Tough Decision…

New Riviera Search Consultant, Noreen Dillman, and I visited 20-plus properties this past week with clients from Sacramento seeking a possible haven in Nice or environs. Noreen is new on the scene with the Adrian Leeds Group, so it was an opportunity for her to get to know the area, the ins and outs of French real estate, for us to get to know one another and for me to get ‘down into the trenches’ with our clients which I hadn’t done in a while.

It was a challenging search because the guys, partnered for a long time and then married when it became legal, were unsure of whether they wanted to be dead center in Nice or in a more residential environment — as long as they had outdoor space for themselves and their elderly dog. If the property was in Central Nice, then parking wasn’t as important, but if the property was in a more residential area, then yes, a parking spot was essential.

Myself and everyone around them was campaigning for a central location. Those of us who live in the heart of urbanity, know the benefits of not needing a car and having everything at your fingertips and toes, including the beach. They rented a car, which was very convenient for the search, but it became a challenge while they were here — getting stuck in traffic, getting lost a few times, finding parking, paying for parking, having to go back to the car, etc. What I realized is that as Americans who have perhaps never lived without a car, it’s almost unthinkable to be without one, because a car in the U.S. means freedom, while here where the public transportation is so good, it means being tied down — wherever you park it (if and when you find parking), you have to go back to it, not to mention all the upkeep and maintenance that is associated with it. For 22 years I have been vehicleless and loving it.

Regardless, we set our sights on properties in four primary areas: Central Nice, Mont Boron, Cimiez and Villefranche-sur-Mer. We organized visits to see two-bedroom apartments with terraces or gardens, views, parking, etc., within a price range of €350,000 to €500,000, depending on the level of renovation necessary. Properties around the Old Port were virtually impossible to find that had any kind of large outdoor space, but the Carré d’Or, Quartier des Musiciens and Quartier des Fleurs were all possible. However, none of these centrally located properties offered a parking spot…nor was it really needed as there are lots everywhere where a spot can be rented by the month.

Cimiez was eliminated fairly quickly from the possibilities as it felt too remote in spite of the fact that it’s very much part of Nice. It’s beautiful and so are the views, but it lacks the feel of a village with a heart and would be too far to walk into town. Buses are available, but still, the amenities weren’t as abundant. If the properties had a great view, there was often at least one seriously ugly building blocking it partially or the highway below was too noisy for really enjoying the terrace. In addition, the properties we visited were contemporary lacking the kind of charm that older properties exude.

Mont Boron wasn’t that different from Cimiez, except that the properties were mostly quieter, some had fabulous views of the sea, and it’s proximity between Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer was appealing. Several were designed like resort communities with swimming pools and tennis courts. One was particularly appealing however, located within walking distance of the Old Port and boulevard Franck Pilatte with lovely views, a very large wrap-around terrace and with only a bit of cosmetic work to do.

Villefranche-sur-Mer oozed with charm, but one apartment in the old town located particularly well, had three flights of steep stairs with which everyone struggled. Other apartments weren’t large enough given the cost and while the views were exceptional overlooking the port and Cap Ferrat, again, the amenities were a drive or a lot of stairs away.

The properties in Central Nice faired the best, in spite of the lack of a parking place. Located in the heart, on both sides of the famous Hôtel Negresco, two apartments became serious contenders, each of them literally steps from the beach with sea view from their terraces and each needing total renovation:

Apartment 1:

Rue Meyerbeer in the Carré d’Or
78 m2
2 bedrooms
possibility of 2 bathrooms
4 m2 balcony + 12 m2 terrace
4th floor with elevator
asking price €445,000 negotiable by about €15,000

Apartment 2:

Promenade des Anglais/rue Andrioli in the Quartier des Fleurs
76 m2
2 bedrooms
1 bathroom
14 m2 terrace
3rd floor with elevator
asking price €498,000 negotiable by about €30,000

Which one would you take? We await their decision!

A bientôt,

Adrian Leeds
Adrian Leeds Group

(in Nice)

Respond to Adrian: [email protected]

P.S.It’s not too late to plan your summer getaway in the sunny south of France. Rent our bright, comfortable and luxurious Adrian Leeds Group apartment, Le Matisse, at a special summer discount. For rentals in July and August of 5 nights or more, you’ll receive our low-season rates! For more information visit Adiran Leeds Group Apartments or email [email protected] today!