Relais Aspois
property details
for a Hub House co-operative coliving project

Area ✧ just 5mins from another coliving with strong local community outreach in the next village, so this could be similar but combining however at this cost there are better locations
✦ the shuttle bus runs only 5x a day, last 4:45pm; technically the closest train stop is 35mins walk, so not impossible for self-propulsion but being so close pickups would be on-demand, and could also have e-scooters
✦ instead of the station there is a bus into the mountains, but with no return thus would have to use train then shuttle for hikes, but far more likely biking or minibus dropoff
✦ presentably unique little town, with its two deep rivers and buildings hanging over it crossed by old bridges; certainly it has its fair share of empty shops but several projects underway to reinvigorate, several streets paved with greenery and better layout, an abandoned 1700m2 building 10mins walk is being converted into a tiers-lieu with indoor japanese garden, resturant and uh just 23m2 of coworking space
✦ climate is temperate with lots of rain (much more than England heavier over similar number of days, but more sun), nicest Jun–Oct which is rather short, nonetheless makes it very green and lush (unlike the south east!) but one has to be ready to take advantage of shower-free periods; given the otehr benfits I'm not covinced this is a bad thing as those with flexible timings simply work on less inviting days
✦ good coffeshop, bars and restaurants; organic bakery
✦ 10mins bike to long gentle tracks through fields and woods with many variants, along river, or 15mins to good hills; many more options with quick train
✦ kayaking short walk
✦ 15mins stroll on lane to nice riverside spot
✦ 20mins walk/5mins bike on lane to gentle trails, quite a lot of variety for biking but hiking better with a drive/bus
✦ 35 mins train to very nice little city of Pau (last 8:30pm) with lots of gardens and some novelty
✦ massive indoor rock climbing gym in town
✦ canyoning and climbing not far
✦ 45mins drive mountain peak/spanish border for bike descents, a bit further for canfranc of which the train tunnel may reopen oneday
✦ nordic skiing but only 1500m

property detail ↗︎

Property ✧ was proposed for splitting into apartments with a combined cost around €340k thus has dropped a fair bit
✦ very spacious common areas plus 20 bedrooms; mostly already small as serving compostella pilgrims, but possibly awkward to make ensuite without considerably reducing the number, however even down to 15 would be okay
✦ mostly immediately usable, but many windows and doors would need replacing with double-glazing
✦ 3 parcels 119, 117, 181
✦ right next to a main road, however this road only serves a couple of villages and a difficult mountain pass into spain so is not well used
✦ 675m2 of garden with trees though some is currently parking
✦ 100m2 inner courtyard which gets some south exposure even in winter plus morning sun; would probably be best covered as an orangerie for the winter as there's plenty of garden for the rest of the year
✦ 2 buildings, the main is quite haphazard with lots of roof angles
✦ the 2nd is south facing and has 4 top floor rooms with balconies
✦ slate roof, seems passable