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French Chateau For Sale

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Living the dream of owning a large, spectacular and historic building in many countries can often be somewhat difficult to realise. Not so, France. Almost every department has its share of imposing tower-topped chateaux dominating the landscape, if no longer the people. From long-forgotten manorial houses to the very largest monastic and secular palaces, a French chateau offers a vision of mystique and romance that perhaps the more solidly defensive English castles cannot touch.

Why buy a French Chateau?

At present, large estates are offering superb value for money compared to other prestige property around the world. Boasting acres of land, lakes, outbuildings and their own capacious floor spaces, a French chateau gives one the opportunity and space to choose how to live and work. Taking the figure of 1 Million Euros as an example, a French chateau costing this will far outweigh, in real terms, the real estate offered by other luxury and prestige property of the same price. In many locations, you are paying for exactly that - location - and will no doubt be jostling with other similar properties for the best view. A French chateau offers the rare ability to look out from your window and survey no land but your own.

The rise in disposable income and the freedom to travel between countries ensures that there is strong interest in buying such property for a family home or a tourism business - perhaps for fishing, an equestrian school, hunting, outdoor sports, walking or wildlife watching. The fairytale bulk of a French chateau is also one of its main attractions, particularly for weddings or hotel accommodation. What bride would not wish to be married within an ancient chapel bathed by soft light streaming through its stained glass windows, then withdraw across the lawn to the main building with its ornate decoration a background to the big day and the sounds of history echoing from its walls?

Many such properties also have existing income from timber or wine production.

French chateau types

If you are looking to buy a French chateau, be it for pleasure or business, we have many beautiful properties to choose from with prices of approximately 300,000 EUR to over 20 Million EUR. These properties take many forms, from smaller Logis and manor houses to fortified farmsteads and enormous stately homes encompassing many hectares of land with woods, lakes, guest houses and outbuildings.

A chateau, because of its size and history, usually has over 1 hectare of land - usually this is much more, even with lower budget examples. While there is a limited supply of French chateaux that are up for sale at any given time, there is likely to be a great variety. You may wish to buy a large building with little land to make your money go further. Or you may wish to buy a smaller Logis-style property, but utilise the land for horses, hunting or wildlife. However, there are many examples of chateaux for sale on the market with a large floor space and several dozen hectares, but they are understandably more expensive but not overly so. 1 million EUR can easily buy you 500m2 of floor space on several levels plus 20 hectares of land.

Whether a chateau dates from the 10th or 20th century, it will have its own style and history of decoration. Some can be a mix of styles from different periods as fashion and the owner's availability of funds changed. Other examples of French chateaux appear not to have changed since they were built. Many were built in the early 19th century as France became more dominant and wealthy. There are similarities between properties in that you are likely to find original features such as stone fireplace, parquet flooring, mouldings and carvings dotted around the rooms.

Where to buy a French chateau for sale

You can buy a French chateau in all states of preservation; from windowless shells requiring total renovation, to those requiring part-decoration, to immaculate 19th century bourgeois stately homes, the amount you will need to spend will depend on how much work you are willing to undertake. Being large properties, renovations can be very costly and time-consuming but need not be outside the budget of most serious buyers if planned correctly. Typically, to arrive at a habitable building you will need to spend around a total of around 500,000 Euros, whether you opt to renovate or buy an already renovated example.

Obviously, the more you spend to begin with, the larger the chateau, outbuildings and land you will acquire. While not always true, like most things it is usually sound advice to spend more at the outset to buy a good example than spend money creating one. In other words, it is better to let the previous owner use their money and time!

Our portfolio includes a great selection of French chateaux for sale in many areas of France. The Loire valley and the nearby departments offer particularly good investment opportunities for the chateau property buyer and we have over 30 examples in the Indre-et-Loire, Loir et Cher, Indre, Maine et Loire and Seine et Marne alone. Other good 'populations' exist in the Parisian departments and the south east, south west and north east areas of France. The market is remarkably fluid below 1.5 Million euros, with highly desirable properties changing hands within weeks of being offered for sale. This compares favourably with other prestige markets with regards to 'on-market' times.

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.

IMPORTANT - Disclaimer :
All information provided is believed to be current and provided free of charge. No liability can be accepted for the reliability of the information and statements made as this is obtained from 3rd parties. We always recommend you take legal advice from a fully qualified Lawyer or Notary before buying a property overseas.

182 properties

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Character 50 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Saint Cere, Midi-Pyrenees

Ideally situated right in the heart of the Dordogne Valley, this historical former convent is ripe for development. Built entirely of the local light coloured stone, the convent offers approximat......

692,000 EURREF: 243886

Character 10 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Charroux, Poitou-Charentes

With a total of 10 bedrooms, this grand and inviting manor house/small chateau and charming renovated coach house, are ideally situated within walking distance to the popular village of Charroux, w......

392,200 EURREF: 240783

Furnished 5 bedroom Chateau for sale with panoramic view in Nontron, Aquitaine

Enchanting 5 bedroom fully restored and furnished 15th Century French Chateau, nestling in nearly 2 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens, enjoying panoramic countryside views from its ideal elevat......

630,000 EURREF: 241440

34 bedroom Chateau for sale, Jura, Franche-Comte

PRICE REDUCED - Only a 45 min drive from Geneva (90 km) or 10 mins by helicopter, circled by a mountain chain allowing the sun to shine over the property, an exceptional and historic chateau and it......

Enquire For PriceREF: 120200

Unique 10 bedroom Chateau for sale with panoramic view in Saint Pierre d'Albigny, Rhone-Alpes

Grand, historical and unique listed 11th Century French Chateau, which is classified by the historical monument association. This stunning fortress, which has a total living area of 600m2, is set ......

2,500,000 EURREF: 214629

Lovingly Maintained 7 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Tarn et Garonne, Midi-Pyrenees

Unique opportunity to acquire a wonderful collection of two houses, a studio and ruins of a Chateau with expansive pool, nestling in 7.3 hectares of glorious pasture and woodland while enjoying far......

550,000 EURREF: 242114

13 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Normandy, Normandy

Spectacular castle located west of Paris, in Normandy, only 100km from Paris by motorway A13. This outstanding property comprises a medieval-styled chateau with around 1,225m2 of living space over......

15,000,000 EURREF: 179629

14 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Normandy, Normandy

PRICE REDUCED - Historic chateau in Normandy Impressive chateau dating back to the 15th and 18th centuries (Historic Monument) in excellent condition: 6 reception rooms, 14 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms......

4,800,000 EURREF: 152269

Renovated 6 bedroom Castle for sale with countryside view in Bournoncle Saint Pierre, Auvergne

Beautifully renovated 6 bedroom historic Cluniac monastery with garden, separate guest house and outbuildings, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its location near all amenities in Bourno......

540,000 EURREF: 241640

30 bedroom Castle for sale, Dordogne, Aquitaine

Unique and superb French castle of the XIIe and XVe centuries, classified an historic monument. Surrounded by 198 hectares of grounds, it has been renovated carefully during the last 10 years and i......

21,000,000 EURREF: 239682

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

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......

612,000 EURREF: 244610

Historical 6 bedroom Castle for sale in Aubenas, Rhone-Alpes

Price reduced. Rare opportunity for the buyer of this property to become the chatelain of this Medieval fortified castle, built in the Thirteenth Century and newly renovated to offer modern comfort......

1,886,000 EURREF: 243728

In excellent condition throughout and full of authentic character and charm, this superb 7 bedroom chateau, which the current owners have contributed to creating a stunning home over the last 10 ye......

895,000 EURREF: 246184

Exceptionally restored 18th century Normandy Chateau with 3 gites, separate apartment and outbuildings, nestling in 11 hectares of beautiful gardens and land near all amenities in Etretat. Built b......

5,157,893 EURREF: 243232

Historical 4 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Chaulieu, Normandy

Enchanting 4 bedroom Chateau, which is quintessentially romanticism encapsulated, located in a quiet setting in the Chaulieu area of Normandy. With stone and oak architecture and artwork combined ......

950,000 EURREF: 245099

Historical 7 bedroom Castle for sale with countryside view in Chatellerault, Poitou-Charentes

A unique opportunity to acquire a marvellous 7 bedroom 14th and 15th century listed historic Castle and a separate chapel set in over 10 acres of beautiful land, enjoying scenic countryside views i......

757,264 EURREF: 224553

Historical 7 bedroom Castle for sale with panoramic view in Seillans, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

This charming and beautifully presented 7 bedroom Gallo-Roman Chateau, with its origins dating back to before the 4th Century, is situated on the upper level of the medieval village of Seillans and......

1,250,000 EURREF: 243723

Character 10 bedroom Castle for sale with countryside view in Coulommiers, Paris-Ile-de-France

Sumptuous 19th Century Chateau, which is set in a quiet setting within lovely woodlands of the Brie region between Paris and Coulommiers. Magnificently restored, renovated and modernised whilst re......

2,500,000 EURREF: 244772

Renovated 11 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Gillonnay, Rhone-Alpes

Nestling in 85.5 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens and glorious land, is this stylishly restored 11 bedroom 17th century French Chateau with outbuildings, enjoying far reaching countryside view......

Enquire For PriceREF: 239681

Historical Chateau for sale with panoramic view in Saint Just de Claix, Rhone-Alpes

On the borders of La Drome and L'Isere, this is a genuine Medieval castle in 15 acres in a dominant position with views of the beautiful landscapes of La Drome, renovated and offering an excelle......

1,380,000 EURREF: 243731

Totally refurbished and in immaculate condition throughout, this superb 10 bedroom Chateau is ideally located in a quiet and private setting just 10 minutes from the historical city of Limoges. Th......

1,680,000 EURREF: 241235

Elegant 10 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Champagne et Fontaine, Aquitaine

Originally built in the 17th then remodelled in the 19th Century, this stunning 10 bedroom chateau was renovated in 2015 to provide a number of modern amenities including gas-fired central heating.......

779,999 EURREF: 245095

Renovated 9 bedroom Castle for sale with panoramic view and countryside view views in Berenx, Aquitaine

Nestling in nearly 10 acres of glorious land with beautiful gardens, swimming pool, tennis court and woods, is this charming 4 storey, 9 bedroom French chateau enjoying far reaching countryside vie......

790,000 EURREF: 244700

Historical 4 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Draguignan, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Unique 3 storey, 4 bedroom bright and spacious 19th Century South facing French Chateau with beautiful landscaped garden, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location in Dragu......

869,000 EURREF: 232361

Character 8 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Saint Jean d'Angely, Poitou-Charentes

Delightful 8 bedroom chateau, nicely positioned on the edge of a small village near the pretty market town of St Jean d'Angely. This extremely attractive south-facing property sits in over 3 acres......

796,000 EURREF: 244746

Renovated 12 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Occitanie, Midi-Pyrenees

Nestling in 1.9 hectares of glorious land is this beautifully renovated 12 bedroom French Chateau with charming 19th century Chapel, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful locati......

1,700,000 EURREF: 239255

7 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view with Income Potential in Confolens, Poitou-Charentes

Nestling in nearly 11 acres of glorious land with a lake, is this beautifully restored 15th century French Chateau with separate 3 bedroom gite, barn and stables, enjoying far reaching countryside......

985,000 EURREF: 244636

7 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Jonzac, Poitou-Charentes

Enchanting 6 bedroom French chateau with guest house, approached via stone pillars and iron gates along a tree lined drive, full of charm and character and within easy reach of the thriving spa to......

689,000 EURREF: 243254

Historical 9 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Bethune, Nord-Pas-de-Calais

Grand and historical 9 bedroom chateau, situated in quiet setting in Bethune: GROUND FLOOR: 253m2. MAGNIFICENT BANQUETING HALL 100m2 beautifully decorated to the very highest standard with faux e......

2,000,000 EURREF: 241774

5 bedroom Manor House for sale with lake or river view with Income Potential in Prayssac, Midi-Pyrenees

Unique opportunity to acquire a wonderful 3 storey, 5 bedroom manor house with separate 2 bedroom cottage, nestling in over 9 acres of glorious land with pool, tennis court and vineyard situated on......

1,497,600 EURREF: 244922

Character 7 bedroom Chateau for sale in Sarlat la Caneda, Aquitaine

Full of authentic character and charm and with a beautifully presented living area of 222m2, this superb 7 bedroom stone built house is really a jewel situated right in the middle of the golden tri......

691,500 EURREF: 240754

Income Potential 10 bedroom Castle for sale in Limoges, Limousin

Beautifully and luxuriously renovated 4 storey, 10 bedroom chateau nestling in over 5.5 acres of glorious landscaped gardens with expansive pool, tennis court and Jacuzzi, enjoying wonderful countr......

1,680,000 EURREF: 243118

Beautifully renovated 3 storey, 5 bedroom spacious house with separate cottage nestling in half an acre of glorious landscaped gardens, while enjoying panoramic views from its elevated location in ......

493,500 EURREF: 245963

7 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view with Income Potential in Val d'Oire et Gartempe, Limousin

Newly renovated French chateau, full of charm and character, set in 14 acres of land and providing spacious and versatile living spaces, including a three-bedroom guest house. The interior of the......

490,000 EURREF: 245698

Historical 15 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Loches, Centre

Rare Sixteenth Century Chateau with exceptional historical character, superb condition and full of preserved features, in a beautiful location with panoramic countryside views, set in over 56 a......

1,680,000 EURREF: 242603

Historical 7 bedroom Chateau for sale in Le Blanc, Centre

Stunning 7 bedroom, fairy-tale 12 Century chateau, with stunning countryside views and in an idyllic and quiet river setting in Le Blanc. Steeped in history and in a secluded and peaceful area, th......

1,360,000 EURREF: 238061

In the heart of the village, this impressive Twelfth Century chateau proudly dominates and overlooks the fabulous Vercors Natural Park and surrounding area. The feudal property has preserved its c......

610,000 EURREF: 246117

Historical 9 bedroom Chateau for sale with sea view in Le Broc, Cote d

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Why buy a French Chateau?

French chateau types

Where to buy a French chateau for sale

1. Signing the Agreement (Compris)

2. Paying the Deposit

3. On Completion

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