Character 5 bedroom Manor House for sale with lake or river view in Sainte Foy la Grande, Aquitaine

579,787 EUR 498,616.82 GBP 626,169.96 USD

Reference: 244266

Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 4
Floor Size: 350 m2
Plot Size: 0.53 hectares / 1.32 acres

Features

Garden
Lake or River Included
Private Pool
Original Features
Possible Extra Dwellings
Outbuildings
Lake or River View
Quiet Area
Parking
Garage
Walk to Amenities
Traditional Style
Good Condition

Details

Grand and formidable 5 bedroom stone built house, which is simply stunning and will delight anyone as they walk from room to room with its quality finish.

This extensive property would make a perfect large family home or equally a magnificent B&B or gite business.

The main central part of house has the classic proportions of a property of this style. Black and white chessboard tiles feature in the spacious hallway with reception rooms off to the left and right. High ceilings with cornice work, large skirting boards, architrave's and original wooden floors all add up to a house steeped in quality craftsmanship.

There are large extensions at either side of the property that have been tastefully and sympathetically added over the years and have considerably increased the overall size of the building. One side houses the garage area which has a floor above that could be made into additional accommodation (subject to necessary permissions), whilst on the other side there is a huge utility room with good safe access to the cellar below. Above here is the studio with a bedroom and bathroom, ideal for guests or family visiting on holiday.

This ensemble is magnificent and beautifully laid out, with mature trees and shrubs in the grounds, a grand central pergola off the patio adjoining the house provides an area for eating alfresco or just enjoying the garden. Central lighting all the way down the garden to the gates to the river (easy to wander into town along the riverside) give it a magical look at night time with the pool and patio area positioned to maximise the hours of sunshine available. The pool even has a rigid telescopic cover, essential for keeping the pool at a comfortable temperature throughout the season.

Show Map

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.