How This California Couple Bought Their Dream Paris Apartment Sight Unseen During Covid Lockdown
Buying Property in Paris Remotely: A Family Legacy Begins
Kyle and Kimberly B, a couple from California with a deep affection for France, had long co-owned a shared property in Paris. But by 2021, they decided it was time to buy their own apartment—a place to visit often, host family, and eventually pass down to their children as a cherished legacy home in Paris.
What made their journey unique? They purchased their Paris apartment sight unseen, navigating the search and purchase process entirely from abroad, with the expert guidance of real estate agent Emma Skoble.
Searching for a Paris Apartment Long Distance During Covid Lockdown
From California to the Left Bank: Finding the Right Fit
The couple reviewed more than 20 properties, mostly in the 5th, 6th, and 7th arrondissements—some of the most desirable Left Bank neighborhoods in Paris. Prices ranged from €1.5M to over €2.5M.
Their wishlist included:
- Original architectural details
- A primary bedroom with en-suite
- Plenty of space to host family and grandchildren
- Ideally, a Paris apartment with outdoor space
Eventually, they realized their top priority was character and charm—and they were willing to trade a terrace for timeless interiors.
A Paris Apartment Full of Character and Charm
The winning property? A 19th-century apartment on the elegant and historic part of rue Saint-André des Arts in the 6th arrondissement, away from the bustle of tourists.
Though less symmetrical than the Haussmannian options they’d considered, this apartment had personality in spades:
- A living room with four rounded windows
- Angled rooms with original moldings
- A former owner—an Italian Contessa—whose dramatic Parisian decor (four-poster bed, clawfoot tub, bold art) added flair and history
Emma was transparent about the trade-offs: lower ceilings and a darker kitchen/dining area that faced a narrow courtyard. Still, she took extra time to describe the natural light in each room, helping the couple imagine life in the space.
« Emma described the light so precisely—we felt like we were walking through it ourselves,” Kimberly said.
Learn about the 20 arrondissements and architectural styles in Paris.
A Paris Apartment Transformed—and a Dream Realized
Despite initial concerns, the couple embraced the apartment’s character, transforming the kitchen into a warm, French country-style space, complete with a pantry. Now, it’s one of their favorite places to gather.
We cook, host, and spend hours in that kitchen now—we love it », said Kyle.
And in a poetic twist, they even met the former owner back in California, where they now grow olives on their own property.
The Joy of Owning Property in Paris
For the couple, their Paris apartment isn’t just a home—it’s a piece of family history in the making.
“We never stepped foot inside until it was ours—and it was everything we hoped for,” Kimberly says. « Thanks to Emma, the experience felt seamless and personal. »
Learn more about how to choose the best area to buy an apartment in Paris.
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