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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.

153 properties

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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......

1,270,500 EURREF: 245056

Beautiful 12th-century farmhouse-manoire located in Normandy in the Orne department, 20 minutes south of Argentan. Set in almost 2 acres, this manor can offer an ideal living environment for a f......

640,000 EURREF: 252584

Beautifully renovated 3 storey, 10 bedroom historical Chateau with separate apartment, nestling in 27 hectares of glorious land with gardens, lake and outbuildings, while enjoying far reaching coun......

1,375,000 EURREF: 251310

Beautifully preserved 22 bedroom chateau/manor house with various old farm buildings, nestling in nearly 8 acres of glorious land, while enjoying far reaching 360 degree countryside views from its ......

2,390,000 EURREF: 251792

Charming 12 bedroom 16th Century Chateau, set within a large park of 5.7 hectares, with 3 separate dwellings and various outbuildings. With large and bright rooms with high ceilings, this historic......

1,250,000 EURREF: 249574

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......

1,490,000 EURREF: 247446

Charming and spacious manoire overlooking the village of St Meard de Drone in the Dordogne which has been fully renovated within the last couple of years by the current owners, whilst retaining man......

477,000 EURREF: 253207

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

Charming and historic chateau in the heart of Thouars, a true gem of local heritage, combining the authenticity of a home steeped in history with modern amenities and exceptional comfort. Built in......

795,000 EURREF: 252586

Enchanting 3 storey, 12 bedroom historical Chateau with separate lodge, nestling in over 5 hectares of glorious land with river frontage, beautiful gardens, pool and vineyard, located in a peacefu......

1,595,000 EURREF: 249223

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

Impressive and beautifully renovated Neoclassical chateau built in 1823 by the Dupuy d'Angeac family. Thoroughly renovated by the current owners, it offers around 670 m2 of living space and mainl......

2,968,000 EURREF: 252376

Beautifully restored 3 storey, 8 bedroom historical Chateau with separate cottage, nestling in 18 hectares of glorious land with gardens, pool, woods, equestrian facilities and outbuildings, while......

1,780,000 EURREF: 252428

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......

1,034,250 EURREF: 244636

Magnificent manor house, built in 1860, exuding timeless elegance and historic charm in an enviable setting in a charming hamlet on the outskirts of Ussel. Approached via wrought iron gates, the ......

819,000 EURREF: 252839

Historic Sixteenth Century manor house with outbuildings, set in 1.5 acres of land, with fabulous panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. The manor house (many rooms with magnificent vi......

736,000 EURREF: 252523

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a magnificent estate comprising of a 10 bedroom historical French Chateau, 5 gites, a separate one bedroom house, all nestling in over 16 hectares of glorious land ......

10,500,000 EURREF: 249214

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

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......

2,100,000 EURREF: 237338

Delightful Loire manor house with gites set in almost an acre of land, with pool and successful income stream, Situated in the lovely village of Saint Macaire du Bois, this property is perfectly po......

990,000 EURREF: 248601

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

Nestling in 13 hectares of glorious land with outbuildings is this beautifully renovated 7 bedroom historical Chateau located near Bourges. Situated In the heart of France, Berry, 280 km from Pari......

1,500,000 EURREF: 251594

Simply stunning 8 bedroom French Chateau, located just 40 minutes south of Tours, nestled within a charming and quiet countryside setting on a plot of around 30 hectares with woods and meadows. T......

2,700,000 EURREF: 248821

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

17 bedroom Castle for sale with countryside view in Aubigny sur Nere, Centre

Located 170km South of Paris, not far from Burgundy, in Aubigny sur Nere and close to Bourges, this exceptional historic castle erected in the 15thc (on older bases) and completed with wings in the......

4,950,000 EURREF: 153913

Rare and historic French chateau set in an estate of over 30 acres, just minutes from picturesque villages and close to the prestigious Terre Blanche Golf Club - one of the finest golf courses in ......

12,500,000 EURREF: 252330

Enchanting 19th century, 12 bedroom Chateau with spacious outbuilding, nestling in over 11 acres of glorious land with lake, gardens and pool, while enjoying scenic countryside views from its peace......

1,595,000 EURREF: 249229

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......

1,680,000 EURREF: 231431

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......

1,470,000 EURREF: 245699

Exceptional Renaissance-style chateau built between the 15th and 17th centuries, set in an estate of over 220 acres. Listed as a Historic Monument, the property comes with a classified chapel on ......

2,999,000 EURREF: 252493

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

Wonderful opportunity to acquire an exquisite 3 storey, 14 bedroom historical stone castle with three gites, all nestling in over 12 hectares of glorious land with gardens, lake, woods and fruit tr......

2,496,000 EURREF: 251301

Grand and beautifully maintained, this historic, extraordinary and authentic estate features a main Chateau, Chateau for entertaining, along with several outbuildings and additional accommodation. ......

2,450,000 EURREF: 248094

Beautiful manoire offering income and lifestyle potential set in over 5 acres of land. Accessed via a tree lined driveway through attractive gates, the manor house offers the convenience of town l......

849,000 EURREF: 252751

Nestling in 3 hectares of glorious landscaped gardens is this exceptional 19th century chateau and hotel with indoor pool, Jacuzzi and Spa room, ideally located near Cordes sur Ciel. This magni......

2,450,000 EURREF: 252818

Fabulous French chateau and hotel business for sale in a village just ten minutes from Blaye, full of character and recently renovated offering an excellent lifestyle and business opportunity. Thi......

3,300,000 EURREF: 253151

Charming manoire with estate and gites, ideal for receptions, weddings and income generation in a popular tourist area of France. The property is located in the department of Indre, in a charming......

1,100,000 EURREF: 248954

Enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location near Loches, is this beautiful 8 bedroom authentic chateau, nestling in 3.5 hectares of glorious land with gardens, outbuildings ......

1,100,000 EURREF: 252939

Perfectly maintained Eighteenth Century chateau ideally situated between Bergerac, Bordeaux and Toulouse airports. The spacious property comes with about 700 m2 of living space and sits in ground......

2,490,000 EURREF: 252363

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.......

1,495,000 EURREF: 247534

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......

1,350,000 EURREF: 243118

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

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

Full of charm and character is this beautifully renovated 4 storey, 3 bedroom historical French Chateau, nestling in nearly half an acre of glorious gardens with pool, while enjoying far reaching ......

1,250,000 EURREF: 252625

Exceptional and historic estate, ideal for generating income whilst enjoying life in a beautiful setting in South West France. With excellent potiential for hosting guests and events, this prope......

3,380,000 EURREF: 251755

Impressive chateau in the Correze, a lovely land of rolling hills and valleys, pretty villages, numerous lakes, nature parks, forests and meadows. Approached through the entrance gates, stone ste......

1,650,000 EURREF: 249688

Rare opportunity to acquire an exceptional Estate nestling in over 4 acres of glorious land with gardens and pools, while enjoying countryside views from its peaceful location near Grezillac. Sit......

1,690,000 EURREF: 252180

7 bedroom Manor House for sale in Normandy, Normandy

PRICE REDUCED - Stunning and completely restored, this substantial mansion, which dates from 1838, is located in the north of Burgundy, within a beautiful landscaped garden of 7,845m2 which is com......

Enquire For PriceREF: 196482

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......

1,320,000 EURREF: 252270

Beautiful and impressive chateau in the heart of Bouliac, with a commanding view over the magnificent city of Bordeaux and the serene banks of the Garonne. This exceptional residence offersan unp......

3,360,000 EURREF: 248744

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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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