuses on quality rather than quantity and there really is very little available," explains Su.

"Arena Park France is therefore not a volume business, but instead selects well-located ancient stone buildings and transforms them into light modern spaces in direct liaison with the client so they get exactly what they want.

"French styling tends to be a world apart from that expected of an international clientele so Arena Park France homes stand out in terms of both quality and design. Our buyers get the best of both worlds – contemporary living in petite villages which are full of character."

Burgundy is a peaceful rural location situated to the east of central France and spilling into neighbouring Switzerland. Running through the heart of the region is the Côte d'Or - a narrow escarpment snaking from Dijon to Beaune and home to clusters of stone villages. Vineyards roll as far as the eye can see, guarded and respected by the wealthy landowners to be passed from generation to generation.

"Business is good for us at Arena Park France and if anything we have expanded our team as Europe's economic predicament deepens," says Su.

"We have little or no competition in the area for our level of finished product and our clients are impressed with our ability to handle the build process from inception through to conclusion.

"Working with local contractors we can manage timescales and qualities with the added reassurance of French 'decennale' insurance. Our completed projects serve as showhomes and people are happy to put their faith in us to create their home in idyllic world-away Burgundy."

Burgundy is easily accessible from northern Europe. Lyon is the nearest big city and home to France's fourth busiest airport served by BMI, BA and EasyJet to the UK whilst also being on the high-speed TGV route - as is Dijon which is a 20-minute drive from Beaune. Meanwhile Paris is a two and a half hour drive from central Burgundy.

For more information, visit www.arena-park.com

Information courtesy of Purple Cake Factory SL and Arena Park France

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