Vendor's Welcome

Welcome to the Manoir in France website featuring this magnificent property which is, somewhat reluctantly, now offered for sale.

It was back in 2006, after a painstaking property search extending over most regions of France, when my family finally discovered this gem, which had been refurbished to a high standard, nestled within the beautiful Limousin countryside. We were particularly attracted by:-

  • The exceptional on-site facilities which featured swimming pool, tennis court, seminar room and gym with Jacuzzi and sauna. Further, a satellite television system was installed to serve all parts of the property along with high speed Internet connection accessible by Wi-Fi throughout the site.
  • It was in a beautiful and tranquil setting yet not isolated as had been a feature of so many similar properties viewed. Indeed, nearby Panazol provided access to all required amenities and the City of Limoges was only 15 minutes away.
  • There was very easy and quick access to all transport links (motorway, railway station and international airport).

A Business Opportunity

We were also attracted by the fact that the property’s facilities were suitable to satisfy our desire to run a small business.  Indeed, the previous owners had commenced a chambres d’hôtes and gîtes operation which had already been awarded with Gîtes de France’s highest accreditation.

The business got off to a very good start and it was not too long before good bedroom and gîte occupancy levels were achieved, with the main income streams being:-

  • Holiday makers.
  • Visitors to relatives and friends within the region.
  • Golfers and golfing teams.
  • Those on temporary or semi-permanent work assignments in Limoges and the surrounding area.
  • Company senior management groups taking time out to engage in team building and/or off-site deliberations.
  • Film crews using the Limousin as the backdrop for their TV and cinema productions (we hosted famous Film Directors, Actors and Actresses, including the cast of the film, Les Camarades. We also welcomed members of a prominent French rock band; leading classical musicians; a world renowned orchestra conductor; the Tour de France photographic team; and a variety of dignitaries and foreign royalty.
  • Wedding parties and those attending other family celebrations.
  • Both families and workers relocating to the region and engaged in house searching.
  • In transit couples and families seeing the facility as an ideal off motorway stop broadly midpoint between the north and south of France.
  • Overspill clients from an established network of local accommodation providers.
  • Passing trade.

Managing the business became a source of great pleasure in terms of meeting such a diverse and interesting clientele, many of whom have since become personal friends.

An Unanticipated Illness

Being quite fit and active, I enjoyed the surrounding countryside as well as the leisure pursuits on our doorstep.  Considering myself as quite healthy, it was certainly a shock to regain consciousness one day with the realisation that I had inexplicably fallen off my bicycle.  After extensive hospital tests, it was concluded that I had suffered a stroke.  While continuing to make a good recovery, it gradually became obvious that I no longer had the capability to run the business. Further, with other family members by then pursuing their overseas careers, we have had no alternative but to cease the business and offer the property for sale.

Opportunities to Exploit

Prior to the unexpected cessation of the business, we were convinced that the true potential of the property was still to be realised through the exploitation of a range of opportunities including:-

Tables d’Hotes and Other Catering:  Discussions with those including catering within their accommodation packages suggested that this is where there is the most potential to generate profit. With the advantage of a Licence IV for the sale of alcohol, the property is also well placed to take advantage of another source of significant revenue which, with the exception of the provision of an honesty bar, has never been exploited to date.

Golf Holidays: Sited close to a high quality golf course, there is enormous potential to target and attract golfing enthusiasts to the accommodation. 

Themes Breaks: Many accommodation providers achieve significant results by offering themed, special interest breaks (e.g. Health and Beauty; Fitness; Wellness; Rambling; Motoring), a proposition which has never been promoted.

Weddings: The property has hosted the guests of numerous weddings and also been the venue for many related party and celebratory events held indoors, around the pool and even in marques within the grounds.

Family Events: Birthdays, engagements, baptisms and retirements have been some of the events which have seen family get togethers and parties held at the property. A more proactive marketing initiative would surely bring in much more trade of this nature.

Corporate Events: There is considerable scope to offer the property as a venue with accommodation and seminar room for corporate away days, team building events, presentations and meetings.

Local Events: Local to the property are held a remarkable range of annual events which attract visitors to the area who, with a targeted marketing effort, might easily be attracted to take advantage of the accommodation and facilities on offer. These include:-

On a less regular basis, there are also fencing, volleyball and basketball championships held in Limoges.

A Substantial Family Residence

Although my family chose to utilise the property’s facilities as a small business opportunity, it is appropriate to emphasise that, first and foremost, what is on offer is a substantial and very attractive family residence.

A Cautionary Note

Being a very honest and ethical person, I need to point out that, largely owing to my current state of health, it has been impossible to maintain the property in its previously pristine condition.  While a very competent gardener keeps the grounds in excellent order, it is appropriate to point out that a certain amount of hard work and tender loving care will be necessary to return the property to its peak condition.

I genuinely hope that the next owner of this Manoir in France benefits from as much enjoyment within the property as has been experienced by myself and my family.

Best Regards

Jane

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