PAMPA
Sarah and Arnaud left Paris two years ago to move to Marseille on a whim. They chose ARCHIK to help them sell their Boulogne-Billancourt apartment and find their new home in Marseille.
They wanted an agency that understood their life and family project in its entirety, and wanted to be accompanied in this adventure, and not just in the purchase of a property.
They immediately fell in love with this apartment in downtown Marseille. As soon as Ohanna and I walked through the front door, it was love at first sight. Beautiful volumes, Haussmannian style codes, a long balcony with a view of the Bonne Mère at the end, and very little overlooking. It all came together.
Tell us about your encounter with ARCHIK, and how it all began?
A – Our project really got off the ground when I was granted professional mobility just over 2 years ago… From there, things moved very quickly. We were living in Boulogne Billancourt and decided to change our lives and move closer to part of our family who live in the South of France. We couldn’t see ourselves living anywhere but a big city. So Marseille was the natural choice.
She got us talking about our project, what we needed in detail, what we were looking for in a property. We were on site in Marseille for 2 days, and Ohanna took care of us, pampered us and showed us a bunch of properties, including this apartment.
Ohanna had selected a wide variety of properties for us, including this apartment.
S – We decided on a whim, and within a week the decision to leave Paris was made. We only had a weekend to find our new apartment.
Contact with Ohanna was immediately very fluid, so we only visited properties pre-selected by ARCHIK. Everything fitted together perfectly, extremely smoothly, right up to the sale of the Paris apartment, which ARCHIK sold in a week, and at the right price.
A – We had an agency come and give us an initial estimate, which was given to me at the drop of a hat, with a fairly wide and ultimately unconvincing range. Then Sabrina from ARCHIK Paris came and presented us with the famous ARCHIK document, listing all past sales in the surrounding area, the history, strengths and weaknesses of our property – in short, the ARCHIK method.
ARCHIK Paris gave us a single price and the assurance of selling at that price. 3 visits and a week later, the apartment was sold.
S – « What I found particularly selling was the way the apartment was showcased, with real photographer’s work. The photos are so beautiful, they give us memories of the apartment! »
« What I found great was in particular the way the apartment was highlighted with the photos, it made us borderline souvenir photos. »
Did you have any specific ideas about what you wanted to buy? Was it a “coup de coeur” and why this apartment?
A – We didn’t necessarily know Marseille very well, so we didn’t have any fixed ideas about the neighborhood, other than to stay close to the city center. We visited properties in different areas: Saint Victor, Vauban, Préfecture… One of our daughters was old enough to understand what was going on, and was quite resistant to change. But when she arrived at this apartment and discovered her potential bedroom, she told us, « If we’re going to get an apartment, we’re going to get this one », so it was pretty unanimous.
S – For me, it was love at first sight. We’d already visited 4 or 5 of them, and each time there was a little detail that meant all the criteria weren’t met. But in this case, as soon as we walked in, we both looked at each other and said « wow ».
« The real difference is the support. »
What did you like about ARCHIK’s approach and Ohanna’s guidance?
A – The real difference, over and above ARCHIK’s highly marketed presentation and the very beautiful properties in its portfolio, is the support it provides. From the very first call with Ohanna, we got the feeling that she was really committed to understanding our needs and our project. We didn’t feel we were in a « buying a property » context, but rather in a real project, with real support. She was interested in how we lived, with children, schools and daily life. None of the targeted properties were out of place.
S – I’d like to add that Ohanna was really reassuring and a great listener, which was very much appreciated, especially during this period of doubt.
How did you go about decorating your new home, and where did your inspiration come from?
S – Of course, we’ve relocated much of our Parisian decor. I wanted to keep everything a little light. I’m also a big fan of antique hunting. Each piece we incorporate into our home decor has a story behind it, and I know exactly where and when I bought each piece.
A – The apartment was already very beautiful to begin with. Somehow, given our timing and the distance, a Haussmann-style apartment that had already been renovated must have been reassuring too. It was easy to project ourselves into it and add our own touch, which is a mix of modern and antique. And as time went by, Sarah set about filling this huge library!
What’s the most pleasant thing about living in an apartment?
S – The luxury with the size of the apartment compared to Parisian surfaces is not knowing where all the members of my family are in the apartment.
A – In fact, it’s the feeling of space you get, especially with the high ceilings. We always feel comfortable and at home. This apartment is very pleasant to live in, and to entertain in, whether for a dinner party or for several days, just as we wanted.
Do you have any advice for people embarking on a project like yours?
A – Don’t procrastinate and tell yourself that when you like a property, you don’t need to visit 3 or 4 others to be sure. Because that’s how you let things go. When you’ve got a good feeling about a property, as we did about this apartment, you’ve got to go for it.
THE 3 FETISHES
THE ROOM IN THE HOUSE
A – The entrance hall/corridor that gives every perspective and where the word space takes on its full meaning. The whole family agrees, including the girls who use it as a gym practice area.
THE OBJET
S – The sea lion lamp. Found in the May Vintage boutique in Hyères, a store I love and where I go every time I’m on vacation. For the record, I sent my mother to buy it when I saw on Instagram that it was on sale. I didn’t want to miss it!
THE ADDRESS
Cantoche ! « It’s an address that breathes Marseille and is a perfect illustration of the revival of its culinary scene. Two sisters at the helm, including Julia, a chef who has worked at some of Marseille’s finest institutions, including Épicerie l’Ideal. In the end, there’s zero tastelessness when it comes to choosing and combining seasonal produce, and a menu that’s renewed every day! Definitely one of my favorite cantoches! »