Prestige Property Group

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.

51 properties

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Beautifully restored 11 bedroom historical French Chateau, nestling in 7 hectares of glorious land with gardens and indoor pool, while enjoying scenic countryside views from its peaceful location n......

999,000 EURREF: 245995

Income Producing 15 bedroom Manor House for sale with countryside view in Trentels, Aquitaine

Fabulous domaine which has been tastefully renovated to provide a wonderful lifestyle and business opportunity in a beautiful rural setting. This generous property includes 3 gites, each with the......

990,000 EURREF: 240926

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

Income Producing 13 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in La Mastre, Rhone-Alpes

Excellent lifestyle and income opportunity with this impressive French chateau in the heart of the Ardeche region of France, set in over 4 acres with outbuildings, gites and swimming pool. The ......

980,000 EURREF: 241592

Beautiful and unique 7 bedroom manor house, which is ideally located in the very popular Dordogne town of Eymet and just a 25 minute drive from Bergerac Airport. Set in private gardens of 1,945m2......

975,000 EURREF: 247975

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 8 bedroom Castle for sale with countryside view in Bergerac, Aquitaine

Rare opportunity to acquire an exquisite 8 bedroom historic property enjoying uninterrupted countryside views from its ideal location near all amenities in Bergerac. This superb property situated ......

950,000 EURREF: 240660

Superb, grand and spacious 4 bedroom Chateau, which is ideally situated in a quiet setting in Chateauneuf La Foret, right in the middle of the countryside of Briance Combade and on the edge of the ......

945,000 EURREF: 245907

Full of charm and character is this wonderful 11 bedroom historical French Chateau nestling in over 6 acres of glorious land with woods, beautiful gardens and pools, outbuildings and gites, enjoyin......

945,000 EURREF: 246519

Exclusive 15 bedroom country chateau, which boasts superb original features throughout, situated in a quiet setting in Saint Georges sur Loire, close to Angers and the banks of the River Loire. Fu......

945,000 EURREF: 246737

Grand 7 bedroom Chateau for sale in Villeloin Coulange, Centre

Attractive chateau set in almost an acre of land with traditional features and set in a most desirable setting in the Loire area. The Chateau comprises: • Ground Floor. Generally tiled or oak fl......

935,000 EURREF: 244907

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

Authentic 5 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Caussade, Midi-Pyrenees

Exquisite 5 bedroom historical French Chateau, nestling in nearly 2 hectares of glorious landscaped gardens with pool and outbuildings, enjoying uninterrupted countryside views from its peaceful lo......

895,000 EURREF: 245663

Charming and elegant chateau in a dominant position with panoramic views to the Pyrenees, less than an hour from the coast, and offering modern comfort in a beautiful and nicely renovated settin......

890,000 EURREF: 247980

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

Lovingly Maintained 3 bedroom Castle for sale with countryside view in Marmande, Aquitaine

Nestling in 12.5 acres of glorious land with equestrian facilities, is this magnificent 3 bedroom, 18th century property, enjoying countryside views from its peaceful location near all amenities in......

850,500 EURREF: 240659

Grand and spacious, this magnificent 9 bedroom 19th Century chateau, which is ideally situated right in the heart of the Grande Champagne region, near Jarnac (8 minutes) and Cognac (15 minutes), in......

848,000 EURREF: 246373

Full of character and charm and beautifully presented, this bright and spacious 6 bedroom manor house is located right in the historic centre of Mortagne au Perche, which has a vibrant Saturday mar......

840,000 EURREF: 246599

Character 8 bedroom Chateau for sale with panoramic view and countryside view views in Duras, Aquitaine

Peacefully located amongst vineyards and yet only a few minutes drive from the popular town of Duras with a weekly market, shops and bar/restaurants, this beautifully refurbished 8 bedroom stone bu......

825,000 EURREF: 244613

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

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 ba......

820,000 EURREF: 242940

Authentic 7 bedroom Manor House for sale with countryside view in Lalbenque, Cahors, Midi-Pyrenees

Beautifully renovated 7 bedroom enchanting 'Maison de Maitre' set in glorious landscaped gardens with pool and equestrian outbuildings, while enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peacef......

799,000 EURREF: 244544

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

Full of character and charm and beautifully presented, this superb 10 bedroom 18th Century manor house is located in Milhac de Nontron, just 20 minutes from Nontron and Brantome, right in the heart......

795,000 EURREF: 246331

Magnificent and beautifully presented 7 bedroom manor house, which is accessed via a majestic entrance gate that opens onto a beautiful courtyard adorned with an authentic dovecote and 400m2 of out......

795,000 EURREF: 246332

Full of character and charm, this delightful 8 bedroom Chateau, with a spacious living area of 468m2, is ideally located in a tiny hilltop hamlet close to a charming rural village in the beautiful ......

790,000 EURREF: 247744

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

Refurbished 9 bedroom Manor House for sale in Civray, Poitou-Charentes

Beautifully and sympathetically renovated 9 bedroom stone built manor house, with a vast total living area of 850m2, set within a mature riverside plot of 2,130m2 with an above ground swimming pool......

787,500 EURREF: 238426

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

Grand 6 bedroom Manor House for sale in Angouleme, Poitou-Charentes

Superb, fully renovated Manor house with 6 en suite bedrooms, swimming pool, tennis court and set in almost 2 acres of land. Entered via large gates and gravelled driveway there is ample parkin......

775,000 EURREF: 244882

Renovated 5 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Gaillac, Midi-Pyrenees

Full of charm and character is this beautifully renovated 3 storey, 4 bedroom house with separate one bedroom guest house, nestling in nearly 3.5 acres of glorious landscaped gardens with pool whil......

761,000 EURREF: 236348

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

In immaculate condition throughout, this beautifully restored 11 bedroom 13th Century priory, is set right in the heart of a sleepy rural village in the Deux Sevres. Ideally situated in a triangl......

741,470 EURREF: 247637

Character 6 bedroom Chateau for sale in Montaigu de Quercy, Midi-Pyrenees

Charming character property with pool and set in over 6 acres in a village setting located 30 minutes from Agen, and 23 minutes from Montagu de Quercy. The lovely stone property features a ma......

740,000 EURREF: 241584

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 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

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

Renovated 5 bedroom Manor House for sale in Nontron, Aquitaine

Highly desirable historic property with swimming pool and Medieval origins set in a tiny hamlet in the Dordogne Perigord National Park. The oldest part of the chateau, dating from the 13th centur......

636,000 EURREF: 243527

Stylish 5 bedroom Manor House for sale with countryside view in Beauville, Aquitaine

Charming and totally refurbished 5 bedroom manor house, with a total spacious and beautifully presented living area of around 350m2, set within a mature plot of 204,983m2 with a swimming pool and v......

636,000 EURREF: 230690

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

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

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

Superbly renovated and tastefully decorated, this superb 5 bedroom manor house is ideally set within an extremely quiet and peaceful position close to Saint Thomas de Conac. With comfortable and f......

598,900 EURREF: 247081

Exclusive 5 bedroom Manor House for sale with countryside view in Saint Thomas de Conac, Poitou-Charentes

This stunning and beautifully presented stone built Maison de Maitre, which is located in a quiet setting in Saint Thomas de Conac, is set in over 2 hectares of gardens and grounds, which includes ......

598,900 EURREF: 244237

Income Producing 7 bedroom Manor House for sale with panoramic view in Vieillevie, Auvergne

A spacious country house full of character features, income potential plus a swimming pool, in a sunny position that offers sweeping views of the mountains and valley with the river just below. T......

550,000 EURREF: 243497

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

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

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

Character French property with panoramic countryside views and development potential close to Engayrac in the Lot et Garonne department . This 17th-century building is sure to appeal to heritage......

477,000 EURREF: 247850

Impressive 9 bedroom manor house, situated in a quiet setting by the river Thouet. In need of renovating, yet currently habitable, this fantastic project is situated just 30 minutes from beautifu......

448,000 EURREF: 248151

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French Chateau For Sale

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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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