I THINK I NEED A GARDEN.....
A popular and not unreasonable pre-requisite for the Mediterranean vibe is a garden. Feet up, chilled glass of local wine in hand and a favourite book.
There is however the reality.
As has been seen throughout Europe during 2022 and 2023, drought conditions are not a gardener's best friend; During a normal hot summer in Herault, the ground can resemble a parched desert. The picture on the left is of a neighbour's garden in June.
With global warming now an accepted part of the future, rainfall is likely to hit new lows in this area of the world. With regular hosepipe bans, maintaining a garden becomes a definitive challenge.
However, if you accept the challenge, 10 Mas de Boudet does include a small (275 square metres) plot of land at the rear of the house.
I DEFINITELY NEED A POOL
Perhaps when one thinks of a holiday rental in Southern France, a must have is usually considered to be a swimming pool. Why not when somebody else is paying for the upkeep.Owning your own however presents some harsh realities.
1. Even in a Mediterranean climate, the season for an unheated pool is short, normally from May until September.
2. Swimming pools require a lot of work and maintenance. From opening-up in Spring and evicting the usual Winter suspects (frogs and toads) , to emptying and closing down at the beginning of Autumn. In between, you must constantly monitor pH and chlorine levels which require regular dosing with products that are far from cheap.
3. The pool will also need various accessories, all with a short lifespan. You will want a vacuum cleaner with hose (or splash out on a robotic pool cleaner), assorted nets for larger leaves and debris and two types of pool cover for Winter and Summer. You must also keep the pump and filtration system in good working order.
4. When the pool is in use, keeping the pump functioning requires electricity, which with rising energy costs, is another financial consideration.
5. A swimming pool in southern France attracts many things. In the height of Summer, it can become a focal point for friends that you never knew you had, as well as their offspring. Insects, especially wasps and hornets use it as their personal watering hole, normally when you are swimming. It is also the perfect breeding place for mosquitos, even when covered.
6. All swimming pools must have certain equipment to reduce the possibility of accidents, particularly among young children. This should either be an alarm, a physical barrier such as a wall or a heavy duty swimming pool cover. Fines of up to €45,000 can be imposed if this requirement is not met.,
7. Finally, you will pay an additional 5 to 10% on your normal French house rates.
Just a thought.......