Edd and Anna Holmes have completed a 16-month renovation project on a property they purchased as an "illegal drug den" in France. The couple bought the derelict house for €155,000, plus €10,000 in agent fees and €12,700 in taxes, with the aim of increasing its value.
The property, located near the Bordeaux region, was found in a state of disrepair, with holes in the staircase, plaster falling from the ceiling, and drug paraphernalia scattered throughout. The homeowners also had to contend with squatters who had removed protective shutters.
Over 16 months, the couple worked to gut the property, breaking down walls, laying concrete, installing insulation, retiling, and repainting. The completed three-bedroom townhouse now features statement tiling, air conditioning, and heated flooring systems. It also retains rustic Bordeaux charm with exposed stone walls and includes a small private garden area.
The couple, who document their renovation projects on their YouTube channel "Bordeaux Life," had an initial target to raise the property's value to €550,000. They invested a total of €266,074 in the project. In February of this year, they sold the renovated house to a family of four.
While the couple did not disclose the final sale price, they indicated that they did not achieve their desired profit margin. They cited a challenging French market where prospective buyers were hesitant to make offers, leading to properties remaining on the market for extended periods. The sale was described as "bittersweet" due to their significant investment of time and resources.
Edd and Anna Holmes are also known for their renovation of the nearby Château Lagorce, a project that was featured on Channel 4's "Chateaux DIY."