Historical 19 bedroom Castle for sale in Carcassonne, Languedoc-Roussillon

2,600,000 EUR 2,236,000 GBP 2,808,000 USD

Reference: 244099

Bedrooms: 19
Bathrooms: 19
Floor Size: 1,779 m2
Plot Size: 0.63 hectares / 1.56 acres

Features

Terrace
Garden
Private Pool
Fireplace
Original Features
Possible Extra Dwellings
Outbuildings
Potential for Income
Countryside View
Parking
Walk to Amenities
Traditional Style
Good Condition

Details

Step through the gates of this iconic 10th Century Benedictine monastery straight into the pages of a fairy tale.

This thousand year old property is totally secluded, surrounded by equally ancient trees in an elevated position over one of the prettiest villages in France.

Despite dating back to the Dark Ages, this property is unexpectedly bright and luxurious. The cloistered layout, high vaulted ceilings and arched stone windows throughout allow light to flood through the property.

Light is amplified and reflected by the worn flagstones, the wide stone staircases, decorated walls and plastered ceilings.

Spread over 3 floors and with a vast living area of 1,700m2, the property includes 3 dining rooms, 7 reception rooms, 17 bedrooms with decorated 18th Century stretched canvas walls, delightful artwork and wonderfully individual layouts making the most of the space.

As well as the guests suites, the property houses 2 separate apartments in the main building itself providing a genteel lifestyle for the owners' family as well as high end accommodation for staff or family.

There are numerous kitchen areas to cater for groups as well as providing the possibility of dividing the property into multiple independent living accommodation.

The cloisters, library space, Medieval galleries and cellars are also echoed in the landscaped gardens that also provide plenty of room for private reflection. The garden also has a large pool and beautiful trees that are equally ancient and well preserved.

All living areas are tastefully decorated with period furnishings and artefacts that will remain with the property. Typically the bedrooms are grand in volume, boasting unusual and unique features, with commanding views over the lush pastoral landscape it sits over.

There is a separate, large residential gatehouse situated at the entrance to the chateau. You enter into a large open-planned kitchen, dining/living area which has feels modern yet still boasts the enormous flagstone castle walls out of which it has been built.

A secluded private garden overlooks the old Medieval ramparts making this a historian or romantic's dream spot.

On the first floor, a large main bedroom and an enormous second room across the landing, large enough to create a master suite boast open fires and high ceilings.

This is one of the best known and most romantic locations in this part of the world making it an ideal venue for wedding parties, an exceptionally special venue or someone looking for a property that is truly exceptional steeped in the history and romance of Medieval France.

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France Property Buying Guide

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.