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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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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

Renovated 8 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Meilhan sur Garonne, Aquitaine

Outstanding beautifully renovated 3 storey, 8 bedroom Napoleon III style Chateau with 2 gites, 3 swimming pools and stables, nestling in 74 hectares of glorious land while enjoying far reaching cou......

3,995,000 EURREF: 240652

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

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

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

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

Renovated 10 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Saint Hilaire Bonneval, Limousin

Superb and beautifully renovated 10 bedroom chateau in a peaceful situation, yet within easy reach of the historical city of Limoges. The 600m2 character property has been completely and beautif......

1,680,000 EURREF: 241220

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

Historical 8 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Bournezeau, Pays-de-la-Loire

A unique opportunity to acquire an exceptional 8 bedroom 19th century Florentine style French Chateau with chapel, renovated outbuildings with accommodation and huge conservatory offering a great d......

5,830,000 EURREF: 238677

Nestling in 4 hectares of glorious gardens and land with fruit trees, is this exquisite 4 storey, 11 bedroom historical French Chateau with pool, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its pe......

3,690,000 EURREF: 247442

Renovated 10 bedroom Chateau for sale in Gers, Midi-Pyrenees

Surrounded by 150 hectares of land with magnificent lake of 2.5 hectares, is this exceptional renovated 10 bedroom French Chateau with indoor pool and separate house, enjoying far reaching countrys......

4,000,000 EURREF: 228191

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

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

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

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

Impressive and superbly presented French chateau in a beautiful countryside location. Built in stone with its superbly integrated pretty tower, this property benefits from a private setting. This ......

2,950,000 EURREF: 241801

- 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

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

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

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

With Millenium of history, this is an impressive and carefully renovated fortified chateau in a village setting near Le Chatre in the Indre department. Nestled in a serene village boasting a c......

3,750,000 EURREF: 247550

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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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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