What do French estate agents mean by a maison de caractère?

Reader Question: In estate agents’ property descriptions, what do they mean by a maison de caractère? We are looking for a property in the south-west of France and many homes are labelled this. 

A maison de caractère (sometimes known as a maison de charme) is not an exact term. 

However, it generally refers to properties that share key characteristics. 

These properties are usually from the 17th to 18th centuries, built by a burgeoning upper middle-class (haute bourgeoisie), as distinct from the nobility.

These people were becoming an increasingly important part of French cultural and political life, and wanted to show off their new wealth, often choosing to do so via the properties they lived in.

Instead of copying or occupying the châteaux and manors of the noble classes, they used new construction styles.

Maisons de caractère are, in general, large properties with spacious interiors and high ceilings (often up to 4m). 

They are often built from cut stone (local to the area the property is located) and have many windows. 

They often boast beautiful fireplaces and staircases, as status symbols at the time. 

Many maisons de caractère are in towns and cities because many of the original owners of such buildings were lawyers, doctors, civil servants, etc. 

Read more: Less than €500,000: five bargain chateaux for sale in France

Can I buy a maison de caractère?

There are no set rules concerning buying one of these, but note that some will be listed as historic monuments, which includes strict planning rules for alternations and other works on the property. The estate agent will tell you if that is the case. 

Prices vary considerably but some will be in need of renovation, particularly in more rural areas which French people are traditionally less open to moving to. 

Read more: Are French estate agents’ property valuations reliable?