La Belle Anne

Although our village existence is almost ideal, I've been hankering to add a city fix to our lives. We looked further afield, but decided it wasn't practical. Luckily the dynamic city of Montpellier is only an hour away. We enjoy spending time there, decision made. Within the centre historique our focus was on a small area. I saw many flats that weren't right, but one day I walked by this building and realised it was being developed inside. I had to push to see it, the owner wasn't showing it, the agent's key didn't fit the lock, etc. When I finally got in my suspicions were confirmed -- this was the best flat in this location within budget. Henny agreed. After some aggravating negotiations, the initial contracts were signed at the end of February.

The building consists of a ground floor commercial unit, currently the busy Epicerie de Nuit, and four upper floors. The flats are almost the same footprint, with slight differences and pros and cons for each. For us, it was the second floor, with the highest ceilings, or nothing. We've been able to specify some decorative choices, including the kitchen design. Work is going well. Watch this space for news of the sale's completion.

In the meantime, here's why we fell for it. Almost next to Sainte Anne, a deconsecrated church now a modern art gallery, she shares her sunny square with the conservatory of music, luthiers and lovely cafés. An artistic enclave right off Montpellier's premier avenue, rue Foch. Here's the setting in various representations. She takes my breath away every time I see her.

The four windows with greenery are ours.