ltm2006 Posted February 20, 2007 Share Posted February 20, 2007 We are looking to buy a property in Normandy, initially for holidays and letting to friends and family, but eventually as a retirement home. We have come across a number of colombage houses which are very pretty and seem good value for money. Our question is - what are they like to live with? Are there any problems with half timbered houses that we should be aware of (apart from the usual timber rot). Are they dry? Are they warm? Are they more expensive to insure as they carry an increased fire risk? Etc.Many thanks.Les & Jean Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vin rouge Posted February 20, 2007 Share Posted February 20, 2007 We live on the Picardie/Normandie border in a colombage Normandie longhouse. It was originally a thatch but we had it removed as it was very damp and "alive" with insect and bird life. We had no problems putting on a Welsh slate roof which has really made a difference in terms of insulation. The house tends to stay cool in the Summer, which can be a godsend, and takes a while to heat up to a comfortable temperature in the Winter, not so good. Much depends on what type of heating you use. The house is no more expensive to insure than any other of its size and we have removed the fire risk by taking off the thatch so no penalty there either, and having our chimmney swept by a professional. The house is a joy to live in, lots of space, very pretty with inglenook fireplaces and large bedrooms. A lot depends on what you buy, some people have bought huge places in this style and find them difficult to heat and keep clean, others have converted and modernised inside and would not live anywhere else! It depends what you want, do you want one ready to live in or do you want one you can renovate to your own taste? This type of house is very desirable and there are not as many as there used to be on the market at the moment. I should look at as many as possible before deciding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ltm2006 Posted March 7, 2007 Author Share Posted March 7, 2007 Vin Rouge - thanks for your reply, much useful information. I'm surprised we have not had any other feedback. Anyway we are going to have a look at a few when wew go over in a couple of weeks.Les Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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