Renovated 6 bedroom Chateau for sale in Villefranche sur Saone, Lyon, Rhone-Alpes

12,600,000 EUR 10,962,000 GBP 12,474,000 USD

Reference: 232812

Bedrooms: 6
Bathrooms: 5
Floor Size: 1,200 m2
Plot Size: 39.68 hectares / 98.05 acres
Work Required: None
Swimming Pool
Income Potential
Parking space(s)
Private / Not Overlooked

Details

Nestling in 98 acres of marvellous landscaped gardens, woodland and orchard, is this absolutely outstanding luxurious 6 bedroom French Chateau with outbuildings, renovated to the highest standards, located near Lyon in the Rhone region.

This wonderful property, originally constructed in 1610 and renovated by its current owners in 2000, using their expertise and knowledge of art, is recognised as an historical monument of France along with its beautifully proportioned gardens.

This is an opportunity to live with both the authenticity of the bygone years and the comforts of the current century. Whilst being a great example and reminder of the 'grand siecle' of France and a grand Chateau in every sense, it is also very much a home.

The central features of the Chateau are the two substantial reception rooms (one on each level) with their magnificent fireplaces and both North and South-facing windows overlooking the historical gardens and the courtyard, creating an elegant and charming environment.

A magnificent 'open' staircase and sculptured fireplaces add to the impressive and refined feeling of this beautiful Chateau, enhanced by its wide hallways and windows throughout.

Several apartments have already been created, with magnificent views over the gardens, consisting of en-suite bedrooms and private living rooms with the possibility of adding further bedrooms or even an office.

The design of the apartments around the reception rooms and the staircase gives both a sense of space and an intimate feel.

Many of the rooms are ready for the future owner to visualise how they will be used.

Outside, majestic plane and cypress trees and 15 hectares of garden "a la francaise" surround the Chateau, with elegant topiary in the park. Woodland, paddocks, an orchard and potager complete the picturesque rural surroundings.

The outbuildings include the caretaker's lodge at the entrance to the Chateau, which is only partly utilised and could accommodate at least one other apartment for guests or staff.

Plans exist for further development to the Chateau if desired; for the ancient underground kitchen and converting the farm buildings into apartments or an entertaining area.

The domaine is a short drive from the Beaujolais, Burgundy and Rhone River wine regions, and of course only 30 minutes from Lyon, one of the world's most recognised gastronomic centres with its 21 Michelin star restaurants.

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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.