_Restoration project or wedding venue? The French châteaux for sale with infinite potential

As 2019 beds in and the grey skies of January herald the thick of winter, thoughts may turn to migrating to warmer climates or finally making pipe dreams a reality.

Popularised by reality television show 'Escape to the Château' which follows the trials and tribulations of a British couple restoring a tired French chateau, the search for la belle vie can herald the beginning of a momentous, life-altering adventure for many.

Whether for commercial purposes such as opening a luxury bed and breakfast, wedding venue or winery or a complete change of pace, swapping daily commutes and grey skies for life in a magnificent château in rural France can become a firm reality with help and advice from Knight Frank.

Whether you're searching for an opportunity to breathe new life into a satisfying restoration project or a fully modernised château that’s ready to move into and entertain in, our dedicated French property experts can help you decide on location, size and investment budget. 

Currently on the market through Knight Frank are three unique stately homes in the French countryside.

Six bedroom château in Condom-en-Armagnac, Gers

This light-filled château dating back to the 19th Century forms part of a tiny rural hamlet in a quiet corner of the Gascon countryside with pretty views over neighbouring vineyards. A central driveway leads through a sweep of superb parkland offering an enchanting first view of the chateau.

21st Century mod cons sit cheek-by-jowl with wonderful original features such as marble fireplaces, exposed stone walls and timber beams; this six bedroom property would make an excellent holiday home for new owners and a seasonal, high-end rental investment.

The accommodation has light and well-proportioned rooms with fine oak parquet floors and marble fireplaces in all main rooms and the recent addition of a more informal living room and private study.

A master suite occupies the entire second floor with two dressings rooms and bathrooms and a roof terrace with enchanting views. A swimming pool area with pool house is just the tonic for war summer days spent in rural France. 

For additional guest accommodation, there is a standalone guest cottage and further space that could be developed in the adjoining barns.

The property is offered for sale including most of its equipment and designer soft furnishings and country antiques.

Toulouse airport is approximately 114 km from the property. 

Ten bedroom historic chateau in Madiran, Gers

When this spectacular château was built the beginnings of the French Revolution were being kindled by Queen Marie Antoinette's famous quote 'let them eat cake'. 

Set in fertile countryside of the Madiran winelands with panoramic views of the distant Pyrenees is this ten bedroom château with links to D'Artagnan - captain of the Musketeers of the Guard and the 1st Duke of Wellington who led the victory against Napolean at Waterloo. 

Built in honey-coloured stone and rising majestically from the flank of a hill, the chateau has a rare, almost fairy-tale quality. In the 18th Century, d’Artagnan’s uncle enlarged the property and legend has it he often entertained the illustrious musketeer. In March 1814, Wellington is reputed to have stayed at the chateau while advancing towards Toulouse.

Saved from virtual ruin in the 1970s, the property has been entirely refurbished in recent years and its manageable proportions are ideal for modern-day living. The main accommodation rises over three floors accessed by a superb spiral staircase and a south tower provides further entertaining space and wine storage. 

An immense, elevated terrace overlooks the swimming pool and gardens and the outbuildings include a first floor office/events room, with garaging and car port below. The Maison d’Amis is suitable for family, holiday lets or resident staff.

The majority of the outlying estate is wooded, with many delightful pathways and the meadows are rich in wild flowers including a dozen varieties of orchids.

The nearest airport is at Pau which is approximately 46 km from the property. 

11-14 bedroom chateau for sale in Beaumont Du Perigord, Dordogne, Aquitane

Built in the late 17th Century in the Style Louis XIV - French classicism - this chateau is the perfect match for new owners with a keen sense of adventure and who relish sinking their teeth into an exciting renovation project. With TLC and vision, this spectacular château, once restored, will be one of the most enchanting and extensive historic estates in the Dordogne.

Ideal as an extensive family estate or even a luxury hotel and wedding venue, the chateau delivers a French country home owner's dream on every level. 

Comprised of main building with two wings surrounding a central courtyard, the interior is vast with a large number of rooms offering flexible living and entertainment space. There really is no limit here for those with unbridled and ambitious imaginations. 

The main building comprises a central hall with a main staircase, two large lounges, a billiard room, and an office and an sizeable number of bedrooms connecting to the two further wings.

The west wing offers a dining room, three vaulted rooms, a pantry, and a service entrance as well as a number of bedrooms. In the east wing sit a bathroom, bedroom, and an independent chapel overlooking the courtyard and a sleeping accommodation. 

The building on the other side of the courtyard to the chateau contains two vaulted rooms and a large uncoverted space on the first floor.The service courtyard building contains a wine-making shed as well as the cellar next to the swimming pool. Caretaker's house comprises a lounge, three bedrooms, a bathroom, shower room, private garden and swimming pool.

Farm buildings include a large barn, shed, open barn, stables (with 4 boxes), a further farm building, and a 14th Century Presbytery in front of the Roman village church.

Offering a total of approximately 190 hectares, grounds include pretty parkland, 90 hectares of woodland and 100 hectares of fallow parkland with a lake for fishing.

Knight Frank markets a large number of French châteaux for sale across France. Search for your ideal home or investment project or contact our French property experts to discuss your individual needs. View or contact: