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.

134 properties

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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

Enchanting French chateau in a delightful wooded estate near Blois. This spacious property dates back to the Sixteenth and Nineteenth Century with 4 separate guest lodges in wooded parkland of 19......

1,960,000 EURREF: 250868

Outstanding chateau with vineyard in the heart of the Cotes de Bordeaux appellation, set high on a ridge with lovely views across the rolling hills of the Entre-Deux-Mers region and the surrounding......

1,914,890 EURREF: 257118

Superb French chateau with excellent and varied income potential in Bethune, famed for its historic events and fine architecture less than an hour from calais. This classic property comes with 1,......

1,900,000 EURREF: 254103

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

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

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

Beautifully renovated 7 bedroom chateau with 3 bedroom guest house, lush mature gardens and pool, enjoying far reaching views across its 35 hectares of land from its location near Casteljaloux. S......

1,750,000 EURREF: 253592

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

Fabulous French chateau set in 35 acres of the lush Southern Charente countryside, where the timeless charm of the Nineteenth Century meets modern luxury. This exquisite former cognac domaine is ......

1,696,000 EURREF: 255902

A most impressive small and private country estate located at the end of a tree-lined drive and set in almost hundred acres of land, enjoying a stunning hilltop location overlooking its grounds and......

1,695,000 EURREF: 254112

Historical 15 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Loches, Centre

Rare Sixteenth Century Chateau with exceptional historical character, superb condition and full of preserved features, in a beautiful location with panoramic countryside views, set in over 56 a......

1,680,000 EURREF: 242603

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

Fabulous country estate of 20 acres with beautiful renovated Seventeenth Century Chartreuse with Guest Accommodation, Barns, and Infinity Pool. Built around 1640, the spacious 685m2 property was ......

1,650,000 EURREF: 254868

Unique opportunity to acquire a beautifully renovated historical Chateau nestling in nearly 12 acres of glorious land with vineyard, gardens and outbuildings, located near all amenities in Macau. ......

1,650,000 EURREF: 256084

Superb Nineteenth Century Chateau, rich in history and set in a 25 acre estate offering income generating potential in a grand setting. Dating back inparts to the 16th century, when it was used a......

1,590,000 EURREF: 253493

Elegant Nineteeth Century Carthusian monastery in a pretty situation on the peaceful banks of the Dordogne, embodying all the charm of traditional architecture combined with an exceptional natural ......

1,579,000 EURREF: 253495

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

Opportunity to own a chateau named vineyard with residence and gite, just 20 minutes from Bordeaux and 5 minutes from all amenities - magnificent 3.21ha vineyard property in Cotes de Bordeaux - b......

1,500,000 EURREF: 253471

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 is......

1,500,000 EURREF: 183982

Charming Eighteenth Century chateau, beautifully renovated to a high standard and set in an estate of over 7 acres, close to the market town of Condom. This delightful 18 room property provides l......

1,495,000 EURREF: 257357

Superb and beautifully renovated French Chateau set in an estate of 20 acres, set on the edge of a charming village in the Charente region overlooking the protected Echelle Valley. This Natura 200......

1,490,000 EURREF: 253192

Wonderful opportunity to acquire an exceptional estate nestling in nearly 5 hectares of glorious land with pool and gardens, while enjoying countryside views from its peaceful location in Tournon S......

1,410,000 EURREF: 256148

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......

1,400,000 EURREF: 243258

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......

1,400,000 EURREF: 235417

Delightful French chateau, sympathetically renovated with pool, gardens and outbuildings in heart of the village of Labecede-Lauragais, perched among the hills of the Montagne Noire and just a sho......

1,400,000 EURREF: 254508

Beautifully renovated Medieval chateau in a peaceful rural situation with countryside views. Located on the borders of the Landes and Gers regions, 1 hour from Agen and 1.5 hours from Bordeaux, ......

1,380,000 EURREF: 254479

Beautifully renovated Eighteenth Century grand Normandy manor house in a peaceful rural setting just 5 km from the sandy beaches of the English Channel's west coast. The property and its outbuil......

1,378,000 EURREF: 257404

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a historical estate surrounded by over 213 acres of glorious land with gardens, pool, woods and fruit trees, while enjoying panoramic views from its peaceful locati......

1,350,000 EURREF: 257594

Prestigious domaine with rich history dating back to 1554 and beyond, once serving as a gathering place for the affluent bourgeoisie and nobility involved in commerce. This is a grand project awa......

1,300,000 EURREF: 253340

Superb Medieval chateau on the edge of a pretty town in the Beziers region expertly blending historical Medieval architecture with high-end, modern renovations in a beautiful setting. The histori......

1,290,000 EURREF: 256370

Charming Eighteenth Century chateau for sale in Normandy, set in a beautiful estate of over 25 acres with gite and outbuildings. Built in 1742 with 19th-century additions, the stone and brick p......

1,275,000 EURREF: 254423

Wonderful opportunity to acquire an exquisite 12 bedroom Chateau with separate 2 bedroom guest house and 5 bedroom villa, all nestling in over 11 acres of glorious land with lake, gardens and pool,......

1,267,000 EURREF: 256568

Exceptional 11 bedroom historical Chateau with separate 5 bedroom villa and 1 bedroom cottage, nestling in 4.5 hectares of glorious land with gardens, pool and lake, located near all amenities in ......

1,260,000 EURREF: 255593

In excellent condition is this beautifully renovated 6 bedroom fully furnished historical Chateau with separate 2 bedroom apartment, nestling in over 3 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens with po......

1,255,000 EURREF: 255237

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

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a beautiful 12 bedroom historical Chateau, surrounded by 4.5 hectares of glorious land with gardens and pool, ideally located in a peaceful area near Saint Germain ......

1,245,000 EURREF: 257626

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 ......

1,200,000 EURREF: 248267

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......

1,199,000 EURREF: 243118

Impressive and spacious classic French chateau set in over 5 acres of land with 10 bedrooms, pool and tennis court in a charming and enchanting setting in the Haute Vienne. This magnificent pr......

1,199,000 EURREF: 256019

Rare opportunity to acquire a beautifully renovated 6 bedroom former silk mill nestling in over one acre of glorious land with gardens, woods and riverbank access, ideally located near all amenitie......

1,190,000 EURREF: 256291

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

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a beautifully renovated 3 storey, 4 bedroom historical Chateau nestling in nearly half an acre of glorious mature gardens with pool, ideally located in Saussignac.......

1,150,000 EURREF: 257812

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 ......

1,129,000 EURREF: 241566

An historic French chateau set in the heart of the French countryside, offering timeless elegance just north of Condom, in one of the most picturesque areas of the Gers. This exceptional 6 bedro......

1,100,000 EURREF: 253366

Superb and beautifully maintained character chateau in the Dordogne set in over 5 acres with gite, outbuildings, swimming pool and lake in a beautiful rural setting. This desirable estate dates b......

1,050,000 EURREF: 256236

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

Rare opportunity to acquire a beautifully restored historical Chateau with guest house, nestling in 4 acres of beautiful mature gardens with pool, while enjoying far reaching countryside views from......

1,049,725 EURREF: 255153

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

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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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