Max ASHTON's selection of French property for sale

About my area

Lake Annecy is known as one of the most sought after and beautiful areas of France. What is little known is that much of the lake falls within the Massif des Bauges, a protected French national park and an International Geopark. The Bauges is a hidden treasure stretching from Annecy right across to Aix-les-Bains and Chambery. From the centre of the Bauges its only 25kms to reach any of these major tourist centres, just 55 minutes from Geneva airport and 30 minutes from Chambery airport. The Bauges offers a wealth of sporting and cultural activities in a location that’s hard to beat. It has 3 ski areas including family friendly Aillon-Margeriaz, Le Semnoz, over looking Annecy, plus Savoie Grand Revard, the largest cross- country ski resort in France. In 2013 it gained international recognition as the venue for the final stage of the Tour de France starting in Annecy, passing through the Bauges to finish on Mt Semnoz. With it’s fantastic routes and quiet roads it is truly heaven for cyclists. Whether you like swimming in the lake, walking in the mountains, or any other activity involving mountains or lakes, you’ll find it here in the Massif des Bauges. Of course, there’s always the option to just enjoy the tranquility of the area, marvel at the views and relax. To find an area of outstanding natural beauty in close proximity to major towns and airports is rare. And yet, incredibly, it is still possible to find characterful property to renovate and barns to convert at a more than reasonable price. At the other end of the spectrum you can find prestige properties with views over mountains and lakes. The Bauges has something for everyone and something for every budget. But whatever home you choose, you’ll be guaranteed an unrivalled environment and a lifestyle to lift your spirit.

About me

Having always had an affinity with the French Alps, my wife and I decided to move to the region with the remit of being close to skiing but not in a ski resort. What we wanted was a year round community and the chance of a garden, which is difficult to find in a ski resort. After much searching we discovered the Massif des Bauges close to Annecy and in 2002 bought a magnificent old farmhouse to renovate in a beautiful location. From here, I took working from home to the extreme and ran a TV & Event sponsorship consultancy via the marvels of modern communications. Much to the envy of my media contacts I’d fly into London for meetings looking tanned from all the skiing, cycling and hiking. Whilst renovating the house, I learned a great deal about building and set up a property maintenance and renovation business just in the nick of time as the sponsorship market nose-dived in 2008. Now after 7 years renovating property for international clients, I want to use my knowledge of the local property market, investment and renovation potential to provide my clients with first class property advice.