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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.

168 properties

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Character 50 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Saint Cere, Midi-Pyrenees

Ideally situated right in the heart of the Dordogne Valley, this historical former convent is ripe for development. Built entirely of the local light coloured stone, the convent offers approximat......

692,000 EURREF: 243886

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

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

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

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

This rare property, which will delight anyone interested in medieval history, was a former fortified stronghold that was the home for the commander of the Knights Templar in the 12th Century. Set......

612,000 EURREF: 244610

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

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

In the heart of the village, this impressive Twelfth Century chateau proudly dominates and overlooks the fabulous Vercors Natural Park and surrounding area. The feudal property has preserved its c......

610,000 EURREF: 246117

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

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

Renovated 9 bedroom Castle for sale with panoramic view and countryside view views in Berenx, Aquitaine

Nestling in nearly 10 acres of glorious land with beautiful gardens, swimming pool, tennis court and woods, is this charming 4 storey, 9 bedroom French chateau enjoying far reaching countryside vie......

790,000 EURREF: 244700

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

Historical 7 bedroom Castle for sale with countryside view in Chatellerault, Poitou-Charentes

A unique opportunity to acquire a marvellous 7 bedroom 14th and 15th century listed historic Castle and a separate chapel set in over 10 acres of beautiful land, enjoying scenic countryside views i......

695,000 EURREF: 224553

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

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

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

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

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

7 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view with Income Potential in Val d'Oire et Gartempe, Limousin

Newly renovated French chateau, full of charm and character, set in 14 acres of land and providing spacious and versatile living spaces, including a three-bedroom guest house. The interior of the......

490,000 EURREF: 245698

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charming Nineteenth Century Chateau, located in the heart of a vibrant French village, just moments from Narbonne and a mere 22-minute drive to the Mediterranean shores. Conveniently situated for ......

715,000 EURREF: 249047

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

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

Character French property with panoramic countryside views and development potential close to Engayrac in the Lot et Garonne department . This 17th-century building is sure to appeal to heritage......

477,000 EURREF: 247850

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

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

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

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

In immaculate condition throughout, this beautifully restored 11 bedroom 13th Century priory, is set right in the heart of a sleepy rural village in the Deux Sevres. Ideally situated in a triangl......

741,470 EURREF: 247637

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

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

Beautifully renovated 3 storey, 5 bedroom spacious house with separate cottage nestling in half an acre of glorious landscaped gardens, while enjoying panoramic views from its elevated location in ......

493,500 EURREF: 245963

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

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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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