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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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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

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a beautiful historical French Chateau with outbuildings and extra accommodation, nestling in 73.5 acres of glorious land with beautiful gardens, swimming pool and l......

1,690,000 EURREF: 247446

Fabulous French character property, newly renovated to offer modern comfort in a beautiful setting in the Tarn et Garonne region. Set in over 20 acres of magnificent parkland with two-hundred-yea......

1,699,500 EURREF: 247756

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

Renovated 14 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Lauzun, Aquitaine

A beautifully proportioned and historic chateau, set in grounds of over 13 acres with gites and in a pretty rural location in the area of Lauzun in the Lot et Garonne department. The bright and......

1,700,000 EURREF: 219411

Historical 32 bedroom Manor House for sale with countryside view in Beziers, Languedoc-Roussillon

Grand, spacious and unique 19th Century manor house, with a vast total living area of around 1,400m2, currently split into 11 apartments including a unique dwelling of 400m2 and another house, set ......

1,740,000 EURREF: 224952

Nestling in 18.5 acres of glorious land is this wonderful 5 bedroom French Chateau with outbuilding and Pigeonier, enjoying far reaching panoramic views from its elevated location near Nerac. The......

1,740,000 EURREF: 245915

Built around 1750, this spacious and beautifully presented 11 bedroom property presents an excellent opportunity for an elegant home or hospitality project in one of France's most popular regions. ......

1,750,000 EURREF: 248093

Enchanting French chateau, full of character and history with spacious accommodation, a chapel and over 9 acres of mature landscaped grounds. At the heart of this pre-Napoleonic ensemble of buil......

1,768,000 EURREF: 247042

Character 7 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Montcuq, Midi-Pyrenees

Beautifully restored stone built Chateau, ideally situated in a quiet setting on the edge of the medieval village of Montcuq, with all amenities close at hand. Superbly renovated to a very high s......

1,774,000 EURREF: 231431

Renovated 10 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Saussignac, Aquitaine

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a beautifully renovated historical 7 bedroom French Chateau with separate 3 bedroom guest house, surrounded by over 72 acres of glorious land with equestrian facil......

1,799,950 EURREF: 237749

Refurbished 20 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Montpellier, Languedoc-Roussillon

Grand, spacious and completely restored 20 bedroom 19th Century chateau, ideally situated in an exclusive area of Montpellier. With a vast total living area of 1,250m2, features include large ele......

1,799,990 EURREF: 235403

Full of authentic character and beautifully presented throughout, this impressive 23 bedroom chateau is ideally located in idyllic countryside setting, north of Angers, in a quiet and peaceful yet ......

1,800,000 EURREF: 246266

Full of character and charm, this striking property is ideally situated in a quiet countryside setting, yet just 10 minutes from Libourne. Completely renovated with care and good taste, this super......

1,800,000 EURREF: 248062

Income Producing 7 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Bordeaux, Aquitaine

Rare opportunity to acquire a beautifully renovated 4 bedroom historical French Chateau with separate guest houses, nestling in 12 acres of glorious land with gardens, orchard and vineyard, enjoyin......

1,850,000 EURREF: 245164

Immaculate 12 bedroom Farm Estate for sale with countryside view in Azay le Rideau, Centre

Stunning estate located in the Loire Valley, which comprises of 2 newly renovated houses, swimming pool, tennis and 109 hectares of land. Main house (south facing reception rooms) - 572m2: Entranc......

1,880,000 EURREF: 244437

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

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

Beautiful Medieval chateau in Gascony, full of character and charm, set in over 17 acres including landscaped gardens with lovely views, on the edge of a pretty village with amenities. The stone ......

1,890,000 EURREF: 236578

Grand 6 bedroom Castle for sale with panoramic view in Perpignan, Languedoc-Roussillon

Intriguing income- generating XVIIth century property providing outstanding views over the Mediterranean and mountains. It comprises a main manor house of around 550m2 of living space with 6 main......

1,900,000 EURREF: 221641

An impressive, Bourgeois-style property, with its stream, parkland, swimming pool and renovated stone buildings, surrounded by fields and meadows and on the edge of a delighful Aveyronnais village.......

1,950,000 EURREF: 247534

Historical 7 bedroom Castle for sale with countryside view in Uzes, Languedoc-Roussillon

Spacious, 7 bedroom, fortified 13th Century listed historic castle, which has been partially renovated, set within a large park of 7,795m2 with a swimming pool, ideally located right in the heart o......

1,970,000 EURREF: 216472

Historical 16 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Neons sur Creuse, Centre

Rare opportunity to acquire an exceptional 15th century French Chateau with 3 gites, stables and outbuildings, nestling in nearly 21 acres of glorious landscaped gardens with expansive pool and Jac......

1,990,000 EURREF: 235423

Renovated 2 bedroom Chateau for sale in Poitiers, Poitou-Charentes

Superb and historical Sixteenth Century Renaissance Chateau (ISMH Listed), exquisitely restored by its present owners using specialist artisans from across the region to faithfully retain the beaut......

1,995,000 EURREF: 243523

Stunning 9 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Bergerac, Aquitaine

Immaculately presented and full of authentic character and charm, this superb 9 bedroom stone built Chartreuse property, with its origins dating back to the 16th Century with additions in the 17th ......

1,999,000 EURREF: 237691

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

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

Charming and sympathetically restored character property set in over 11 acres of beautiful Gers countryside, built in the typical white stone of the region, and totally restored in 2007- 2008. On......

2,100,000 EURREF: 235506

Unique opportunity to acquire a beautiful and tastefully renovated 4 storey, Italianate style Chateau with large gite near Carcassone, set in almost 25 acres of glorious land with mature gardens, e......

2,128,000 EURREF: 248367

Historical 19 bedroom Manor House for sale in Toulouse, Midi-Pyrenees

Magnificent and completely refurbished 19 bedroom historical property, with its origins dating from the 11th Century, with a vast total living area of around 1,800m2, which features 5 elegant and s......

2,150,000 EURREF: 238087

Character 12 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Beauville, Aquitaine

Grand, spacious and beautifully presented 12 bedroom Medieval chateau, which is ideally situated within a quiet setting on the hills of Beauville, set on a large 47,700m2 with stunning far reaching......

2,200,000 EURREF: 237338

11 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside and panoramic views in Monflanquin, Aquitaine

Outstanding Fifteenth Century French Chateau set in over 20 acres in a beautiful hillside situation nestled in green surroundings with panoramic views over the countryside. Currently run as a b......

2,200,000 EURREF: 240617

Simply superb XVIth Century Chateau, set in an estate of over 20 acres in beautiful, peaceful countryside in the Lot-et-Garonne. For more than 400 years, this historic chateau was the impressive ......

2,200,000 EURREF: 247077

Historical 11 bedroom Manor House for sale with countryside view in Montauban, Midi-Pyrenees

An outstanding country estate with an impressive Tuscan-style manoire at its heart dating back to the Sixteenth Century, set in over 60 acres in a beautiful rural location in South Western France. ......

2,250,000 EURREF: 240610

11 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Montastruc la Conseillere, Midi-Pyrenees

This superb estate, complete with stunning chateau and outbuildings, is located close to Montastruc la Conseillere in a strategic location only 15 minutes from the airport, and from the important c......

2,300,000 EURREF: 207083

11 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view with Income Potential in Arnac Pompadour, Limousin

Absolutely beautiful 3 storey, 11 bedroom stone French Chateau with separate cottage, nestling in over 7 acres of glorious landscaped gardens with expansive pool while enjoying wonderful countrysid......

2,625,000 EURREF: 243463

Fabulous and newly restored Sixteenth Century manoire, beautifully located in the heart of the rolling French countryside, set in 24 acres with a 7 bedroom 'Maison de Maitre' at its heart and 7 bea......

2,385,000 EURREF: 247853

Authentic 6 bedroom Chateau for sale with panoramic view in Saint Emilion, Aquitaine

Nestling in 5 hectares of glorious land with beautiful gardens, pool and outbuildings, is this exceptional 6 bedroom French Chateau enjoying panoramic views from its peaceful location near all amen......

2,395,000 EURREF: 243772

Magnificent 11 bedroom 19th Century Chateau, which is ideally located in the immediate vicinity of Cognac, within an exceptional setting with panoramic views over the Charente valley. Thoroughly ......

2,438,000 EURREF: 247951

Refurbished 9 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Occitanie, Tarn, Midi-Pyrenees

PRICE REDUCED - Immaculately presented and luxurious French Chateau, located in the Tarn, with its origins dating from 1840 and originally built as a hunting pavilion, ideally nestled in the midst......

2,450,000 EURREF: 219634

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

Renovated 10 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Occitanie, Toulouse, Midi-Pyrenees

Outstanding and beautifully renovated 10 bedroom historical Chateau with pool, stable block, and separate house, nestling in 16.5 acres of glorious landscaped gardens with 1,000m2 lake, located in......

2,500,000 EURREF: 228293

Historical 10 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Domjean, Normandy

Surrounded by nearly 6 acres of glorious land with pond, dovecot, outbuildings and tennis court, is this outstanding 3 storey, 10 bedroom historical French Chateau with separate 2 bedroom guest hou......

2,500,000 EURREF: 241705

Historical 11 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Nogaro, Midi-Pyrenees

The chateau briefly comprises, over 2 floors : eleven bedrooms eleven bathrooms and reception rooms, kitchen, utility, additional storage space, all rooms fitted with double glazing. The annexe c......

2,900,000 EURREF: 241724

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

Character 12 bedroom French Chateau for sale in Madiran, Gers, Midi-Pyrenees

Situated in a quiet setting in Madiran, right in the heart of the Gers area and surrounded by vineyards, this superb Gascon property offers an enchanting setting just 5 minutes from all amenities a......

2,900,000 EURREF: 242901

Magnificent 9 bedroom Renaissance Chateau, which was extensively and sympathetically renovated in the early 20th Century in keeping with the original architecture. Situated in a quiet setting, yet......

2,500,000 EURREF: 247680

Historical 19 bedroom Castle for sale in Carcassonne, Languedoc-Roussillon

Step through the gates of this iconic 10th Century Benedictine monastery straight into the pages of a fairy tale. This thousand year old property is totally secluded, surrounded by equally ancien......

2,600,000 EURREF: 244099

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

14 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Le Mans, Pays-de-la-Loire

A property at this price point is being marketed with discretion. Please contact us for details.

2,640,000 EURREF: 240977

Magnificent 16th Century stone built property, with a bright and spacious living area of over 500m2, plus various annexes. This superb property has been entirely renovated using prestigious noble......

2,750,000 EURREF: 248127

Renovated 11 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Casteljaloux, Aquitaine

Unique opportunity to acquire a beautifully renovated historical French Chateau with separate apartment and Chapel, surrounded by 56 acres of glorious land and gardens with pool, while enjoying far......

2,760,000 EURREF: 242116

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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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