Prestige Property Group

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.

148 properties

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A beautifully renovated medieval chateau in the West Deux Sevres region, full of charm and character, set in about 23 acres of private parkland, close to a village with shops and a bakery. Built......

1,278,000 EURREF: 247863

Beautiful 7 bedroom Chateau, which is ideally situated in a quiet setting between Parthenay (15 minutes) and Poitiers (35 minutes) and close to a village with shops. With its origins dating from ......

1,278,000 EURREF: 248267

Wonderful historic chateau, passed down through the same family for centuries, standing majestically next to a centuries-old lime tree, near a charming Romanesque church in the Charente. Perched......

1,272,000 EURREF: 252373

Refurbished 5 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Loches, Centre

Beautifully refurbished 5 bedroom, 19th Century French Chateau with outbuildings, nestling in 75.5 acres of glorious land with gardens, pool, woodland and lake, enjoying far reaching countryside vi......

1,270,500 EURREF: 245056

Historical 8 bedroom Manor House for sale in Villeneuve sur Lot, Aquitaine

Exquisite 3 storey, 8 bedroom Maison Bourgeoise nestling in 14.5 acres of glorious land with stables and cottage, enjoying wonderful views across the river from its peaceful location near all ameni......

1,263,500 EURREF: 241145

Full of charm and character is this beautifully renovated 4 storey, 3 bedroom historical French Chateau, nestling in nearly half an acre of glorious gardens with pool, while enjoying far reaching ......

1,250,000 EURREF: 252625

Charming 12 bedroom 16th Century Chateau, set within a large park of 5.7 hectares, with 3 separate dwellings and various outbuildings. With large and bright rooms with high ceilings, this historic......

1,250,000 EURREF: 249574

Situated on the outskirts of a peaceful Bearnaise village near Navarrenx, this delightful property creates its own private hamlet with a chateau, a maison-de-maitre, a barn, a shop and a huge priva......

1,250,000 EURREF: 251397

Historical 7 bedroom Castle for sale with panoramic view in Seillans, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

This charming and beautifully presented 7 bedroom Gallo-Roman Chateau, with its origins dating back to before the 4th Century, is situated on the upper level of the medieval village of Seillans and......

1,250,000 EURREF: 243723

A charming turreted Eighteenth Century chateau, lovingly restored and retaining all the charm of a chateau, whilst also being a comfortable family home with 5/6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Set in a......

1,166,000 EURREF: 252378

Authentic 8 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Monflanquin, Aquitaine

Unique opportunity to acquire a stunning 4 bedroom 18th century stone French Chateau with separate 4 bedroom house and outbuildings, nestling in 18 hectares of glorious land with private airstrip, ......

1,158,000 EURREF: 238107

Refurbished 9 bedroom Chateau for sale with panoramic view in Monestier, Aquitaine

Beautifully and tastefully refurbished 9 bedroom stone built property, with a total spacious living area of 500m2, set within a mature landscaped plot of 3,303m2 with a swimming pool and stunning c......

1,150,000 EURREF: 240904

Grand and spacious 8 bedroom property, situated in a quiet setting close to Quissac, in the Gard area. Main entrance, which is accessible via a south-facing private courtyard: very spacious garage......

1,150,000 EURREF: 250158

Superb and historic French estate, beautifully renovated and set in almost 20 acres of land, complete with truffle grove in the Charente. This 500-year-old logis provides a rare opportunity to ow......

1,113,000 EURREF: 253102

Charming manoire with estate and gites, ideal for receptions, weddings and income generation in a popular tourist area of France. The property is located in the department of Indre, in a charming......

1,100,000 EURREF: 248954

Enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location near Loches, is this beautiful 8 bedroom authentic chateau, nestling in 3.5 hectares of glorious land with gardens, outbuildings ......

1,100,000 EURREF: 252939

14 bedroom Chateau for sale with Income Potential in Saumur, Pays-de-la-Loire

Rare Nineteenth century property full of character and charm set in over 2 acres, located within easy walking distance of all shops and amenities in the heart of Saumur, within easy reach by car of......

1,050,000 EURREF: 242659

Delightful Loire manor house with gites set in almost an acre of land, with pool and successful income stream, Situated in the lovely village of Saint Macaire du Bois, this property is perfectly po......

1,048,950 EURREF: 248601

7 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view with Income Potential in Confolens, Poitou-Charentes

Nestling in nearly 11 acres of glorious land with a lake, is this beautifully restored 15th century French Chateau with separate 3 bedroom gite, barn and stables, enjoying far reaching countryside......

1,034,250 EURREF: 244636

Impressive Toulouse brick manor house with two towers set in 7 acres of parkland. This unique property combines authentic charm and modern comfort, nestled in a peaceful setting. With its spaci......

985,000 EURREF: 252341

A beautifully renovated 4 bedroom historical manor house, full of charm and character with a separate one bedroom apartment, set in 1 3/4 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens with plunge pool, w......

958,000 EURREF: 252286

Historical 8 bedroom Castle for sale with countryside view in Bergerac, Aquitaine

Rare opportunity to acquire an exquisite 8 bedroom historic property enjoying uninterrupted countryside views from its ideal location near all amenities in Bergerac. This superb property situated ......

950,000 EURREF: 240660

Impressive French chateau in the Occitanie area, in a fabulous setting set in over 8 acres of land and with two thirds of the property having been already renovated. The character property is buil......

940,000 EURREF: 250487

Income Producing 13 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in La Mastre, Rhone-Alpes

Excellent lifestyle and income opportunity with this impressive French chateau in the heart of the Ardeche region of France, set in over 4 acres with outbuildings, gites and swimming pool. The ......

980,000 EURREF: 241592

Charming Eighteenth Century manor house with pool, gite and outbuildings, set in over 3 acres close to Bergerac with pretty views. This private property has much to offer. It is accessed by a wro......

897,750 EURREF: 250668

Character Nineteenth Century Chateau set in 25 acres of mature parkland in the area of Anjou, ideally located in the countryside near a small town providing the main services and easy access to the......

895,000 EURREF: 252834

Lovingly Maintained 3 bedroom Castle for sale with countryside view in Marmande, Aquitaine

Nestling in 12.5 acres of glorious land with equestrian facilities, is this magnificent 3 bedroom, 18th century property, enjoying countryside views from its peaceful location near all amenities in......

850,500 EURREF: 240659

Beautiful manoire offering income and lifestyle potential set in over 5 acres of land. Accessed via a tree lined driveway through attractive gates, the manor house offers the convenience of town l......

849,000 EURREF: 252751

Grand and spacious, this magnificent 9 bedroom 19th Century chateau, which is ideally situated right in the heart of the Grande Champagne region, near Jarnac (8 minutes) and Cognac (15 minutes), in......

848,000 EURREF: 246373

Historic Sixteenth Century manor house with outbuildings, set in 1.5 acres of land, with fabulous panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. The manor house (many rooms with magnificent vi......

848,000 EURREF: 252523

Character 8 bedroom Chateau for sale with panoramic view and countryside view views in Duras, Aquitaine

Peacefully located amongst vineyards and yet only a few minutes drive from the popular town of Duras with a weekly market, shops and bar/restaurants, this beautifully refurbished 8 bedroom stone bu......

825,000 EURREF: 244613

Magnificent manor house, built in 1860, exuding timeless elegance and historic charm in an enviable setting in a charming hamlet on the outskirts of Ussel. Approached via wrought iron gates, the ......

819,000 EURREF: 252839

Authentic 7 bedroom Manor House for sale with countryside view in Lalbenque, Cahors, Midi-Pyrenees

Beautifully renovated 7 bedroom enchanting 'Maison de Maitre' set in glorious landscaped gardens with pool and equestrian outbuildings, while enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peacef......

799,000 EURREF: 244544

Beautiful stone manoire, built in 1862, exuding timeless charm with outbuildings, classical garden, swimming pool and estate of 2.5 acres. Featuring neoclassical architecture with stone facades,......

798,000 EURREF: 252346

Charming and historic chateau in the heart of Thouars, a true gem of local heritage, combining the authenticity of a home steeped in history with modern amenities and exceptional comfort. Built in......

795,000 EURREF: 252586

impressive renovated chateau and lodge house set in mature grounds and surrounded by tranquil countryside, just a few minutes from the popular town of Confolens on the river Vienne. The current ow......

795,000 EURREF: 253049

Delightful French chateau on the outskirts of Ste Foy la Grande set in almost 3 acres of landscaped grounds with swimming pool and offering lifestyle and income opportunities. On the ground floo......

780,000 EURREF: 248977

Unique opportunity to acquire a beautiful, partially renovated house with garden and mooring, situated on an island, enjoying panoramic views from its location in L'Isle Jourdain. This grand parti......

750,000 EURREF: 248502

Impressive manoire in an exceptional natural setting, perfect for those seeking peace and quiet in a verdant setting. This area is particularly desirable for those with a love of the beautiful sc......

750,000 EURREF: 253112

Character 6 bedroom Chateau for sale in Montaigu de Quercy, Midi-Pyrenees

Charming character property with pool and set in over 6 acres in a village setting located 30 minutes from Agen, and 23 minutes from Montagu de Quercy. The lovely stone property features a ma......

740,000 EURREF: 241584

Delightful Nineteenth Century manor house set in almost 15 acres of parkland and offering character and development potential in a lovely setting. The house was completed in 1874 and is set over ......

678,000 EURREF: 252920

Elegant 12th Century 10 Bedroom Chateau with guest house, annexe and numerous outbuildings to be renovated; a unique business opportunity. Just a short drive from the market town of Orthez, this m......

675,000 EURREF: 251466

Beautiful 12th-century farmhouse-manoire located in Normandy in the Orne department, 20 minutes south of Argentan. Set in almost 2 acres, this manor can offer an ideal living environment for a f......

640,000 EURREF: 252584

Renovated 5 bedroom Manor House for sale in Nontron, Aquitaine

Highly desirable historic property with swimming pool and Medieval origins set in a tiny hamlet in the Dordogne Perigord National Park. The oldest part of the chateau, dating from the 13th centur......

636,000 EURREF: 243527

Charming and beautifully presented Maison de Maitre set in over 6 acres of gardens and grounds including a recently installed swimming pool with decked surround and a covered seating area. This s......

556,500 EURREF: 252588

Income Producing 7 bedroom Manor House for sale with panoramic view in Vieillevie, Auvergne

A spacious country house full of character features, income potential plus a swimming pool, in a sunny position that offers sweeping views of the mountains and valley with the river just below. T......

550,000 EURREF: 243497

Charming Medieval chateau, full of character and and ancient grandeur, in a hamlet just 15 minutes from Sarlat. Set in 6,064m2 of land and dating back to the 13th Century, this noble stone castle......

503,500 EURREF: 250776

Character 10 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Charroux, Poitou-Charentes

With a total of 10 bedrooms, this grand and inviting manor house/small chateau and charming renovated coach house, are ideally situated within walking distance to the popular village of Charroux, w......

392,200 EURREF: 240783

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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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