FAQ - La Férme de La Viéville

The Neighbourhood

La Férme de La Viéville is located on the edge of Mandeville en Bessin, a thriving village two miles from the small town of Trévières.

Mandeville en Bessin is composed of period buildings mostly , many of which are ‘maison secondaire’. Owners are from Paris, the UK and further afield. There is limited new building allowed, as in all french communes, but the quality is high.

Mandeville is within the ‘Parc naturel régional des Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin’. The waterworks to flood or drain the marshes were constructed in the 16th century thanks to major work led by Marshal Bellefonds, the Commander in Chief of the King’s army. He built the ‘lock gates’ and network of ditches to drain the marshes, which transformed the agricultural productivity of this area of Normandy. As a result, even today, lush grazing pastures are accessible nine months of the year.

Crime

Crime is very low in the Bessin, according to available statistics, but thieves do target foreign-plated cars in isolated car parks.
According to ‘L’Expres’ weekly magazine, Calvados ranks in the top third of places to live in France. This takes into account low crime levels, affordable property and natural advantages, such as beaches and coutryside. It ranks alongside the Loire Valley, most of Brittany and Haute Provence and beats much of central and eastern France entirely!

What is there to do?

Calvados is very well served. There’s the Normandy Cider Route to explore, Horse racing at Deauville, Lace-making at Bayeux and lots more. Music and Film festivals, Chateux to visit and D-Day memorials to visit. For details follow the link to Things to Do » here for more information.

Who is the local authority?

Calvados County Council look after environment, main roads, schools, social care, buses and many other issues. You can link to them Here » . But always start at the Mairie. The local mayor is extremely helpful – and available in person to callers. See timetable at the Mairie.

When would the house be available?

This vendor is not part of a chain and has other properties. However, in most cases buying and selling a property in France takes between three and four months from offer to signing the ‘acte authentique’. The entire process is handled by a Notaire. Handover is on the same day as signing the act authentique.

How much parking is on site?

The inside courtyard is around 1,200 metres , so is adequate for 40 cars at least!

Is it expensive to heat and run?

Detailed information on all of the current running costs are given under costs. You can link to this page here for more information » Please do your own research and estimates. The average annual cost for an older home in France (2023), occupied all year round, is €800 for oil and/or electricity , €650 for gas for heating and water is €450. On balance, total living costs are around €1,800. If you add property taxes, they are still approximately 15 – 20% below the UK average. Long may it last!

When was it last re-wired and re-plumbed?

The entire property was entirely renovated between 1996 and 2000 by local craftsmen. This included re-wiring and plumbing. Feel free to have them tested. The roofs, internal and external walls were also re-finished at the same time.