Architect Designed 7 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Castillonnes, Aquitaine

950,000 EUR 817,000 GBP 1,026,000 USD

Reference: 227800

Bedrooms: 7
Bathrooms: 7
Floor Size: 640 m2

Features

Balcony
Equestrian Facilities
Original Features
Possible Extra Dwellings
Potential for Income
Countryside View
South Facing
Parking
Good Condition

Details

Classified as a 'Monument Historique' is this outstanding South facing
7 bedroom French Chateau dating back to 1770, nestling in beautiful landscaped gardens while enjoying far reaching countryside views from its location in Castillonnes.

This is a wonderful opportunity to own a real piece of French history. The property has a deep and rich narrative stretching back as far as Roman times. Almost at every corner there is another fascinating facet that truly brings the property alive. At the foot of the property, there is a natural spring with what are thought to be Roman steps. It is built on the remnants of, and includes original features of a thirteenth century fortification.

Famously, it was designed by the Architect that designed the beautiful Opera House in Bordeaux (Victor Louis). It is currently being utilised as a boutique, luxury chambre d'hote, but is also a family home for the current owners.

With a variety of spacious reception rooms, high ceilings and a superbly renovated basement and wine cellar, it has also lent itself well for hosting weddings, concerts and exhibitions.

The ground floor has a beautiful entrance hall with a flagstone floor at the centre of the property, leading into the expansive and sumptuous Grand Salon, with a balcony and two further grand reception rooms.

To each side are the wings leading to the accommodation upstairs. The kitchen is very large and fully equipped with tall windows overlooking the courtyard.

The magnificent staircase outside the kitchen outdates the property by c100 years and walking up it, one can understand why the architect chose to keep it as part of his design. It leads to 3 large, en-suite double bedrooms; there is also an attic of 50m2 that could easily be converted into 2 or 3 more bedrooms if desired.

On the opposite side of the building the first floor hosts 2 recently renovated en-suite double bedrooms in the stable wing. The landing has a library, and off this are another 2 very large, en-suite double bedrooms.

All of the rooms at the back of the property have glorious and far reaching views of the countryside surrounding the bastide

The bustling town of Bergerac in the Dordogne, with its international airport is 20 minutes away and the larger city of Bordeaux is less than a 2 hour drive.

FEATURES
TV Distribution
Caretaker House
Spring
Internet
Double Glazing

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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.