Historical 9 bedroom Castle for sale with panoramic view in Airvault, Poitou-Charentes

820,000 EUR 705,200 GBP 885,600 USD

Reference: 242940

Bedrooms: 9
Bathrooms: 8
Floor Size: 442 m2
Plot Size: 0.47 hectares / 1.16 acres

Features

Terrace
Fireplace
Outbuildings
Potential for Income
Panoramic View
Good Condition

Details

Fabulous and historic "chateau-fort" dating back in parts to the 11th Century, beautifully renovated and in turn-key condition, with income options such as guest accommodation, a restaurant and bar, and even a well-being studio, set in a lovely Medieval village, the birthplace of Voltaire.

This stone castle has hosted nobility and royalty throughout the ages and is today presented in excellent condition, a UDAP (Architects de Batiments de France) approved renovation and historic monument; a luxury home on the brow of medieval Airvault, birth town of Voltaire with abbey and famous Roman market.

Within the 4 towering walls lie three buildings dating back to the 14th and 15th Century.
The main residential building has spacious accommodation over 3 floors with a 84 m2 grand salon (dining-living room) with walk-in fireplace, beams, stained glass windows, tiled floor and underfloor heating.
A fully fitted kitchen, WC and private terrace lie adjacent.

An impressive staircase gives access to the above bedrooms. There are two master bedrooms with bathrooms, vast stone fireplaces, and one adjoining dressing room.

The top floor (attic) 65 m2 has been converted into a bright and spacious living room with adjoining bedroom.

On the ground floor is the main entrance and utility areas; office, storage and linen room, shower room with WC and spiral stairs to grand salon.
The adjacent Guards' House has guest accommodation over two floors with 5 character bedrooms, all with shower rooms, one with extra bedroom.

There is a small museum with artifacts found within chateau grounds and which retains its original stone floor, large fireplace and beams.

The old stables are today a 30 seat restaurant with bar, front and rear kitchens, utility area, storage and WC.
An outside terrace runs the length of the old stables, 100 m2.
Above the restaurant is a well-being studio for massage and beauty treatments.

Also within the chateau grounds is the old prison and a gorgeous underground chapel.
The chateau is situated only steps from the town square.

Nearby towns include charming St Loup, Parthenay, Bressuire and Thouars and chateau Orion with international art exhibitions.

The area is rural, lush, and benefits from a micro-climate with long summers and short winters.
The coast, Loire valley and airports are within 90 minutes of the chateau.

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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.