House Hunter: 'I'm dreaming of a sunny retreat in the south of France, but can I afford it?'

Catherine Mount writes: "As a small child I spent very many happy, long, hot summers in the south of France.

THE PROBLEM

Catherine Mount writes: "As a small child I spent very many happy, long, hot summers in the south of France. Recently I've been looking into the prospect of buying a French retreat of my own and can't stop thinking of the Provence region and not just because of Peter Mayle! I've been out to the Dordogne region, where my budget definitely goes further, but there were so many British people there and also the climate doesn't really appeal to me.

I'm a real sun-worshipper and like the idea of living a more outdoor kind of life in cafés and restaurants and I'd like to be able to get to the coast even if it were quite a drive away. I have also considered the Perpignan area down in the south as the weather there is good, with lovely mountains nearby, and the prices are certainly more affordable, but so far I haven't been able to find the exact area which really suits my requirements. I would love to buy somewhere as far south as possible but I suspect that most of Provence has now risen way out of my league.

I am considering spending around £100,000 maximum on a property. I don't want to buy a poky apartment as I'm hankering after a lovely period property with some outside space. It seems pointless to be cooped up in a flat in an area where the whole point of going there is so that you can take advantage of a better climate. I'm a keen gardener and have an idea of creating a garden filled with tropical plants so a mere window box would not be enough for me. I'm hoping that House Hunter will be able to point me in the right direction of a suitable and affordable area which will exactly fit the bill."

THE ADVICE

One area which Catherine may want to consider is Haute Provence, writes Richard Rogers of VEF. We've been selling property in this region for about two years and are based in an office which is around 20km from Gap. We cover the north of the département; the Alpes d'Haute Provence and the Hautes Alpes. Many British people will have driven through here on their way to the Côte d'Azur, yet Haute Provence is still fairly undiscovered. Our company has only sold to 48 families in the last two years, although it is becoming more popular.

This region has all the benefits of Provence yet without crowds of British people. We are much higher up and close to the 31 ski resorts in the area. We have the same terrain as Provence - the land, fields and pine forests - yet we have the big mountains too. We also have the wonderful climate of Provence. Today it's 33C and there are more than 300 days of sunshine annually. Most summer days are around 40C; it's a very dry climate and even in winter it rarely feels very cold.

Over the last two years we've seen prices being driven up by around 40 per cent, mainly by the French who are buying here, as the coast is now so expensive. There is still a way to go before it peaks, which I suspect will be in a couple of years, so now is the time to buy. For every kilometre south that you go past our office you can add another 1 per cent onto the asking price. There is every kind of property type to choose from, including wooden ski chalets to large stone houses and new villas.

The properties I've picked out for Catherine are all good value and are all period properties. The first is a stone-built farmhouse which just needs what we call "refreshment work" and she could move in immediately. It's part of a complex of farm buildings but, because of its situation, you wouldn't know you had neighbours. There are some lovely features such as carved stone lintels although I suspect they were once stolen from a chateau!

Property two doesn't have a garden but it has got a courtyard to the front and inside there are vaulted ceilings. Property three is more expensive but is the most stunning renovation and it's just four minutes to a ski resort.

Richard Rogers manages VEF's Haute Provence office: VEF (UK) LTD: 020-7515 8660; www.vefuk.com

THE SOLUTION

Property one: Charming stone property set within a hamlet near La Faurie.

Price: €120,500 (£80,525).

Agent's details: This charming, secluded property is set within the quiet back lanes of a rural hamlet and needs very little work. It is part of a complex of farm buildings and has a huge amount of living space. There are currently three bedrooms and the living area boasts an enormous 3m-wide and 2m-high fireplace. There are flagstone floors throughout and a stone staircase. Externally there is a barn and a garden.

Property two: Former bergerie, 10km from Veynes.

Price: €88,700 (£59,280)

Agent's details: This semi-detached former sheep stable has now been renovated and offers three rooms plus two bedrooms and can be moved into straightaway. It is secluded and has vaulted ceilings, a courtyard garden to the front and is set within an idyllic, sought-after hamlet.

Property three: Renovated bergerie near La Roche.

Price: €241,160 (£161,180).

Agent's details: This renovated farmhouse has the perfect location set on the side of a mountain close to ski resorts and near to Gap. It is solar-energy powered and has its own back-up, hi-tech generator. There is a wood-burning stove, three bedrooms and a loft, which is suitable for conversion. Outside there is a barbecue, carport, pizza oven, shed and garden.

THE VERDICT

"These properties all sound amazing and I'm so impressed with the prices. I had thought of spending around £100,000 but it's comforting to realise that I could actually find somewhere which would cost me as little as under £60,000 and I understand from what Richard says that this price is all inclusive so there would be no extra fees on top.

"I haven't been out to the area he recommends yet but I certainly intend going. Obviously I have only seen photos rather than the real thing but, at this stage, if I had to choose a property, then I really like the look and sound of number one. I don't ski myself but one thought I've had is that I could rent out my property during the ski season while I return to England which could give me some income."

If you would like House Hunter's help, write to House Hunter, The Independent, 191 Marsh Wall, London E14 9RS, or e-mail with full details: househunter@independent.co.uk