Norman houses are highly sought-after by countless buyers. As specialists in luxury real estate in Deauville, professionals at Michaël Zingraf Real Estate can present you with a selection of half-timbered houses, now a reference in French architectural heritage.
Norman houses: a traditional building that fits in perfectly with its environment
Nowadays, traditional half-timbered houses are one of the most coveted treasures in Normandy. Acclaimed by investors on a quest for authenticity, typical Norman houses used to be simple peasant homes. Though revamped architecturally before coming onto the market, they manage to preserve a unique traditional charm.
What features stand out in half-timbered houses?
Norman houses are built using natural materials, found in the environment. Flint, oak wood, clay soil, laced chestnut branches, limestone, reeds and straw were used to erect these houses, whilst respecting the surrounding natural environment.
- Flint and stones made up the house’s foundations, reaching about 2.6 feet;
- The oak wood was used to build the wall plate on which the timbered posts and stays would then rest;
- The clay soil and straw (or hay) were used to make the cob: a plant-based material typical to Normandy used to fill in the construction’s framework (so the walls). The extremely solid cob would ensure perfect thermal and humidity-repelling insulation;
- The pine trunks and laced chestnut branches then formed the house’s outer structure;
- The limestone was used as coating and finish on the walls.
Drawing their inspiration from nearby countryside elements, Norman builders invented a type of house with an ideal plant-mineral balance. The strong winds, bad weather, sun and surrounding vegetation were also considered, so the house could fit into its environment perfectly.
These natural features are what now appeal to buyers looking for authentic properties. Given their structure, the houses are also eco-friendly and compatible with sustainable development.
Normandy’s houses on today’s real estate market
Normandy still counts a lot of its traditional houses, especially in and around Deauville.
Although some have never been touched, most have been suitably renovated. Wishing to preserve their natural charm, architects generally all adopt the same approach, by aiming to modernise the interior whilst keeping the outer façades and part of the construction intact (including the cob).
Modern Norman houses therefore have a rustic exterior, with a traditional and authentic appeal to it. Though renovated, the windows, doors and construction as a whole remain faithful to the initial feel of the house.
Inside, room lay-out is generally redesigned and made more modern. Architects play around with colours by painting the wooden beams, or make them even more apparent. They also favour hardwood floors and wood in general for decoration.
Norman houses nowadays therefore combine authentic character and modern comfort. This unique charm is what makes these properties so appealing on the prestigious real estate market.
With its agency in Deauville, the Michaël Zingraf Real Estate Group offers a selection of typical Norman houses in the area. Our offers are all listed online, and you may call upon our experts at any time to find the house of your dreams.