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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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Grand 7 bedroom Chateau for sale in Sauveterre de Guyenne, Aquitaine

Delightful and beautifully presented small chateau featuring the style and proportions redolent of the Napoleonic architecture of early Nineteenth Century France. The property benefits from thre......

1,400,000 EURREF: 245374

Historical Chateau for sale with panoramic view in Saint Just de Claix, Rhone-Alpes

On the borders of La Drome and L'Isere, this is a genuine Medieval castle in 15 acres in a dominant position with views of the beautiful landscapes of La Drome, renovated and offering an excelle......

1,380,000 EURREF: 243731

Nestling in over 5.5 acres of glorious land with gardens, pool and fruit trees, is this enchanting 8 bedroom Chateau with extra accommodation and outbuildings, located near all amenities in Chanton......

1,380,000 EURREF: 249015

Beautifully maintained 8 bedroom Chateau, which is accessed via elegant electric iron gates onto the beautifully maintained estate, exposing the impressive chateau and grounds. This chateau is si......

1,350,000 EURREF: 250192

Elegant 10 bedroom 19th Century chateau, which is approached through impressive entrance gates and a tree-lined avenue, is ideally situated just 2km from an historic Gallo Roman village with a popu......

1,350,000 EURREF: 248261

Enchanting stone built 7 bedroom petite chateau, which is beautifully nestled in the tranquil Agens countryside, set on 2 acres of land. With a rich historical background dating back to the 1300s,......

1,350,000 EURREF: 249705

Unique opportunity to acquire a luxuriously renovated 8 bedroom historical French Chateau, nestling in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, located between L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Cavaillon. T......

1,340,000 EURREF: 248654

Refurbished 5 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Monbazillac, Aquitaine

Full of character and charm, this magnificent 5 bedroom Chateau, with a total spacious living area of 342m2, is ideally situated in a quiet setting, yet just a few steps from the charming village ......

1,300,000 EURREF: 241566

Income Producing 8 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Excideuil, Aquitaine

Charming Nineteenth Century French chateau, sympathetically renovated, with swimming pool and set in 2 acres of land. Previously owned by the same family for over 150 years, the property is loca......

1,498,100 EURREF: 245237

Charming 9 bedroom manor house, with a vast total built area of 765m2, is set on a large 24,703m2 plot with a swimming pool and lake. Built in 1869, this elegant manor house is set out over 3 leve......

1,280,000 EURREF: 250050

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

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

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

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

A prestige property for those seeking historical authenticity, free of heavy exterior renovation and faithfully planned traditional interior improvements without the necessity of undoing many recen......

1,260,000 EURREF: 244885

Historical 13 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Castelnaudary, Languedoc-Roussillon

Nestling in over 14 acres of beautiful land is this magnificent South facing 16th century Chateau with expansive pool, 3 gites, and outbuildings, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its lo......

1,250,000 EURREF: 226235

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

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

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......

1,350,000 EURREF: 248954

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......

1,195,000 EURREF: 250158

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......

1,190,000 EURREF: 248601

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

9 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside and panoramic views in Sainte Foy la Grande, Aquitaine

Situated in a quiet and private setting, this superb stone built farmhouse with an adjoining barn conversion, offering a total of 9 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, plus a large heated swimming pool and 3......

1,150,000 EURREF: 235614

Authentic 7 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Cahuzac, Languedoc-Roussillon

Fabulous and beautifully presented historic property built on the remains of a medieval chateau and offering excellent income generating possibilities such as a venue for weddings, musical soirees ......

1,100,000 EURREF: 225953

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

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

Grand, spacious and historic 13 bedroom manor house/chateau, located in a quiet setting in Parcoul Chenaud, set within a large 3.7 hectare plot with a feature pond. This superb property features 5......

1,010,000 EURREF: 249595

Beautifully restored 11 bedroom historical French Chateau, nestling in 7 hectares of glorious land with gardens and indoor pool, while enjoying scenic countryside views from its peaceful location n......

999,000 EURREF: 245995

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......

990,000 EURREF: 250487

Exciting opportunity to acquire this idyllic and bourgeois country estate which includes an attractive Sixteenth Century manor house, guest houses, outbuildings, a fishing lake and stream, and over......

990,000 EURREF: 249868

Beautiful and unique 7 bedroom manor house, which is ideally located in the very popular Dordogne town of Eymet and just a 25 minute drive from Bergerac Airport. Set in private gardens of 1,945m2......

975,000 EURREF: 247975

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......

960,000 EURREF: 250668

Magnificent Thirteenth Century medieval chateau standing proudly above the Lot valley with superb views over the river, just 15 minutes from Cajarc and Figeac. Classified as a historic monument ......

958,000 EURREF: 249435

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

Full of character and charm, this superb 5 bedroom stone built property is located in a quiet setting in Saint Hilaire du Harcouet Currently rented out for overnight or short stays, as well as for......

950,000 EURREF: 249596

Superb, grand and spacious 4 bedroom Chateau, which is ideally situated in a quiet setting in Chateauneuf La Foret, right in the middle of the countryside of Briance Combade and on the edge of the ......

945,000 EURREF: 245907

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

Full of character and charm, this lovely chateau is situated in a quiet setting, yet just a short walk from the local village of Villeloin Coulange, which has a little supermarket, pharmacy and oth......

895,000 EURREF: 250348

Authentic 5 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Caussade, Midi-Pyrenees

Exquisite 5 bedroom historical French Chateau, nestling in nearly 2 hectares of glorious landscaped gardens with pool and outbuildings, enjoying uninterrupted countryside views from its peaceful lo......

895,000 EURREF: 245663

Historical 4 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Draguignan, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Unique 3 storey, 4 bedroom bright and spacious 19th Century South facing French Chateau with beautiful landscaped garden, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location in Dragu......

869,000 EURREF: 232361

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

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

Full of character and charm and beautifully presented, this bright and spacious 6 bedroom manor house is located right in the historic centre of Mortagne au Perche, which has a vibrant Saturday mar......

840,000 EURREF: 246599

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

Historical 9 bedroom Castle for sale with panoramic view in Airvault, Poitou-Charentes

Fabulous and historic "chateau-fort" dating back in parts to the 11th Century, beautifully renovated and in turn-key condition, with income options such as guest accommodation, a restaurant and ba......

820,000 EURREF: 242940

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

Magnificent and beautifully presented 7 bedroom manor house, which is accessed via a majestic entrance gate that opens onto a beautiful courtyard adorned with an authentic dovecote and 400m2 of out......

795,000 EURREF: 246332

Full of character and charm, this delightful 8 bedroom Chateau, with a spacious living area of 468m2, is ideally located in a tiny hilltop hamlet close to a charming rural village in the beautiful ......

790,000 EURREF: 247744

Charming and elegant chateau in a dominant position with panoramic views to the Pyrenees, less than an hour from the coast, and offering modern comfort in a beautiful and nicely renovated settin......

890,000 EURREF: 247980

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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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