Exploring the Meaning Behind the French Phrase 'Pied-à-Terre
Uncovering the Meaning of Pied-à-Terre
Are you someone who frequently travels to a particular city and find yourself longing for the comforts of home? If you haven't already, you may want to consider looking into a "pied-à-terre." This quaint French term refers to a secondary residence that is used for occasional stays and offers all the comforts of a home while you're there. In this article, we will explain the origins of pied-à-terres, their intended purposes, the appeal of owning one, the different types of properties that are available, and the associated costs and responsibilities that might come with purchasing a property on your own.
The Origins of Pied-à-Terre
Your word of the day, the term "pied-à-terre," is a French phrase which directly translates to "foot on the ground." This essentially means that the property is used as a temporary residence and not just the owner’s primary residence. While its origins are French, the concept has spread worldwide and is now used in several cities across the globe.
The French Connection
A pied-à-terre initially referred to a secondary residence in France — typically in Paris — where having dual properties and living between the two was considered the epitome of luxury living. However, owning a pied-à-terre was not only a status symbol — it was also a strategic investment that offered several useful benefits to homeowners who frequently alternated living between the two.
For instance, a pied-à-terre in Paris might give you the opportunity to grab fresh crusty baguettes around the corner, see the latest emerging artists at Perrotin gallery or the Palais de Tokyo museum, and attend remarkable theater and concert performances that are acclaimed worldwide, without having to worry about the additional cost of accommodation each time you visit. Or in Manhattan, you might be steps away from Central Park and be close enough to cultural institutions like the Guggenheim in the Upper East Side, but only a short ride away to Midtown for business. For business travelers, owning a pied-à-terre in the city allows you to have a dedicated place to conduct meetings or attend conferences from, knowing where you're headed each time after landing at the airport, without having to worry about finding a suitable place to stay. Let's say you have business partners or clients in Tokyo, and want a few extra weeks to be able to enjoy your time there and see what the city has to offer when you're not spending the prior few days in conferences and business lunches. A pied-à-terre could be an ideal solution to extend your trip each quarter, and maybe you'll even get to enjoy sakura season next spring.
The term then evolved to include other metropolitan cities across the globe, like New York City, London, and Tokyo, where many hot spots have come up that are known internationally for their cultures, stores, restaurants, and activities. In these cities, owning a pied-à-terre can be a luxury, but it's evidently become a practical solution for those who frequently travel for business or pleasure.
Evolution of the Term
Today, owning a pied-à-terre is no longer limited to the wealthy. The rise of the sharing economy, including mainstream platforms such as Airbnb and HomeAway, have made it easier for people to rent out their second homes as pied-à-terres to travelers and tourists. This has not only made pied-à-terres more accessible to a wider range of people — not just billionaires — but it has also given homeowners an opportunity to earn extra income.
If you’re looking to rent out your pied-à-terre, Rove Travel is a luxury property management company for New York City’s finest homes. This completely hands-off property ownership with large monthly upside can be the perfect solution for you.
Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic brought about a pivotal shift in peoples' relationships with their homes. Remote work has become more prevalent among a number of major companies, and one of the most important things people look for when browsing second homes is now one with a dedicated workspace so that they can conduct business as usual in a different location from their company or office.
The concept of pied-à-terre has since come a long way from its origins in France and evolved into a familiar concept in different countries and respectively their many cities that see high tourist traffic — think, the biggest global cities in the world. It has become a practical solution for those who frequently travel for business or pleasure, and it's now also become more accessible to a wider range of people over time.
The Purpose of a Pied-à-Terre
City Living for the Part-Time Resident
A pied-à-terre offers the perfect solution for those who live outside the city but need to frequently travel to it for work or other activities. Often located in the heart of the city, a pied-à-terre usually gives residents easy access to all the city has to offer.
Imagine this: after a long day of meetings or exploring the city, you have a comfortable and familiar space to return to — not a run-of-the-mill hotel room with tiny toiletries. The privacy and space that a pied-à-terre provides also gives you an opportunity to truly relax and unwind after a busy day in the city. Waking up just steps away from your favorite brunch spot or local bar in your favorite part of town is a huge perk of owning a second property in another location.
You can get to know your neighborhood and develop an intimate knowledge of another city that is not your primary residence at the local joints, parks, or even block parties and street fairs unique to the area. Big cities often have enclaves that contain cultural centers, religious institutions, community gardens, and city-organized events in public spaces that are great to explore if you're looking to integrate yourself in your new city and debating the value of the property.
A pied-à-terre is often seen as a smart financial investment. Rather than spending money on hotels every time you visit the city, you can own a space and potentially rent it out when you're not using it. This can provide a source of passive income and help offset the cost of the property. Many choose to explore this consideration and book their primary source of tenants via short term vacation rental platforms or agencies, which provides flexibility based on price point and time of year.
A pied-à-terre is a valuable investment for those who frequently travel to a particular city and want a vacation home to come back to. Consider investing in a pied-à-terre for your next trip to the city you're always in — the math might just make sense over a period of time. Check out Rove Travel’s article on the future of luxury furnished rentals to learn why owning in this space a great investment.
The Appeal of Owning a Pied-à-Terre
Imagine waking up to the bustling city life, grabbing a coffee from your favorite café, and strolling through the streets to your favorite shops and restaurants. This is the lifestyle that owning a pied-à-terre can offer. It allows you to experience everything the city has to offer without the commitment of a full-time residence.
Convenience and Flexibility
Owning a pied-à-terre allows part-time residents to enjoy all the benefits of city living while still maintaining their primary residence outside the city. Not only does a pied-à-terre offer convenience and flexibility, but from a daily lifestyle perspective it can help save money in the long run. With the option to have home-cooked meals rather than takeout, as well as having the convenience and coveted luxury of in-unit laundry, you can avoid the high costs that come with outsourcing these services when you don't have them at home.
Investment Opportunities
A pied-à-terre can be a worthwhile investment opportunity. It is often located in a prime location and can generate rental income when not in use. Additionally, as cities continually grow and develop, the value of pied-à-terre properties may increase over time, making them a valuable long-term investment.
Privacy and Personal Space
Having a pied-à-terre offers a more private and intimate living experience than a hotel or a rental property. It allows individuals to personalize their living space and enjoy a sense of ownership and connection to the city.
Personalization is key when it comes to a pied-à-terre. Decorate and furnish the space to your liking, or build out the reading nook or host-ready dining space you've been saving that folder of curated images on Pinterest for. This is especially beneficial for those who travel frequently and want to feel a sense of familiarity and comfort in their temporary residence. With life so on-the-go, there's nothing like coming home to your hand-picked place with books you're familiar with, your favorite drinks in the fridge, and everything just the way you like it.
Types of Pied-à-Terre Properties
Pied-à-terre properties are becoming increasingly popular among individuals who desire a second home in the city. These properties come in different types, including apartments, condos, townhouses, and unique and unconventional spaces. Each type offers its own unique features and benefits, with respect to the specific city that they are in, too.
Apartments and Condos
Apartments and condos are among the most common pied-à-terre properties. These spaces are usually located in high-rise buildings and offer a compact yet spacious living area. Many apartments and condos offer stunning views of the city skyline, which can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home. A perk of looking into an apartment or condo is that many of them have shared amenities either by building or by floor — fitness centers, swimming pools, and 24-hour concierge services are just a few — making them an desirable option for busy professionals who prioritize staying in shape, having private access to shared spaces in their building which can range from indoor to outdoor, and having the opportunity to potentially socialize with others who live in the building.
Townhouses and Brownstones
Townhouses and brownstones are ideal for individuals looking for more space and a cozier living space. They offer a distinctly urban aesthetic and can be found in desirable locations throughout the city. Many townhouses and brownstones feature original architectural details such as exposed brick walls, fireplaces, and intricate moldings, which add character and charm to the living space. A huge advantage of townhouses is that they often come with private outdoor spaces, gardens, or rooftop terraces, incredibly peaceful retreats from the city that are so desired that they'll often increase a property's value by a fair margin.
Unique and Unconventional Spaces
For those seeking something truly unique, unconventional pied-à-terre spaces such as lofts, studio apartments, and even converted commercial spaces may offer an intriguing alternative. Such properties often offer a distinctive character and style that can't be found in conventional residences. Lofts, for example, are typically open-concept environments with high ceilings and large windows, often providing residents with an abundance of natural light and an airy feeling to the space. Converted commercial spaces, on the other hand, offer a blank canvas for creative residents who want the freedom of designing a space that's indicative of their unique personality and style. For those interested in a one-of-one type of residence that's exclusive purely by its architectural means, these are great building options to look into.
The Costs and Responsibilities of a Pied-à-Terre
While the appeal of owning a pied-à-terre may sound like a dream come true, there are associated costs and responsibilities that must be considered before going all in on turning it into reality.
Financial Considerations
Along with the purchase price, part-time residents also need to consider additional expenses, such as maintenance fees, taxes, and utility bills. Hiring a property manager may be necessary to handle such expenses if the terre owners aren't staying in the residence full-time. This falls in line with similar financial considerations that you might have for your primary residence, only having a property in another city means you won't be there when it's rented out and it would be significantly more difficult to fly back and manage an issue in person. Hiring outsourced help to manage would be the best solution, which will need to be budgeted into the overhead cost of your pied-à-terre.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Not particularly exclusive to this type of residence, but nonetheless an important consideration to buying: a pied-à-terre requires maintenance and upkeep to maintain the property's condition. This may involve hiring a cleaning service or engaging with a property manager to handle cleaning and other maintenance tasks when the owner isn't present. Additionally, a part-time resident must arrange for regular check-ins with neighbors or building staff to ensure everything remains secure and well-maintained while they are away.
Legal and Tax Implications
Lastly, owning a pied-à-terre also comes with legal and tax implications. Property owners must ensure they comply with local laws and real estate regulations, such as property taxes, insurance requirements, and zoning laws. Additionally, owning a pied-à-terre in another city or country may have implications on taxes or visas, which owners must consider as they embark on this investment. It might not be a mansion tax, but it’s still something.
Conclusion
Rove Travel is one of the leading platforms giving those who are interested in pied-à-terres the opportunity to rent out or stay in a property and experience it firsthand. Owning a pied-à-terre can offer a convenient, luxurious, and intimate option for those who frequently travel to a particular destination. When considering a pied-à-terre, potential terre buyers should definitely entertain the type of lifestyle it would afford them, as well as consider investing in a property that meets their needs and is located in a desirable area. That way, they are sure to enjoy their purchase for years to come.
While you're pondering over options for your second home, keep in mind that a holiday home is much more than just a comfortable place to stay. It also acts as a springboard leading you towards discovering new experiences. In a place as active as New York City, a strategically located second home can serve as the ultimate starting point for thrilling adventures spanning its most lively neighborhoods. Whether you've got a soft spot for cultural richness, have a passion for food, or simply crave a peaceful corner far from the city's busy streets, our city guides are there to heighten your experience.
- Want a taste of New York's vibrant diversity? Then explore our handpicked collection of 10 Non-Touristy Things To Do in NYC. It's a treasure trove of ideas for anyone wanting to experience the city from a local's perspective. Or check out our 10 Non-Touristy Things To Do in Brooklyn.
- If your city hideaway is your escape from the hustle of the corporate world, our Guide to Finding the Perfect Corporate Housing in NYC can provide helpful tips on juggling work and play seamlessly.
- For those keen on the financial and operational side of owning a holiday home, our guide on short term rentals for property owners offers a deep well of information to help you get the most out of your investment.