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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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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

Historical 16 bedroom Chateau for sale in Montpellier, Languedoc-Roussillon

Full of character and charm and beautifully presented throughout, this magnificent and exceptional 17th Century chateau has a vast total living area of 1,020m2 and is set within a beautiful country......

3,990,000 EURREF: 232988

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

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

Wonderful opportunity to acquire an outstanding, beautifully restored 9 bedroom, 18th century neo-classical French Chateau with outbuildings, nestling in over 22 acres of glorious land with mature......

1,670,212 EURREF: 245799

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

Authentic 7 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Cahuzac, Languedoc-Roussillon

Fabulous and beautifully presented historic property built on the remains of a medieval chateau and offering excellent income generating possibilities such as a venue for weddings, musical soirees ......

1,100,000 EURREF: 225953

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

Grand 7 bedroom Chateau for sale in Sauveterre de Guyenne, Aquitaine

Delightful and beautifully presented small chateau featuring the style and proportions redolent of the Napoleonic architecture of early Nineteenth Century France. The property benefits from thre......

1,400,000 EURREF: 245374

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

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

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

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

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

Character 6 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Montignac, Aquitaine

Full of character and charm and beautifully presented, this spacious 6 bedroom chateau, with a spacious total built area of 563m2, is ideally situated in a quiet setting in Montignac, and is set wi......

2,850,000 EURREF: 244986

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

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

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

Exclusive 15 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view and panoramic view views in St Barthelemy de Bussiere, Aquitaine

Superb 15 bedroom estate, which was at its most important in the 19th Century as a summer residence of distinguished lords from Limoges, situated in a quiet setting in St Barthelemy de Bussiere. ......

3,150,000 EURREF: 245326

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

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

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

Renovated 6 bedroom Manor House for sale in Marseillan, Languedoc-Roussillon

In excellent condition throughout and beautifully presented, this superb 5 bedroom Manor House has a total spacious living area of 392m2 and is set within mature manicured parkland of 11,000m2 with......

3,250,000 EURREF: 245234

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 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

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

Historical 8 bedroom Manor House for sale in Villeneuve sur Lot, Aquitaine

Exquisite 3 storey, 8 bedroom Maison Bourgeoise nestling in 14.5 acres of glorious land with stables and cottage, enjoying wonderful views across the river from its peaceful location near all ameni......

1,263,500 EURREF: 241145

In excellent condition throughout, this magnificent 11 bedroom chateau, which was built in 1818 and listed as a 'Monument Historique', is ideally situated in a quiet setting just 30 minutes from To......

7,245,000 EURREF: 246601

9 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside and panoramic views in Sainte Foy la Grande, Aquitaine

Situated in a quiet and private setting, this superb stone built farmhouse with an adjoining barn conversion, offering a total of 9 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, plus a large heated swimming pool and 3......

1,150,000 EURREF: 235614

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

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

Character 11 bedroom Manor House for sale in Bergerac, Aquitaine

Accessed view a gravel driveway, this superb property is made up of 2 buildings, which feature a 3 bedroom family house, 5 independent guest rooms, a 1 bedroom cottage and a 2 bedroom cottage, with......

1,420,500 EURREF: 244359

Lovingly Maintained 11 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Mirepoix, Midi-Pyrenees

Nestling in over 9.5 acres of glorious land with outbuildings, gardens and pool, is this beautiful 3 storey, 11 bedroom fully renovated authentic chateau, enjoying far reaching countryside views fr......

1,250,000 EURREF: 239785

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

Impressive 9 bedroom estate, with a vast living area of 1,160m2, set within around 18 hectares of landscaped gardens, which have been carefully maintained and offer a variety of plants, trees and f......

23,625,000 EURREF: 247144

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

Wonderful opportunity to acquire an absolutely outstanding historical French Chateau with 2 apartments and indoor pool, nestling in 13 hectares of glorious land with gardens, a lake, helipad and ou......

5,250,000 EURREF: 246704

Situated in a quiet area just 35 minutes from Angouleme and nestled in an exceptional setting, this magnificent 7 bedroom, 16th, 17th and 18th Century chateau has been beautifully and tastefully re......

1,272,000 EURREF: 246889

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

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

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

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

Elegant 6 bedroom chateau, with an additional 3 gites, situated in a quiet setting in Sainte Foy la Grande, within a large 300,000m2 plot with stunning views overlooking the Dordogne valley. This ......

9,540,000 EURREF: 246681

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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