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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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30 bedroom Castle for sale, Dordogne, Aquitaine

Unique and superb French castle of the XIIe and XVe centuries, classified an historic monument. Surrounded by 198 hectares of grounds, it has been renovated carefully during the last 10 years and i......

21,000,000 EURREF: 239682

Close to the magnificent chateau of Vaux le Vicomte and less than an hour from Paris, a superb 70 hectare estate with a beautiful 18th century chateau nestled in the first English park in France. ......

Enquire For PriceREF: 248820

34 bedroom Chateau for sale, Jura, Franche-Comte

PRICE REDUCED - Only a 45 min drive from Geneva (90 km) or 10 mins by helicopter, circled by a mountain chain allowing the sun to shine over the property, an exceptional and historic chateau and it......

Enquire For PriceREF: 120200

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a magnificent estate comprising of a 10 bedroom historical French Chateau, 5 gites, a separate one bedroom house, all nestling in over 16 hectares of glorious land ......

10,500,000 EURREF: 249214

In excellent condition throughout, this magnificent 11 bedroom chateau, which was built in 1818 and listed as a 'Monument Historique', is ideally situated in a quiet setting just 30 minutes from To......

7,245,000 EURREF: 246601

Historical 8 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Bournezeau, Pays-de-la-Loire

A unique opportunity to acquire an exceptional 8 bedroom 19th century Florentine style French Chateau with chapel, renovated outbuildings with accommodation and huge conservatory offering a great d......

5,830,000 EURREF: 238677

Historical 10 bedroom Chateau for sale in Nord, Nord-Pas-de-Calais

Large French Chateau located close to the Belgian border, with excellent European connections. This monumental chateau dating back to the 18th & 19th Centuries is registered as a Historic Monument......

5,500,000 EURREF: 211336

Wonderful opportunity to acquire an absolutely outstanding historical French Chateau with 2 apartments and indoor pool, nestling in 13 hectares of glorious land with gardens, a lake, helipad and ou......

5,250,000 EURREF: 246704

Exceptionally restored 18th century Normandy Chateau with 3 gites, separate apartment and outbuildings, nestling in 11 hectares of beautiful gardens and land near all amenities in Etretat. Built b......

5,157,893 EURREF: 243232

17 bedroom Castle for sale with countryside view in Aubigny sur Nere, Centre

Located 170km South of Paris, not far from Burgundy, in Aubigny sur Nere and close to Bourges, this exceptional historic castle erected in the 15thc (on older bases) and completed with wings in the......

4,950,000 EURREF: 153913

7 bedroom Manor House for sale in Normandy, Normandy

PRICE REDUCED - Stunning and completely restored, this substantial mansion, which dates from 1838, is located in the north of Burgundy, within a beautiful landscaped garden of 7,845m2 which is com......

Enquire For PriceREF: 196482

14 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Normandy, Normandy

PRICE REDUCED - Historic chateau in Normandy Impressive chateau dating back to the 15th and 18th centuries (Historic Monument) in excellent condition: 6 reception rooms, 14 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms......

4,800,000 EURREF: 152269

Exceptional 7 bedroom wine estate nestling in nearly 151 acres of glorious land with vineyards, lake, beautiful gardens and pool, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location ......

4,065,000 EURREF: 248625

Renovated 8 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Meilhan sur Garonne, Aquitaine

Outstanding beautifully renovated 3 storey, 8 bedroom Napoleon III style Chateau with 2 gites, 3 swimming pools and stables, nestling in 74 hectares of glorious land while enjoying far reaching cou......

3,995,000 EURREF: 240652

Historical 16 bedroom Chateau for sale in Montpellier, Languedoc-Roussillon

Full of character and charm and beautifully presented throughout, this magnificent and exceptional 17th Century chateau has a vast total living area of 1,020m2 and is set within a beautiful country......

3,990,000 EURREF: 232988

Income Producing 10 bedroom Chateau for sale in Bergerac, Aquitaine

Absolutely exceptional 10 bedroom, 17th century French Chateau with cottage and 3 gites, nestling in 33 hectares of glorious gardens with pool and vineyards, while enjoying far reaching countryside......

3,950,000 EURREF: 243331

Beautifully renovated and fully furnished 8 bedroom historical castle with outbuildings, nestling in 44.6 hectares of glorious land with gardens, tennis court and pool, while enjoying far reaching ......

3,950,000 EURREF: 248738

Magnificent 15th and 17th Century chateau, located in a quiet setting between Riberac (15 minutes) and Perigueux (25 minutes), just 50 minutes from Saint-Emilion and an hour from Bordeaux. Renovat......

3,950,000 EURREF: 249138

Exceptional beautifully restored historical French Chateau, nestling in over 10 hectares of glorious land with majestic gardens and pool, while enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peac......

3,850,000 EURREF: 249222

With Millenium of history, this is an impressive and carefully renovated fortified chateau in a village setting near Le Chatre in the Indre department. Nestled in a serene village boasting a c......

3,750,000 EURREF: 247550

Unique opportunity to acquire an extraordinary 11 bedroom historical estate nestling in 208 hectares of glorious land with outbuildings, farmhouses and a 16th Century pigeonnier, located in Lectour......

3,705,000 EURREF: 248735

Beautiful vineyard estate with impressive chateau, overlooking the river with panoramic terrace and making a great income generating opportunity. This exciting prospect features approximately 35 ......

3,600,000 EURREF: 247834

Beautifully restored and spacious Loire Valley Chateau in the heart of the Touraine, just a 10 minute drive from Tours, and 20 minutes from the TGV station and airport. This desirable property be......

3,500,000 EURREF: 248949

Beautiful 8 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Laval, Pays-de-la-Loire

Exceptional 8 bedroom 19th Century French Chateau with 7 converted outbuildings, currently established as a wedding business, nestling in 32 hectares of glorious land while enjoying panoramic count......

3,150,000 EURREF: 228033

Rare opportunity to acquire this fabulous 4 storey, 10 bedroom historic chateau, nestling in over 4 hectares of glorious land with gardens and pond, enjoying countryside views from its location in ......

3,120,000 EURREF: 250063

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

Impressive and superbly presented French chateau in a beautiful countryside location. Built in stone with its superbly integrated pretty tower, this property benefits from a private setting. This ......

2,950,000 EURREF: 241801

Grand and beautifully maintained, this historic, extraordinary and authentic estate features a main Chateau, Chateau for entertaining, along with several outbuildings and additional accommodation. ......

2,950,000 EURREF: 248094

Magnificent property dating back to the Fifteenth Century and located in one of the most sought-after settings of Lake Bourget, in Chindrieux. Nestled in an exceptional environment, this charming......

2,900,000 EURREF: 250546

Beautifully nestled in the picturesque region of Nouvelle Aquitaine, this stunning eight-bedroom Chateau, which was built around 1545, remained within the same aristocratic family until the late 1......

2,800,000 EURREF: 250073

Beautiful French Chateau in the Loire valley, 20km north of Tours nestled in the countryside in a quiet and private location yet with excellent access to autoroutes, TGV stations and Tours airport.......

2,790,000 EURREF: 248952

Exceptional Nineteenth Century French Chateau for sale in Haut-Anjou, on the edge of a small village with basic amenities, set in 34 acres of land. This beautiful and generous chateau enjoys a ru......

2,750,000 EURREF: 248953

Historical 9 bedroom Castle for sale in Tours, Centre

Beautifully renovated spacious 4 storey French Chateau with separate apartment and studio, nestling in over 6.5 acres of glorious landscaped gardens and woods with pond, enjoying far reaching count......

2,747,000 EURREF: 243191

Simply stunning 8 bedroom French Chateau, located just 40 minutes south of Tours, nestled within a charming and quiet countryside setting on a plot of around 30 hectares with woods and meadows. T......

2,700,000 EURREF: 248821

14 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Le Mans, Pays-de-la-Loire

Currently undergoing restoration, this exquisite French chateau offers 680m2 of habitable space plus an additional house and outbuildings sitting on 25 hectares of land with beautiful gardens, eque......

2,640,000 EURREF: 240977

Beautiful and impressive chateau in the heart of Bouliac, with a commanding view over the magnificent city of Bordeaux and the serene banks of the Garonne. This exceptional residence offersan unp......

2,595,000 EURREF: 248744

Charming 9 bedroom manor house/chateau style property located in a quiet setting close to Montignac, set within a large plot of around 67.5 hectares. CHATEAU - 458m2: Stone steps up to main front ......

2,575,000 EURREF: 249896

Unique 10 bedroom Chateau for sale with panoramic view in Saint Pierre d'Albigny, Rhone-Alpes

Grand, historical and unique listed 11th Century French Chateau, which is classified by the historical monument association. This stunning fortress, which has a total living area of 600m2, is set ......

2,500,000 EURREF: 214629

Historical 11 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Nogaro, Midi-Pyrenees

The chateau briefly comprises, over 2 floors : eleven bedrooms eleven bathrooms and reception rooms, kitchen, utility, additional storage space, all rooms fitted with double glazing. The annexe c......

2,900,000 EURREF: 241724

Magnificent 9 bedroom Renaissance Chateau, which was extensively and sympathetically renovated in the early 20th Century in keeping with the original architecture. Situated in a quiet setting, yet......

2,500,000 EURREF: 247680

Character 12 bedroom French Chateau for sale in Madiran, Gers, Midi-Pyrenees

Situated in a quiet setting in Madiran, right in the heart of the Gers area and surrounded by vineyards, this superb Gascon property offers an enchanting setting just 5 minutes from all amenities a......

2,500,000 EURREF: 242901

Sumptous, elegant 3 storey, 14 bedroom French Chateau with three gites, nestling in over 12 hectares of glorious land with mature gardens, woods, orchard and lake, enjoying countryside views from i......

2,499,990 EURREF: 246715

Magnificent 19th century fully renovated 11 bedroom Castle nestling in over 11 acres of land with a Chapel, beautiful landscaped gardens and pool, while enjoying far reaching countryside views from......

2,438,000 EURREF: 248739

Magnificent 11 bedroom 19th Century Chateau, which is ideally located in the immediate vicinity of Cognac, within an exceptional setting with panoramic views over the Charente valley. Thoroughly ......

2,438,000 EURREF: 247951

Charming and beautifully renovated Nineteenth Century chateau with guest lodge, set in an estate of 105 acres right in the heart of the Loire valley between Blois and Amboise with excellent acces......

2,433,500 EURREF: 249619

Charming 13 bedroom Loire chateau set in a 15 acre estate in a peaceful rural location on the outskirts of a vibrant village with amenities and very well placed for making the most of all the Loi......

2,430,000 EURREF: 250577

Nestling in 4 hectares of glorious gardens and land with fruit trees, is this exquisite 4 storey, 11 bedroom historical French Chateau with pool, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its pe......

2,400,000 EURREF: 247442

Beautiful family-size chateau with Medieval origins, providing an exceptional place to live in a historic and natural setting, full of charm and history. Set in almost 6 acres of land, the estat......

2,340,425 EURREF: 251041

11 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Montastruc la Conseillere, Midi-Pyrenees

This superb estate, complete with stunning chateau and outbuildings, is located close to Montastruc la Conseillere in a strategic location only 15 minutes from the airport, and from the important c......

2,300,000 EURREF: 207083

Extraordinary 8 bedroom chateau, with a vast total built area of 1,440m2, strategically located close to the historic Roman town of Narbonne and the expansive Mediterranean beaches, the chateau off......

2,220,000 EURREF: 249860

Character 12 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Beauville, Aquitaine

Grand, spacious and beautifully presented 12 bedroom Medieval chateau, which is ideally situated within a quiet setting on the hills of Beauville, set on a large 47,700m2 with stunning far reaching......

2,200,000 EURREF: 237338

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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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