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The Best Chateaux on the Market - 2019

A guide to chateaux in France with details of the best

Chateaux in France - the crème de la crème of French property

If you think of a grand home in France, the first image that comes to mind is a chateau. A French chateau has to be the ultimate dream, your very own castle in the land of great castles (Owning a chateau in France). Of course, not everyone has a budget that would normally stretch to purchasing a castle, but if you take a look at the selection of chateaux for sale in 2019, you might find it isn't out of the question after all.

Is a chateau the same as a castle?

Although the literal translation of chateau is castle, it isn't really a correct or accurate definition. Some chateaux are certainly well described as castles, if they were built to have defensive qualities and were fortified, as many were, but others were simply built to house the nobility or important families of the town at the time. Hence, not all chateaux are the same, far from it. The variety is infinite, and chateaux can range from relatively unassuming (although always a little special) country houses to being impossibly grand, opulent and enormous!

Buying a chateau in France - the advantages

If your chateau is a listed historical monument, it comes along with certain advantages as well as restrictions. On the positive side, there are tax breaks and grants available for restoration works in addition to maintenance grants (Property grants available in France). France is well known to care deeply for its monuments and so this help is offered to preserve the heritage.

Consider the disadvantages too

However, to every upside there is a downside. Any alterations you may wish to make have to be approved, and this can take a long time. The authorities may also insist that you use only certain traditional materials, again, at extra expense. Owning a listed chateau may also cause a few problems with the neighbours, as if their properties are within 500 metres of yours, any alterations they wish to make also must be approved in the same way! A further point to watch out for could be the infamous Wealth Tax (French Wealth Tax). After all, if you live in a castle, you can hardly claim to be impoverished!

Costs of a chateau in France

Finally, remember that, availability (or not) of maintenance grants notwithstanding, a chateau is always old. A bit like the old adage of land being a commodity in increasingly short supply, nobody makes chateaux any more. While this is good in investment terms, as you are never going to suffer from a sudden oversupply of this type of property flooding the market so the value should always hold good, it also means that, as with any old property, there will be a never ending stream of work to be done to keep it in tip top condition.

Choosing your chateau

Like horses for courses, there are chateaux and there are chateaux, each type and individual property fulfilling varying requirements. When it comes to price, the sky is the limit, but there are cheaper options too. Location is another story, as is the style of the chateau you choose. Below is a selection of the best (and most varied) chateaux that are currently on the market. Work out your budget, and take your pick!

 
 

Stunningly renovated chateau with gate lodge and 2 gites on 5,3 hectares with pool and views !
Languedoc-Roussillon
Hérault

NOW SOLD

Stunningly renovated chateau with gate lodge and 2 gites on 5,3 hectares with pool and views !

775,000 Euros

A stunningly renovated Belle Époque château dating from 1850 with 600 m² of living space, gate lodge of 190 m² and 2 gîtes, on large grounds of over 5.3 ha with enclosed swimming pool, topiaried grounds with fountain, koi pond and petanque court. Entirely renovated to high standard retaining its original character, charm and features.

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Chateau with attached cottage on 5.65 Hectares
Limousin
Haute-Vienne

NOW SOLD

Chateau with attached cottage on 5.65 Hectares

493,500 Euros

Stunning fully renovated Chateau and cottage in the heart of the limousin countryside. Restored to its former glory using the highest quality materials and craftsmen. Situated at the end of a no-through road and within the 5.75 Hectares of land

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Castelnaudary : Chateau 4 Habitations With Pool And Spa In Park
Languedoc-Roussillon
Aude

NOW SOLD

Castelnaudary : Chateau 4 Habitations With Pool And Spa In Park

700,000 Euros

This beautiful château completely renovated, is located in a pretty parkgarden of about 2.5 ha with old trees and a stunning view of the countryside and mountains. At the foot of the Canal du Midi! The Chateau consists of three dwellings that can be combined into 1, 2, 3 or 4 holiday rentals, or private habitations as wished. All floors are accessible by a lift. The first has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with toilet, a living / dining room and large kitchen.

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Property with 18h century castle on 10 acres of land
Auvergne
Allier

NOW SOLD

Property with 18h century castle on 10 acres of land

641,500 Euros

Beautiful property, consisting of an 18th centurycastle with annexes, moat and 4 ha land, on dominant position on a hill in aquiet and green environment, at the feet of the Montage Bourgonnaise. The castle, with 600 m2 living space, is entirely renovated 'dans sonjus'. Panoramic view at the surroundings hills and the Montagne Bourbonnaise fromthe stoop of the castle and the garden.

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Elegant house, part of an old castle, with charming garden.
Limousin
Creuse

NOW SOLD

Elegant house, part of an old castle, with charming garden.

108,000 Euros

Elegant house, part of an old castle, with charming garden. Accomodation size : 201 m² Bedrooms : 7 Land : 365 m² This house is located in Chatelus Malvaleix. It used to be part of a former medieval castle (very thick walls), with a front garden, and view over a pond, which used to be the castle moat. The structure is very sound, the roof is recent. Double glazed windows and oil fired central heating. The electricity was rewired 9 years ago.

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On an elevated position
Aquitaine
Dordogne

NOW SOLD

On an elevated position

945,000 Euros

This lovely chateau comprises steps giving access to a spacious entrance hall of 35m²with mosaic fllor, wood work, french wooden ceiling giving access to a staircase and reception room as a spacious lounge of 55m² with big windows, french ceiling, wood work and floors, ancient tapestries, a chimney, a dining-reception room of 56m² with wood work, monumental fireplace, a sitting room with chimney, flagstones, a vaulted kitchen of 30m² with pisé floor, sanitaries, wc,

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Stunning fully renovated 1360 renaissance chateau
Centre Val de Loire
Loiret

NOW SOLD

Stunning fully renovated 1360 renaissance chateau

896,760 Euros

Historical chateau listed as a Monument Historic since 1930 with royal links, a bedroom built for Jean of Arc, tastefully renovated with respect preserving all of its history, charm, and authenticity.

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Aubeterre region. Imposing chateau with guest accommodation. Pool. 2.5 acres.
Poitou-Charentes
Charente

NOW SOLD

Aubeterre region. Imposing chateau with guest accommodation. Pool. 2.5 acres.

689,000 Euros

On the outskirts of a historic village, this late 19th / early 20th century 'Belle Epoque' château has been well maintained over the years and now provides comfortable, authentically decorated accommodation over three floors, together with two guest apartments and swimming pool. All set in a mature park of 2,5 acres, behind electric entrance gates. Prix :689 000 eur. honoraires à la charge du vendeur. Frais de notaire en sus.

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Peo 9150, Great investment Opportunit
Bourgogne
Saône-et-loire

NOW SOLD

Peo 9150, Great investment Opportunit

Price available on request

Great investment Opportunity - Wonderful Burgundy Chateau set in a Beautiful 100 Hectare Estate.Previously an exclusive hotel and 18 hole

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*The most spectacular views in the Aude on the Canal du Midi!
Languedoc-Roussillon
Aude

NOW SOLD

*The most spectacular views in the Aude on the Canal du Midi!

625,000 Euros

In an enchanting setting, in Ventenac-en-minervois, with its own private gate onto the Canal du Midi, this amazing 18th century chateau will seduce you in an instant. The original Chateau was divided into three parts in the 1940's and the property available to purchase is the attractive central section providing a home of 354m² habitable space with the large private gardens of more than 1100m² with the large pool.

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Les Forges (79) - Magnificent apartment 2 bed / 2 bath
Poitou-Charentes
Deux-Sèvres

NOW SOLD

Les Forges (79) - Magnificent apartment 2 bed / 2 bath

199,949 Euros

This luxury apartment is on the first floor of the château and was converted around 22 years ago to offer large rooms with period features, high ceilings and stunning views over the château grounds. Communal entrance hall and majestic stone staircase leads to the first floor; Enter the apartment via an entrance hall with oak floor. Double doors lead from the hall into the triple aspect lounge with oak floor, marble fireplace, ceiling rose and lovely wooden storage cupboards.

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Wonderful chateau with gites
Aquitaine
Dordogne

NOW SOLD

Wonderful chateau with gites

978,500 Euros

A wonderful character property dating back to the 13th Century, with 4 gites and 4.5ha of land. A beautiful, spacious property of grace and distinction, bright and airy, once a defence castle then a hospital, this is a rare find, this estate will really impress you!

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Additional articles which may be of interest:


Canal du Midi Property - From the Languedoc to the Med
Leisure Lakes of the Languedoc - Perfect Property Location?
The Sale of State Owned Property in France
House Renovations in France
Owning Gites and Chambres d'Hotes (B&Bs) in France

About the author

Joanna Simm moved to the Languedoc area of south-west France in October 2004 having found her property through French Property Links.

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