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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.

164 properties

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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

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

7 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Jonzac, Poitou-Charentes

Enchanting 6 bedroom French chateau with guest house, approached via stone pillars and iron gates along a tree lined drive, full of charm and character and within easy reach of the thriving spa to......

689,000 EURREF: 243254

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exceptional equestrian estate of 3 charming properties nestling in 42 acres of glorious land with mature gardens, Studio and outbuildings, while enjoying scenic countryside views from its peaceful ......

1,490,000 EURREF: 242342

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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