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French Chateau For Sale

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Living the dream of owning a large, spectacular and historic building in many countries can often be somewhat difficult to realise. Not so, France. Almost every department has its share of imposing tower-topped chateaux dominating the landscape, if no longer the people. From long-forgotten manorial houses to the very largest monastic and secular palaces, a French chateau offers a vision of mystique and romance that perhaps the more solidly defensive English castles cannot touch.

Why buy a French Chateau?

At present, large estates are offering superb value for money compared to other prestige property around the world. Boasting acres of land, lakes, outbuildings and their own capacious floor spaces, a French chateau gives one the opportunity and space to choose how to live and work. Taking the figure of 1 Million Euros as an example, a French chateau costing this will far outweigh, in real terms, the real estate offered by other luxury and prestige property of the same price. In many locations, you are paying for exactly that - location - and will no doubt be jostling with other similar properties for the best view. A French chateau offers the rare ability to look out from your window and survey no land but your own.

The rise in disposable income and the freedom to travel between countries ensures that there is strong interest in buying such property for a family home or a tourism business - perhaps for fishing, an equestrian school, hunting, outdoor sports, walking or wildlife watching. The fairytale bulk of a French chateau is also one of its main attractions, particularly for weddings or hotel accommodation. What bride would not wish to be married within an ancient chapel bathed by soft light streaming through its stained glass windows, then withdraw across the lawn to the main building with its ornate decoration a background to the big day and the sounds of history echoing from its walls?

Many such properties also have existing income from timber or wine production.

French chateau types

If you are looking to buy a French chateau, be it for pleasure or business, we have many beautiful properties to choose from with prices of approximately 300,000 EUR to over 20 Million EUR. These properties take many forms, from smaller Logis and manor houses to fortified farmsteads and enormous stately homes encompassing many hectares of land with woods, lakes, guest houses and outbuildings.

A chateau, because of its size and history, usually has over 1 hectare of land - usually this is much more, even with lower budget examples. While there is a limited supply of French chateaux that are up for sale at any given time, there is likely to be a great variety. You may wish to buy a large building with little land to make your money go further. Or you may wish to buy a smaller Logis-style property, but utilise the land for horses, hunting or wildlife. However, there are many examples of chateaux for sale on the market with a large floor space and several dozen hectares, but they are understandably more expensive but not overly so. 1 million EUR can easily buy you 500m2 of floor space on several levels plus 20 hectares of land.

Whether a chateau dates from the 10th or 20th century, it will have its own style and history of decoration. Some can be a mix of styles from different periods as fashion and the owner's availability of funds changed. Other examples of French chateaux appear not to have changed since they were built. Many were built in the early 19th century as France became more dominant and wealthy. There are similarities between properties in that you are likely to find original features such as stone fireplace, parquet flooring, mouldings and carvings dotted around the rooms.

Where to buy a French chateau for sale

You can buy a French chateau in all states of preservation; from windowless shells requiring total renovation, to those requiring part-decoration, to immaculate 19th century bourgeois stately homes, the amount you will need to spend will depend on how much work you are willing to undertake. Being large properties, renovations can be very costly and time-consuming but need not be outside the budget of most serious buyers if planned correctly. Typically, to arrive at a habitable building you will need to spend around a total of around 500,000 Euros, whether you opt to renovate or buy an already renovated example.

Obviously, the more you spend to begin with, the larger the chateau, outbuildings and land you will acquire. While not always true, like most things it is usually sound advice to spend more at the outset to buy a good example than spend money creating one. In other words, it is better to let the previous owner use their money and time!

Our portfolio includes a great selection of French chateaux for sale in many areas of France. The Loire valley and the nearby departments offer particularly good investment opportunities for the chateau property buyer and we have over 30 examples in the Indre-et-Loire, Loir et Cher, Indre, Maine et Loire and Seine et Marne alone. Other good 'populations' exist in the Parisian departments and the south east, south west and north east areas of France. The market is remarkably fluid below 1.5 Million euros, with highly desirable properties changing hands within weeks of being offered for sale. This compares favourably with other prestige markets with regards to 'on-market' times.

1. Signing the Agreement (Compris)

On finding a property you wish to purchase you will need to negotiate the terms, price and conditions of the sale with the owner.

The next step, once you are in agreement, is to sign the preliminary contract (Compromis de Vente). This is a legal document and after ten days will be binding on both parties. Rules change frequently in France and it is best to consult with your notary about when this period starts. Generally the compris will be signed in France with the Agent.

Variants can be included in the compris, for example an Acte (clause) can be added if the name or names to go on the title deed have not been finalised. If a mortgage will be required to purchase the property, the details for this, including the name of the mortgage company, must be on the compris.

2. Paying the Deposit

Generally the deposit will be 10% of the agreed purchase price. This will normally be paid to the notaire. There are exceptions to this, if the agent holds a carte professionelle, is bonded and fully registered then you may pay them, but do not hand over the deposit to anyone else. If for some reason the purchase does not go through, for example, if you write to the notaire and the agent that you do not wish to go continue with the purchase before the contract is binding (within seven days of signing the compris), then your deposit would be repaid. This would also apply if a condition had not been met, or the mayor or S.A.F.E.R. (a government agency that has the right of first purchase on most rural property that comes onto the market in France) could oblige the purchaser to give way. If you decide after the seven days 'cooling off' period that you do not wish to complete the purchase and pull out of the sale you would lose your deposit. If however the vendor pulls out of the sale then you will receive your deposit back plus the same amount from the vendor.

3. On Completion

Generally it will take around two or three months to complete the purchase.

During this time the balance of the purchase money must be paid into the account of the notaire, this must be done well ahead of the completion date. The notaire will prepare the documents, check that the deed of sale (Acte de Vente) is in order and have the legal title ready to be signed over. It is possible to have someone sign on your behalf if you give them power of attorney. An interpreter may be of use at this point if your French is not very good and many Notaires will suggest (or insist) that an interpreter is with you.

IMPORTANT - Disclaimer :
All information provided is believed to be current and provided free of charge. No liability can be accepted for the reliability of the information and statements made as this is obtained from 3rd parties. We always recommend you take legal advice from a fully qualified Lawyer or Notary before buying a property overseas.

171 properties

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Magnificent Florentine-style chateaue, which has been built on its 13th Century medieval foundations and surrounded by a dry moat, is full of history and is full of beauty and charm. The current ......

2,200,000 EURREF: 249509

Full of authentic character and charm and beautifully presented, this fairy-tale Chateau, which has only been owned by two families since 1799, is nestled in a picturesque valley within around 6.6 ......

2,198,000 EURREF: 249493

7 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Maurens, Midi-Pyrenees

Charming and sympathetically restored character property set in over 11 acres of beautiful Gers countryside, built in the typical white stone of the region, and totally restored in 2007- 2008. On......

2,100,000 EURREF: 235506

Historical 9 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Bethune, Nord-Pas-de-Calais

Grand and historical 9 bedroom chateau, situated in quiet setting in Bethune: GROUND FLOOR: 253m2. MAGNIFICENT BANQUETING HALL 100m2 beautifully decorated to the very highest standard with faux e......

2,000,000 EURREF: 241774

Authentic 6 bedroom Chateau for sale with panoramic view in Saint Emilion, Aquitaine

Nestling in 5 hectares of glorious land with beautiful gardens, pool and outbuildings, is this exceptional 6 bedroom French Chateau enjoying panoramic views from its peaceful location near all amen......

2,395,000 EURREF: 243772

In excellent condition throughout and probably one of the most remarkable properties in Lot et Garonne, this ancient fortified domain, that traces its origins back to the era of the Knights Templar......

1,990,000 EURREF: 249512

Beautifully renovated 7 bedroom French Chateau with charming 3 bedroom guest house, nestling in 35 hectares of glorious land with gardens, expansive pool and trees, enjoying far reaching countrysid......

1,990,000 EURREF: 248630

Historical 7 bedroom Castle for sale with countryside view in Uzes, Languedoc-Roussillon

Spacious, 7 bedroom, fortified 13th Century listed historic castle, which has been partially renovated, set within a large park of 7,795m2 with a swimming pool, ideally located right in the heart o......

1,970,000 EURREF: 216472

Enchanting French chateau in a delightful wooded estate near Blois. This spacious property dates back to the Sixteenth and Nineteenth Century with 4 separate guest lodges in wooded parkland of 19......

1,960,000 EURREF: 250868

Impressive chateau in the Correze, a lovely land of rolling hills and valleys, pretty villages, numerous lakes, nature parks, forests and meadows. Approached through the entrance gates, stone ste......

1,950,000 EURREF: 249688

11 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view with Income Potential in Arnac Pompadour, Limousin

Absolutely beautiful 3 storey, 11 bedroom stone French Chateau with separate cottage, nestling in over 7 acres of glorious landscaped gardens with expansive pool while enjoying wonderful countrysid......

2,625,000 EURREF: 243463

Grand 6 bedroom Castle for sale with panoramic view in Perpignan, Languedoc-Roussillon

Intriguing income- generating XVIIth century property providing outstanding views over the Mediterranean and mountains. It comprises a main manor house of around 550m2 of living space with 6 main......

1,900,000 EURREF: 221641

Beautiful and historic property just 10km from the beaches of the Cote de Beaute set in over 9 acres of parkland in a beautiful rural setting. This noble 14th-century logis is set in almost 3.......

1,899,000 EURREF: 248776

Historical 5 bedroom Chateau for sale with panoramic view in Nerac, Aquitaine

Beautiful Medieval chateau in Gascony, full of character and charm, set in over 17 acres including landscaped gardens with lovely views, on the edge of a pretty village with amenities. The stone ......

1,890,000 EURREF: 236578

Income Producing 7 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Bordeaux, Aquitaine

Rare opportunity to acquire a beautifully renovated 4 bedroom historical French Chateau with separate guest houses, nestling in 12 acres of glorious land with gardens, orchard and vineyard, enjoyin......

1,850,000 EURREF: 245164

Full of character and charm, this striking property is ideally situated in a quiet countryside setting, yet just 10 minutes from Libourne. Completely renovated with care and good taste, this super......

1,800,000 EURREF: 248062

Full of authentic character and beautifully presented throughout, this impressive 23 bedroom chateau is ideally located in idyllic countryside setting, north of Angers, in a quiet and peaceful yet ......

1,800,000 EURREF: 246266

Renovated 10 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Saussignac, Aquitaine

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a beautifully renovated historical 7 bedroom French Chateau with separate 3 bedroom guest house, surrounded by over 72 acres of glorious land with equestrian facil......

1,799,950 EURREF: 237749

Renovated 2 bedroom Chateau for sale in Poitiers, Poitou-Charentes

Superb and historical Sixteenth Century Renaissance Chateau (ISMH Listed), exquisitely restored by its present owners using specialist artisans from across the region to faithfully retain the beaut......

1,785,000 EURREF: 243523

Character 7 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Montcuq, Midi-Pyrenees

Beautifully restored stone built Chateau, ideally situated in a quiet setting on the edge of the medieval village of Montcuq, with all amenities close at hand. Superbly renovated to a very high s......

1,774,000 EURREF: 231431

Enchanting French chateau, full of character and history with spacious accommodation, a chapel and over 9 acres of mature landscaped grounds. At the heart of this pre-Napoleonic ensemble of buil......

1,768,000 EURREF: 247042

An impressive, Bourgeois-style property, with its stream, parkland, swimming pool and renovated stone buildings, surrounded by fields and meadows and on the edge of a delighful Aveyronnais village.......

1,750,000 EURREF: 247534

Built around 1750, this spacious and beautifully presented 11 bedroom property presents an excellent opportunity for an elegant home or hospitality project in one of France's most popular regions. ......

1,750,000 EURREF: 248093

Historical 32 bedroom Manor House for sale with countryside view in Beziers, Languedoc-Roussillon

Grand, spacious and unique 19th Century manor house, with a vast total living area of around 1,400m2, currently split into 11 apartments including a unique dwelling of 400m2 and another house, set ......

1,740,000 EURREF: 224952

Stunning 9 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Bergerac, Aquitaine

Immaculately presented and full of authentic character and charm, this superb 9 bedroom stone built Chartreuse property, with its origins dating back to the 16th Century with additions in the 17th ......

1,999,000 EURREF: 237691

Renovated 14 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Lauzun, Aquitaine

A beautifully proportioned and historic chateau, set in grounds of over 13 acres with gites and in a pretty rural location in the area of Lauzun in the Lot et Garonne department. The bright and......

1,700,000 EURREF: 219411

Fabulous French character property, newly renovated to offer modern comfort in a beautiful setting in the Tarn et Garonne region. Set in over 20 acres of magnificent parkland with two-hundred-yea......

1,699,500 EURREF: 247756

Enchanting 19th century, 12 bedroom Chateau with spacious outbuilding, nestling in over 11 acres of glorious land with lake, gardens and pool, while enjoying scenic countryside views from its peace......

1,699,000 EURREF: 249229

Superb country Chateau estate offering French charm at its best..... Fabulous tennis court, covered dining and barbecue area and secluded swimming pool, all set within a fabulous location within ju......

1,695,000 EURREF: 249438

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a beautiful historical French Chateau with outbuildings and extra accommodation, nestling in 73.5 acres of glorious land with beautiful gardens, swimming pool and l......

1,690,000 EURREF: 247446

Income Potential 10 bedroom Castle for sale in Limoges, Limousin

Beautifully and luxuriously renovated 4 storey, 10 bedroom chateau nestling in over 5.5 acres of glorious landscaped gardens with expansive pool, tennis court and Jacuzzi, enjoying wonderful countr......

1,680,000 EURREF: 243118

Historical 15 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Loches, Centre

Rare Sixteenth Century Chateau with exceptional historical character, superb condition and full of preserved features, in a beautiful location with panoramic countryside views, set in over 56 a......

1,680,000 EURREF: 242603

Wonderful opportunity to acquire an outstanding, beautifully restored 9 bedroom, 18th century neo-classical French Chateau with outbuildings, nestling in over 22 acres of glorious land with mature......

1,670,212 EURREF: 245799

Furnished 9 bedroom Castle for sale with countryside view in Duravel, Midi-Pyrenees

Nestling in nearly 10 acres of glorious landscaped gardens with trees and ponds, is this magnificent fully furnished 9 bedroom stone house with pool Jacuzzi, separate apartment and outbuildings, lo......

1,664,000 EURREF: 231479

Historical 8 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Perigueux, Aquitaine

Immaculately maintained Chateau estate, which is ideally situated in a quiet countryside setting, yet only 20km from Perigueux and just an hour from Bergerac, with its international airport. This ......

1,657,900 EURREF: 239825

Stylish 11 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Carcassonne, Languedoc-Roussillon

Full of character and charm, this spacious and historic 11th century chateau is ideally situated within a quiet setting on a 1.2 hectare park with a swimming pool and garage, just a short drive fro......

1,650,000 EURREF: 235417

Historical 17th/18th Century former abbey, which was run by some of Bordeaux's greatest families, including the Montesquieu family in the person of the famous thinker's uncle and younger brother. ......

1,650,000 EURREF: 250079

In excellent condition throughout, this historical and impressive 7 bedroom chateau is set within beautifully maintained grounds and is ripe for conversion into a hotel, wedding venue or other busi......

1,643,000 EURREF: 249459

Enchanting 3 storey, 12 bedroom historical Chateau with separate lodge, nestling in over 5 hectares of glorious land with river frontage, beautiful gardens, pool and vineyard, located in a peacefu......

1,595,000 EURREF: 249223

Historical 8 bedroom Castle for sale with panoramic view in Carcassonne, Languedoc-Roussillon

A unique and newly renovated Medieval property, offering a piece of history with modern comforts in a beautiful village setting. Dating back to the 12th Century, this historic 8 bedroom property......

1,595,000 EURREF: 219450

Renovated 7 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Mauvezin, Midi-Pyrenees

Exceptional 13th century 4 bedroom French Chateau with separate 3 bedroom cottage, expansive pool and lake, set in 11.5 acres of glorious land in a peaceful location near Mauvezin. It is in excel......

1,590,000 EURREF: 230529

Charming 6 bedroom Chateau located in a quiet setting in La Trimouille and set within a vast plot of around 114 hectares. Accessed via a long private country lane, this opportunity is all about th......

1,579,000 EURREF: 250089

Historical 8 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Coulaures, Aquitaine

Enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location near Coulaures, is this impressive 8 bedroom historical French Chateau with substantial outbuildings and equestrian facilities, ne......

1,575,000 EURREF: 237895

Impressive 9 bedroom chateau near Hautefort with origins dating back to the Seventeenth Century, set in 4.5 acres with panoramic countryside views. The spacious 905m2 property has been the subject......

1,500,000 EURREF: 245919

Delightful estate, which has been beautifully finished to a first-class standard, offering stylish country living in the Dordogne. With its origins dating back to around 1650, this superb stone bu......

1,500,000 EURREF: 249917

20 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in La Vieille Lyre, Normandy

18th Century chateau located in Burgundy, at the edge of a village in a charming valley. This 18th & 19th Century French Chateau has a living area of around 1,700m2, set out over (4 levels) which......

1,500,000 EURREF: 183982

Immaculately presented 17 bedroom chateau, which is currently being run as a thriving tourism enterprise with high quality gites, yoga retreats and great potential to develop a wedding/events busin......

1,495,000 EURREF: 250153

8 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Chateau du Loir, Pays-de-la-Loire

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French Chateau For Sale

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Why buy a French Chateau?

French chateau types

Where to buy a French chateau for sale

1. Signing the Agreement (Compris)

2. Paying the Deposit

3. On Completion

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