While away a lazy sunny afternoon on your own private terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea whilst sipping a chilled glass of local rosé wine; meander along leafy pathways in the Mont Boron national park and enjoy a picnic at the top with panoramic views of Nice; take an evening stroll along the famous ‘Promenade des Anglais’ before dining on local specialities such as Bouillabaisse or Salad Niçoise; soak up some culture with a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts and its impressive collection of works by Dufy, Monet and Rodin. Known as the ‘Hollywood’ of Nice, Mont Boron is situated east of Nice, stretching high into the hills and crowned by a 140 acre national park. Within walking distance of Nice Port and Old Town and strategically located for easy access to Italy and Monaco, Mont Boron property offers investors a central location in one of the most beautiful spots on the French Riviera.
Home to the rich and famous, Mont Boron is a chic and exclusive residential neighbourhood with a laid back charm and fabulous views of the town of Nice, Cap Ferrat and the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer. The picturesque hills are filled with elegant and secluded homes overlooking the sea and topped by a heavily wooded forest which is a protected national park. Mont Boron property is highly sought after and because supply is limited, continues to command a premium price both to buy and rent.
Although a small and affluent area of Nice, Mont also has the earliest traces of human habitation to be found in the area making it one of the oldest settlements on the Cote d'Azur. Quieter than the centre of Nice, Mont Boron exudes privacy and seclusion, yet there is plenty to do both within Mont Boron and in neighbouring Nice.
The famous “Parc Forestier du Mont-Boron” incorporates 7 miles of marked trails in the heart of a 140 acre Mediterranean forest. Dating back to 1860, this forest features vegetation native to the Mediterranean, such as the Aleppo pine and the Holm oak. Wander up through the park to the Mont-Alban fort at the top where there is a unique panoramic view from Italy in the East to the Esterel Mountains west of Cannes and including the Bay of Villefranche, the Cap-Ferrat, Nice and the Alps.
One of the more unusual attractions on Mont Boron is the 'Château de l'Anglais' (The Englishman's Castle) - a large pink castle somewhat incongruously set amongst the throng of stunning villas. Built in 1858 for Robert Smith, the English colonel of the Indian army, it is a truly amazing architectural blend of Gothic and Hindu influences and definitely worth a visit although only the outside is accessible as it has now been divided into private apartments.
In the heart of Provence, Nice is justly famous for its food culture; plump and juicy tomatoes, sweet red peppers, fragrant olive oil, fresh fish and seafood from the local fish market and cool, crisp, dry rosé wine – what a wonderful place for food! Start the evening with a glass of pastis or a kir royale whilst watching the locals take their evening stroll and then choose from the plethora of chic wine bars, traditional brasseries or gourmet restaurants in Nice Old Town for a leisurely ‘al fresco’ dinner in the balmy evening air.
In 2012, French property price growth slowed to 0.8% according to the latest figures from the FNAIM, the national federation for estate agents in the country. The French Riviera was no exception and house prices fell by an average of 0.6% although apartment prices rose by 1.7%. Mont Boron property prices are similar to those on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice for apartments but for luxury villas, prices generally start at around 800 000 Euro with the more luxurious and secluded villas commanding prices of at least 3 million Euro and more.
The choice of Mont Boron property is diverse; ranging from modern apartments and turn of the century villas to such architectural follies as a Floridian mansion, a Rasjasthani fort and several castles.
Apartments in Mont Boron are generally modern and elegant with wide, stone terraces, parking spaces and swimming pools. Highly sought after – and harder to find - are apartments in elegant, turn of the century bourgeois buildings retaining their original features of high ceilings, tall windows, wooden floors and belle époque style balconies. These only occasionally come onto the market but when they do they fetch a premium price.
Villas are either on the water front in the exclusive Cap de Nice area between the main coast road and the sea or scattered up the side of the hill above the main coast road.
The Cap de Nice area in Mont Boron is one of the most sought after and prestigious residential areas in Nice. Exuding a feeling of space and calm, the luxury, waterfront apartments and villas have majestic sea views and private beaches affording a tranquil and secluded place to relax and swim in the warm Mediterranean sea.
Ivy-clad villas nestle further up the hill amongst the trees, enjoying panoramic views and warm sea breezes. Some have been designed exclusively for their owners in fabulous contemporary styles, whilst others capture the faded glamour and bourgeois elegance of the turn of the century.
Mont Boron property provides investors with the perfect opportunity to buy a timeless piece of real estate in one of the most exclusive areas along the Côte d’Azur. Whether you decide to buy old or new, Mont Boron property prices have remained upbeat and competitive compared with much of the rest of France. With a year round Mediterranean climate, a relaxed and laid back charm and captivating scenery, Mont Boron property remains high on the wanted list for discerning international investors to own a piece of the French Riviera.
Guide to the French Buying Process
1. Signing the Agreement (Compris)
On finding a property you wish to purchase you will need to negotiate the terms, price and conditions of the sale with the owner. The next step, once you are in agreement, is to sign the preliminary contract (Compromis de Vente). This is a legal document and after ten days will be binding on both parties. Rules change frequently in France and it is best to consult with your notary about when this period starts. Generally the compris will be signed in France with the Agent. Variants can be included in the compris, for example an Acte (clause) can be added if the name or names to go on the title deed have not been finalised. If a mortgage will be required to purchase the property, the details for this, including the name of the mortgage company, must be on the compris.
2. Paying the Deposit
Generally the deposit will be 10% of the agreed purchase price. This will normally be paid to the notaire. There are exceptions to this, if the agent holds a carte professionelle, is bonded and fully registered then you may pay them, but do not hand over the deposit to anyone else. If for some reason the purchase does not go through, for example, if you write to the notaire and the agent that you do not wish to go continue with the purchase before the contract is binding (within seven days of signing the compris), then your deposit would be repaid. This would also apply if a condition had not been met, or the mayor or S.A.F.E.R. (a government agency that has the right of first purchase on most rural property that comes onto the market in France) could oblige the purchaser to give way. If you decide after the seven days 'cooling off' period that you do not wish to complete the purchase and pull out of the sale you would lose your deposit. If however the vendor pulls out of the sale then you will receive your deposit back plus the same amount from the vendor.
3. On Completion
Generally it will take around two or three months to complete the purchase. During this time the balance of the purchase money must be paid into the account of the notaire, this must be done well ahead of the completion date. The notaire will prepare the documents, check that the deed of sale (Acte de Vente) is in order and have the legal title ready to be signed over. It is possible to have someone sign on your behalf if you give them power of attorney. An interpreter may be of use at this point if your French is not very good and many Notaires will suggest (or insist) that an interpreter is with you.
IMPORTANT - Disclaimer :
All information provided is believed to be current and provided free of charge. No liability can be accepted for the reliability of the information and statements made as this is obtained from 3rd parties. We always recommend you take legal advice from a fully qualified Lawyer or Notary before buying a property overseas.
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