Renovated 25 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in La Verdiere, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

18,000,000 EUR 15,660,000 GBP 17,820,000 USD

Reference: 239833

Bedrooms: 25
Bathrooms: 25
Floor Size: 5,000 m2
Plot Size: 15.55 hectares / 38.43 acres
Work Required: None
Balcony
Equestrian / horse ownership facilities
Vineyard / Wine-making facilities and equipment
Gite / Annex / Additional Accommodation
Income Potential
Garage(s)
Parking space(s)
Private / Not Overlooked

Details

Absolutely amazing 25 bedroom sumptuous medieval chateau nestling in over 38 acres of glorious landscaped gardens with 2 pools, equestrian facilities, a helipad and many outbuildings, enjoying 360 degree views across the countryside from its private location in La Verdiere.

This rare classified historical monument property is the largest in Provence, boasting over 5,000 m2 of living space, within a rich and established enclosed garden.

It took 15 years of painstaking sympathetic restoration using traditional building methods (including some of the most exquisite 18th century "gypseries" plasterwork) to bring this medieval fortress back to its former beauty.

Although the castle retains all of its historical charm, it still provides the modern comforts one expects from a property of this calibre.

It has 120 rooms comprising 25 bedroom suites, each with independent bathrooms, three kitchens, many living rooms, libraries, and the guardian's lodge. The list is exhaustive.

The property offers many different living experiences according to the season; from cool ground floor living spaces that lead onto private aromatic terraces for the summer, to South-facing upper living spaces flooded with the warm Provence sun for those winter months.

The castle is surrounded by a multitude of terraces, French-style gardens, English inspired gardens, fountains and statues. The exceptional 360 degree views overlooking the Sainte Victoire, the Sainte Baume and the Mont Faron are breathtaking.

There are two swimming pools, stables, an olympic-sized equestrian arena, a helipad, garages and many outbuildings. The land includes some terraced ground, which would be the perfect location for a vineyard, to complete the most incredible Provence property package.

Ideally located just 45 minutes from the Aix-en-Provence TGV station, 1 hour 40 minutes from Saint-Tropez and Cannes and less than 1 hour from Marseille-Provence airport (which can receive private aircraft from both inside and outside Europe).

This property is definitely for lovers of authenticity, historical charm and fine living.

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France Property Buying Guide

Guide to the French Buying Process

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.