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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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14 bedroom Chateau for sale with Income Potential in Saumur, Pays-de-la-Loire

Rare Nineteenth century property full of character and charm set in over 2 acres, located within easy walking distance of all shops and amenities in the heart of Saumur, within easy reach by car of......

1,050,000 EURREF: 242659

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

Charming, superb and beautifully presented 19th Century Manor House with a total vast living area of 600m2 which includes 10 bedrooms, many original features, a lovely courtyard, caretakers house, ......

1,095,000 EURREF: 204933

Authentic 7 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Cahuzac, Languedoc-Roussillon

Fabulous and beautifully presented historic property built on the remains of a medieval chateau and offering excellent income generating possibilities such as a venue for weddings, musical soirees ......

1,100,000 EURREF: 225953

9 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside and panoramic views in Sainte Foy la Grande, Aquitaine

Situated in a quiet and private setting, this superb stone built farmhouse with an adjoining barn conversion, offering a total of 9 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, plus a large heated swimming pool and 3......

1,150,000 EURREF: 235614

Refurbished 9 bedroom Chateau for sale with panoramic view in Monestier, Aquitaine

Beautifully and tastefully refurbished 9 bedroom stone built property, with a total spacious living area of 500m2, set within a mature landscaped plot of 3,303m2 with a swimming pool and stunning c......

1,150,000 EURREF: 240904

Authentic 8 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Monflanquin, Aquitaine

Unique opportunity to acquire a stunning 4 bedroom 18th century stone French Chateau with separate 4 bedroom house and outbuildings, nestling in 18 hectares of glorious land with private airstrip, ......

1,158,000 EURREF: 238107

Beautiful 15 bedroom Chateau for sale in Ariege, Midi-Pyrenees

Beautiful 16th century French Chateau with Gites and private lake, nestling in 7.5 hectares of glorious land while enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location near all amenit......

1,180,000 EURREF: 228292

Historical 18 bedroom Chateau for sale in Jonzac, Poitou-Charentes

Set within mature landscaped gardens of 7,542m2 with a swimming pool and with a vast total living area of 1,299m2, this impressive 15th Century chateau is steeped in history and is officially a "mo......

1,197,000 EURREF: 237531

Tastefully renovated 8 bedroom manor house with a separate cottage, set in 6.5 acres of land in a riverside setting and currently run as an exclusive boutique-style holiday location with conferenc......

1,244,900 EURREF: 247805

Full of character and charm, this wonderful estate is set on 2.6 hectares of land on the banks of the river Dronne and is just an hour from Bordeaux and Bergerac. Featuring 8 bedrooms and a careta......

1,245,000 EURREF: 246376

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

Lovingly Maintained 11 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Mirepoix, Midi-Pyrenees

Nestling in over 9.5 acres of glorious land with outbuildings, gardens and pool, is this beautiful 3 storey, 11 bedroom fully renovated authentic chateau, enjoying far reaching countryside views fr......

1,250,000 EURREF: 239785

Historical 13 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Castelnaudary, Languedoc-Roussillon

Nestling in over 14 acres of beautiful land is this magnificent South facing 16th century Chateau with expansive pool, 3 gites, and outbuildings, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its lo......

1,250,000 EURREF: 226235

Authentic 25 bedroom Castle for sale with countryside view in Chinon, Centre

Unique opportunity to acquire an outstanding real estate complex of 3 buildings, surrounded by nearly 7 acres of glorious landscaped gardens with expansive pool, ideally located in a peaceful area ......

1,260,000 EURREF: 237270

Grand 8 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Coulaures, Aquitaine

A prestige property for those seeking historical authenticity, free of heavy exterior renovation and faithfully planned traditional interior improvements without the necessity of undoing many recen......

1,260,000 EURREF: 244885

Historical 8 bedroom Manor House for sale in Villeneuve sur Lot, Aquitaine

Exquisite 3 storey, 8 bedroom Maison Bourgeoise nestling in 14.5 acres of glorious land with stables and cottage, enjoying wonderful views across the river from its peaceful location near all ameni......

1,263,500 EURREF: 241145

Situated in a quiet area just 35 minutes from Angouleme and nestled in an exceptional setting, this magnificent 7 bedroom, 16th, 17th and 18th Century chateau has been beautifully and tastefully re......

1,272,000 EURREF: 246889

Superbly maintained throughout, this superb private estate is ideally situated right in the heart of the Dordogne countryside. This delightful residence, which was built in around 1850, is set in ......

1,272,000 EURREF: 247020

A beautifully renovated medieval chateau in the West Deux Sevres region, full of charm and character, set in about 23 acres of private parkland, close to a village with shops and a bakery. Built......

1,278,000 EURREF: 247863

Beautiful 7 bedroom Chateau, which is ideally situated in a quiet setting between Parthenay (15 minutes) and Poitiers (35 minutes) and close to a village with shops. With its origins dating from ......

1,278,000 EURREF: 248267

Income Producing 8 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Excideuil, Aquitaine

Charming Nineteenth Century French chateau, sympathetically renovated, with swimming pool and set in 2 acres of land. Previously owned by the same family for over 150 years, the property is loca......

1,498,100 EURREF: 245237

Refurbished 5 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Monbazillac, Aquitaine

Full of character and charm, this magnificent 5 bedroom Chateau, with a total spacious living area of 342m2, is ideally situated in a quiet setting, yet just a few steps from the charming village ......

1,300,000 EURREF: 241566

Historical 8 bedroom Chateau for sale with panoramic view in Jazeneuil, Poitou-Charentes

Grand and spacious 8 bedroom chateau located in a quiet setting in Jazeneuil, set within a large plot of 95,539m2. Accessed via elegant iron electric gates into the beautifully maintained estate, ......

1,350,000 EURREF: 238560

Elegant 10 bedroom 19th Century chateau, which is approached through impressive entrance gates and a tree-lined avenue, is ideally situated just 2km from an historic Gallo Roman village with a popu......

1,350,000 EURREF: 248261

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

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

Renovated 13 bedroom Chateau for sale in Chinon, Centre

Charming French manoire in the Loire Valley, close to its famous chateaux, in very good condition and tastefully restored, with excellent potential for further development and income generation, s......

1,495,000 EURREF: 242597

Superb and beautifully renovated French chateau, close to Le Blanc, set in the beautiful Parc naturel regional de la Brenne. This beautiful property, tastefully renovated in 2007, consists of a m......

1,395,000 EURREF: 247806

Grand 7 bedroom Chateau for sale in Sauveterre de Guyenne, Aquitaine

Delightful and beautifully presented small chateau featuring the style and proportions redolent of the Napoleonic architecture of early Nineteenth Century France. The property benefits from thre......

1,400,000 EURREF: 245374

Character 8 bedroom Manor House for sale in Mirepoix, Midi-Pyrenees

Situated in Mirepoix, which is in the heart of the South of France, this heritage luxury legacy estate stands as a testament to timeless elegance and refined living. Embrace the grandeur of the p......

1,400,000 EURREF: 244773

Character 11 bedroom Manor House for sale in Bergerac, Aquitaine

Accessed view a gravel driveway, this superb property is made up of 2 buildings, which feature a 3 bedroom family house, 5 independent guest rooms, a 1 bedroom cottage and a 2 bedroom cottage, with......

1,420,500 EURREF: 244359

Absolutely exquisite 5 bedroom historical Chateau with outbuildings, nestling in over 18 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens, meadows and woodland, enjoying far reaching countryside views from it......

1,450,000 EURREF: 247435

8 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Chateau du Loir, Pays-de-la-Loire

Exceptional equestrian estate of 3 charming properties nestling in 42 acres of glorious land with mature gardens, Studio and outbuildings, while enjoying scenic countryside views from its peaceful ......

1,490,000 EURREF: 242342

Character 14 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Breteuil sur Iton, Normandy

Full of character and charm and with a total of 14 bedrooms and bathrooms, this magnificent estate includes a 17th Century Chateau and is ideally situated in a quiet setting in Breteuil sur Iton, a......

1,490,000 EURREF: 245699

Character 10 bedroom Manor House for sale with countryside view in Narbonne, Languedoc-Roussillon

Totally refurbished 10 bedroom stone built manor house, situated in a quiet setting in Narbonne. This prestigious 19th Century property has a spacious living area of 542m2, which is in perfect con......

1,495,000 EURREF: 244434

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

Impressive 9 bedroom chateau near Hautefort with origins dating back to the Seventeenth Century, set in 4.5 acres with panoramic countryside views. The spacious 905m2 property has been the subject......

1,500,000 EURREF: 245919

20 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in La Vieille Lyre, Normandy

18th Century chateau located in Burgundy, at the edge of a village in a charming valley. This 18th & 19th Century French Chateau has a living area of around 1,700m2, set out over (4 levels) which......

1,500,000 EURREF: 183982

Refurbished 5 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Loches, Centre

Beautifully refurbished 5 bedroom, 19th Century French Chateau with outbuildings, nestling in 75.5 acres of glorious land with gardens, pool, woodland and lake, enjoying far reaching countryside vi......

1,627,500 EURREF: 245056

Historical 8 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Coulaures, Aquitaine

Enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location near Coulaures, is this impressive 8 bedroom historical French Chateau with substantial outbuildings and equestrian facilities, ne......

1,575,000 EURREF: 237895

Renovated 7 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Mauvezin, Midi-Pyrenees

Exceptional 13th century 4 bedroom French Chateau with separate 3 bedroom cottage, expansive pool and lake, set in 11.5 acres of glorious land in a peaceful location near Mauvezin. It is in excel......

1,590,000 EURREF: 230529

Historical 8 bedroom Castle for sale with panoramic view in Carcassonne, Languedoc-Roussillon

A unique and newly renovated Medieval property, offering a piece of history with modern comforts in a beautiful village setting. Dating back to the 12th Century, this historic 8 bedroom property......

1,595,000 EURREF: 219450

Stylish 11 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Carcassonne, Languedoc-Roussillon

Full of character and charm, this spacious and historic 11th century chateau is ideally situated within a quiet setting on a 1.2 hectare park with a swimming pool and garage, just a short drive fro......

1,650,000 EURREF: 235417

Historical 8 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Perigueux, Aquitaine

Immaculately maintained Chateau estate, which is ideally situated in a quiet countryside setting, yet only 20km from Perigueux and just an hour from Bergerac, with its international airport. This ......

1,657,900 EURREF: 239825

Belle Epoque 11 bedroom Chateau for sale in Carcassonne, Languedoc-Roussillon

Fabulous Belle Epoque with 11 bedrooms in a great location close to the Canal du Midi, vineyards and situated in the beautiful historic Languedoc region. This spacious 455m2 property combines a t......

1,660,000 EURREF: 243258

Furnished 9 bedroom Castle for sale with countryside view in Duravel, Midi-Pyrenees

Nestling in nearly 10 acres of glorious landscaped gardens with trees and ponds, is this magnificent fully furnished 9 bedroom stone house with pool Jacuzzi, separate apartment and outbuildings, lo......

1,664,000 EURREF: 231479

Wonderful opportunity to acquire an outstanding, beautifully restored 9 bedroom, 18th century neo-classical French Chateau with outbuildings, nestling in over 22 acres of glorious land with mature......

1,670,212 EURREF: 245799

Income Potential 10 bedroom Castle for sale in Limoges, Limousin

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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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