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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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Enchanting French chateau in a delightful wooded estate near Blois. This spacious property dates back to the Sixteenth and Nineteenth Century with 4 separate guest lodges in wooded parkland of 19......

1,960,000 EURREF: 250868

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

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

Enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location near Coulaures, is this impressive 8 bedroom historical French Chateau with substantial outbuildings and equestrian facilities, ne......

1,575,000 EURREF: 237895

Delightful estate, which has been beautifully finished to a first-class standard, offering stylish country living in the Dordogne. With its origins dating back to around 1650, this superb stone bu......

1,500,000 EURREF: 249917

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

Character 14 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Breteuil sur Iton, Normandy

Full of character and charm and with a total of 14 bedrooms and bathrooms, this magnificent estate includes a 17th Century Chateau and is ideally situated in a quiet setting in Breteuil sur Iton, a......

1,470,000 EURREF: 245699

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

Impressive chateau in the Correze, a lovely land of rolling hills and valleys, pretty villages, numerous lakes, nature parks, forests and meadows. Approached through the entrance gates, stone ste......

1,950,000 EURREF: 249688

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

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

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

Listed as a Historic Monument is this spacious and elegant French Chateau, nestling in 4.5 hectares of glorious land, located in Dunkirk. Situated in the North of France, close to the sea, this s......

2,650,000 EURREF: 251597

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 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

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

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

Stylish 11 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Carcassonne, Languedoc-Roussillon

Full of character and charm, this spacious and historic 11th century chateau is ideally situated within a quiet setting on a 1.2 hectare park with a swimming pool and garage, just a short drive fro......

1,650,000 EURREF: 235417

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

Authentic 6 bedroom Chateau for sale with panoramic view in Saint Emilion, Aquitaine

Nestling in 5 hectares of glorious land with beautiful gardens, pool and outbuildings, is this exceptional 6 bedroom French Chateau enjoying panoramic views from its peaceful location near all amen......

2,395,000 EURREF: 243772

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

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

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

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

11 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view with Income Potential in Arnac Pompadour, Limousin

Absolutely beautiful 3 storey, 11 bedroom stone French Chateau with separate cottage, nestling in over 7 acres of glorious landscaped gardens with expansive pool while enjoying wonderful countrysid......

2,625,000 EURREF: 243463

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

Character 7 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Montcuq, Midi-Pyrenees

Beautifully restored stone built Chateau, ideally situated in a quiet setting on the edge of the medieval village of Montcuq, with all amenities close at hand. Superbly renovated to a very high s......

1,774,000 EURREF: 231431

Income Potential 10 bedroom Castle for sale in Limoges, Limousin

Beautifully and luxuriously renovated 4 storey, 10 bedroom chateau nestling in over 5.5 acres of glorious landscaped gardens with expansive pool, tennis court and Jacuzzi, enjoying wonderful countr......

1,350,000 EURREF: 243118

Impressive 9 bedroom chateau near Hautefort with origins dating back to the Seventeenth Century, set in 4.5 acres with panoramic countryside views. The spacious 905m2 property has been the subject......

1,500,000 EURREF: 245919

Beautifully renovated 7 bedroom French Chateau with charming 3 bedroom guest house, nestling in 35 hectares of glorious land with gardens, expansive pool and trees, enjoying far reaching countrysid......

1,990,000 EURREF: 248630

In excellent condition throughout and probably one of the most remarkable properties in Lot et Garonne, this ancient fortified domain, that traces its origins back to the era of the Knights Templar......

1,990,000 EURREF: 249512

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

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

Wonderful opportunity to acquire an outstanding, beautifully restored 9 bedroom, 18th century neo-classical French Chateau with outbuildings, nestling in over 22 acres of glorious land with mature......

1,670,212 EURREF: 245799

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

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

7 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Maurens, Midi-Pyrenees

Charming and sympathetically restored character property set in over 11 acres of beautiful Gers countryside, built in the typical white stone of the region, and totally restored in 2007- 2008. On......

2,100,000 EURREF: 235506

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

Beautifully renovated 3 storey, 10 bedroom historical Chateau with separate apartment, nestling in 27 hectares of glorious land with gardens, lake and outbuildings, while enjoying far reaching coun......

1,375,000 EURREF: 251310

Fabulous French character property, newly renovated to offer modern comfort in a beautiful setting in the Tarn et Garonne region. Set in over 20 acres of magnificent parkland with two-hundred-yea......

1,699,500 EURREF: 247756

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 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

Built around 1750, this spacious and beautifully presented 11 bedroom property presents an excellent opportunity for an elegant home or hospitality project in one of France's most popular regions. ......

1,750,000 EURREF: 248093

Beautiful and historic property just 10km from the beaches of the Cote de Beaute set in over 9 acres of parkland in a beautiful rural setting. This noble 14th-century logis is set in almost 3.......

1,785,000 EURREF: 248776

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

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

Renovated 7 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Mauvezin, Midi-Pyrenees

Exceptional 13th century 4 bedroom French Chateau with separate 3 bedroom cottage, expansive pool and lake, set in 11.5 acres of glorious land in a peaceful location near Mauvezin. It is in excel......

1,590,000 EURREF: 230529

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

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

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a beautiful 19th Century French Chateau nestling in 3.5 acres of glorious land, while enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location in Lilebonn......

Enquire For PriceREF: 251592

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

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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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