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

612,000 EUR 526,320 GBP 660,960 USD

Reference: 244610

Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 2
Floor Size: 263 m2
Plot Size: 3.97 hectares / 9.81 acres

Features

Good Condition
Original Features
Outbuildings
Mountain View
Panoramic View
Outstanding View
Parking
Traditional Style
Terrace
Garden
Land
Lake or River Included
Build Pool
Equestrian Facilities
Fireplace

Details

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 in almost 10 acres, in the grounds there is evidence of further walls, towers, a presbytery and a chapel, which were all part of the original buildings.

The current owners have renovated and enlarged the building to create a beautiful country home. The house occupies a dominant position, with fabulous views over the surrounding valleys and the interior is impressive: with a grand social space in the original stronghold and a comfortable, more contemporary modern wing with a living/dining room and kitchen.

Ground floor:
The approach to the house is via a vaulted open sided space [10m2]; entrance hall [7m2] with a spiral staircase in walnut, which serves 2 floors; generous living room [42m2] with exposed beams and a fireplace; utility room [16m2] and boiler room; separate WC; circular cave (cellar), with a trap door leading to a small underground cellar [both at the bottom of the tower; the last remaining tower of the original 11]; large double aspect living / dining room [38m2] with a galley kitchen [15m2] and French doors to a terrace [15m2] for alfresco dining.

First floor: landing [5m2] which leads to 2 large bedrooms [30m2 and 28m2], 1 with an en-suite bathroom [10m2] and WC and a small sitting area [3.5m2] in the tower; family bathroom [11m2] with WC and a Jacuzzi bath; access to a large multipurpose room [30m2]: suitable for a study or bedroom.

Second floor: office space [5.5m2] at the top of the tower which used to be the gaol. 2 bedrooms [14m2 and 12m2].

The property further benefits from:
Extensive grounds: with a large 'sechoir a tabac' which has a mezzanine floor; small lake with groundwater supplied by under ground springs; 2 shelters for horses and sheep; fenced meadows.

The surrounding countryside in this part of Gironde is beautiful: rolling hills and valleys with woods and fields. There are several large towns nearby: Grignols [2.5km] with a very complete medical centre, pharmacy, veterinarian, garage, weekly market and many shops (butcher's shops, butcher's shops, bakeries, tobacconist, supermarket, cafes restaurants, library) and other local amenities.

Casteljaloux [13km] with its bi-weekly market, its thermal baths and 18 hole golf course.
Bazas [18km] with a cathedral and square surrounded by arcades with stores and cafes, and a bi-weekly market.
The area is known for its production of fruit, vegetables and other produce: Marmande has a tomato named after it and Bazas is the home of the Bazadais beef cattle, where there is a traditional annual festival in February.
Bordeaux [85km], the capital of the Gironde, is about an hour's drive away.
The nearest train stations are in Langon [30km], La Reole [25km], or Marmande [30km] and there are international airports at Bordeaux-Merignac [85km] and Bergerac [83km].

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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.