The Longere: A Traditional French Farmhouse Prized in the Bordeaux Region

The longere, a symbol of regional identity

The longere is a rural building type that developed widely during the nineteenth century across several regions of north-western France. Originally home to farming families of modest means, examples can still be found in Picardy, Anjou, Touraine, Lozere and as far south-west as the Perigord in the Dordogne and the Bordeaux region. It is in Brittany and Normandy, however, that the longere is most closely associated with the landscape.

A single-storey house, later sometimes built on two levels, the longere is distinguished by its harmonious proportions and small window openings. The low ceilings and narrow apertures were designed to minimise heat loss and ensure good thermal insulation, particularly during the wet, windy winters of the Atlantic coast. For generations of Breton and Norman farmers, the longere served as both home and workplace.

After decades of neglect, the longere has enjoyed a steady revival. Its undeniable architectural and thermal qualities make it an attractive prospect for buyers looking for a spacious stone house to renovate in the countryside. Renovations are typically carried out in keeping with the building's original character, using the same materials that were employed at the time of construction.

The rustic and picturesque character of the longere

Traditional longeres in the Bordeaux region and the Gironde are built lengthways, with the entrance opening into a long, narrow room that served as the family's main living space. Some have an L-shaped plan, because a cowshed was often built as an extension of the house. On other plots, the cowshed stands as a separate building nearby. The original interiors were modest and functional, with stone-flagged floors, a wooden table and chairs, a bench, a bed and a dresser. In the evening, the family gathered around the large fireplace.

Roofs were covered in thatch or slate, depending on the materials available in each region. Wood, granite and stone are the three principal building materials. The gable walls that are characteristic of the longere give this type of architecture a particular charm that has lost none of its appeal.

Longeres, an increasingly sought-after property type

The enthusiasm of British and other international buyers for the longere has contributed to rising values for this type of property. The price per square metre varies by region but remains high, particularly in the Bordeaux area. To the purchase price must be added the cost of renovation works, which are almost always necessary. Most new owners create large openings and install floor-to-ceiling glazing to flood the rooms with natural light and open up views of the garden. Converting the attic space is another common step, raising the ceiling height and adding an extra room while preserving the rustic character that makes the building so distinctive.

The longere is one of the most characterful property types in the Bordeaux region, offering generous proportions in natural stone and large private gardens within reach of the city. A selection of country properties is available among the properties for sale in Bordeaux and the surrounding communes.

The consultants at BARNES Bordeaux can advise buyers looking for a longere or other country house, from the initial property valuation to the final signature. The team is available via the contact page.

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