From pieds-à-terre to châteaux, these amazing French properties – on the market now – will steal your heart
Words: Karen Tait
Parisian pied-a-terre
Located in one of the most sought-after areas of Paris, close to the Elysée Palace, Hôtel Le Bristol and Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, this sumptuous four-bedroom apartment has been entirely renovated by a well-known interior designer in a contemporary and elegant style. Located on the third floor of a Haussmanian building, the apartment is being sold furnished.
€7.69M from home-hunts.com
Chateau chic in Aix-les-Bains
A unique find in Aix-les-Bains, Chateau Bellingham (pictured top) offers 30 rooms, including 11 bedrooms, and has been luxuriously renovated throughout. The marriage of old and modern contribute to its charm, and there is a a lift to all floors. With breathtaking views of Lac Bourget, the property sits within a walled three-hectare park and includes six outbuildings.
€5.9M from leggettprestige.com
A slice of history in Gascony
Dating from the 13th century, with 16th and 17th-century modifications, this glorious château has only changed hands twice in its history. Painstakingly restored by the present owners over 30 years, the property offers dramatic yet comfortable accommodation. Located near Vic-Fezensac, it would make a unique home, wedding venue or high-end letting.
€1.5M from knightfrank.co.uk
Cognac country
Dating back to the 15th century and an official historic monument, this chic manor house in Poitou-Charentes has featured in leading interior design magazines. Along with the main ‘logis’, there is a guest wing and cottage, plus a stone barn and farmhouse to restore. A grand reception room with cinema screen and bar is ideal for entertaining guests, while the six hectares of grounds include a large swimming pool and stables.
€2.44M from allez-francais.com
Golden triangle
On the fourth floor of a period building near the Champs-Élysées in the heart of Paris’ 8th arrondissement, this elegant four-bedroom apartment is perfect for entertaining. The triple reception room features floor-to-ceiling windows, silk wallpaper, decorative cornices and parquet floors, and there’s a further reception gallery which also serves as a dining room.
€5.5M from sphereestates.com
How to buy in France
In France, the estate agent normally accompanies househunters on viewings and will not normally issue full details or addresses of properties beforehand.
Once an offer has been made and accepted, both buyer and vendor sign an initial sales contract, usually called the ‘compromis de vente’ .
There then follows a 10-day cooling-off period, during which time the buyer (not the seller) can pull out of the deal for any reason. A deposit, usually 10% of the sale price, is paid at this stage.
The ‘compromis’ can include conditional clauses, such as the sale being dependent upon obtaining a mortgage or planning permission.
The ‘notaire’ then carries out the conveyancing – a ‘notaire’ must be used for all property purchases.
Completion normally takes place around three to four months later; buyer and vendor sign the ‘acte de vente’ in the notary’s office.
Thinking of buying a property in France? Click here to buy tickets to The France Show, the UK’s largest French Property Exhibition, coming to London from 27-29 January 2017
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