london lottery dream home

london lottery dream home

French chateaux can be snapped up for a snip

The thought was a castle beyond their means? Think again. Sure, buying a fairy tale castle simple can still be the stuff of dreams, unless you've won the lottery, but there are ways the average buyer of second homes can get a piece of the Champagne lifestyle without robbing a bank.

Total Buy
For the lucky few incredibly, this follows remain an option. Headquartered in London specializing in French property Sifex prestige with a website with over 450 castles around the country yet the most affordable price is still a cool € 795,000 (£ 633,000), although this amount will get a property with 12 rooms situated in eight acres of parkland Normandy, with tennis court and a pond, six reception rooms, two bathrooms and a guesthouse on the premises. Need more space? There are dependencies for the conversion, too.

Hence, the only way is up. When it comes to the crème de la crème, the agents do not put prices of its peculiarities (if you have to ask, you probably can not afford it). The former president, Valery Giscard d'Estaing is currently selling a pile of 15th century listed in the central Auvergne region, with 23 rooms, a chapel and a loft, patio and fountain set in 15 acres of gardens, parks and forests. The price is undisclosed, and this fundamental piece of real estate information on the market because the owner rarely stays there – and because maintenance costs are high.

Sarah Francis Sifex director wisely points out that funding for the purchase of a property size is only half the story: some renovation, modernization and / or redecoration will probably be in order. Then there are the running costs to consider. She said: "The costs of renovating a substantial ownership can be considerable, as a reference point, who advise their clients to consider spending € 600 – € 2,000 [£ 475 to £ 1,590] per square meter – the last figure if it is a total reconstruction, structural – to renovate a ruin. If the property only the needs of modernization and internal renovation – construction of new bathrooms, kitchen and heating system, for example – in general, can be reduced to half that amount. Naturally, when it comes to properties of a certain size, is a great advantage to find one where the roof has been maintained. "

Maintaining a large home requires some very large sums of money. In the list of repairs, maintenance and cleaning, utility bills, residential and property taxes, plus gardening and care of the swimming pool. Paying for all this is one thing: finding someone to do homework is another. Francisco suggests:

"There is always an appropriate accommodation, the owner can install often a caregiver who will be happy to live rent-free in exchange for taking care of the property and tending the garden and grounds. "

Dreamer as it may seem, buying property in France , in particular, a castle means assuming all the responsibilities, financial and otherwise, and on that basis, the direct ownership of a country pile could almost see … well, a bit of a load. So here are some more practical, affordable alternative.

Buying leaseback
In Languedoc region of southern France, the Chateau de la Redorte is a leaseback project created within an old mansion whose owner remains Countess at his residence in a separate wing. This 18th century palace has been home to the same family for seven generations, and is being restored to its former glory, with 42 apartments to be built in the castle and the surrounding area.

Designed as a country house and spa, swimming pool, restaurant, bar and kids club, castle is Redorte French developer creating Garrigae Resorts and marketed by the prime minister, one bedroom, fully furnished and managed apartments start from € 258,000 (£ 205,000). The beauty of this conversion project is that buyers have access to a real property and historic home of the 21st century facilities and convenience, but without the drawbacks (the management company takes care of everything), and guaranteed rental yield to 4.66 percent per year, complete the package.

Buying freehold
Château de Lavagnac sits on 180 hectares of vineyards of Languedoc, olive and pine trees, and soon give a state art-18-hole golf course, created by U.S. architect Raymond Hearn. There are plans to transform the ancient manor house in a 75-room, four hotel star hotel, spa and conference center. Brand new, two-to five-bedroom contemporary-style houses (some with pools and garages) will be built on the premises, with the first deliveries scheduled for 2010.

The units will be sold as absolute and immovable property (may also be a split supply), with prices from € 299.000 (£ 238,000) for a two bedroom apartment with two bathrooms. For big spenders, € 1.3 million (£ 1 million) ensures a stately villa six bedrooms on a large plot. (Yes, for the same price you could buy a small castle – but then you would have to pay to renovate, modernize and maintenance.)

Shared ownership schemes
Or, how about having a share of the title to any of the problem? Chateaux du Monde is selling shares in a chateau in Charente, set among vineyards and bordered by a river. Surrounded by three acres of lawns, trees and shrubs, this former family home is being renovated to create apartments with modern amenities, available for shared ownership. An eighth share costs € 72.500 (£ 57.750) and gives each owner six weeks per year of gracious living in an environment full of history.

Timeshare
If all else fails, try timeshares. We are talking about in the palace timeshare chic is (relatively) cheap, but should not be confused with co-ownership schemes; time about buying a property – do not get to own a piece of writing. Aimed at those who want to spend their money in "time" instead of the right property, this solution is very popular in the U.S. and in Europe capture.

A quick search online turns a variety of companies (sometimes called day holiday, vacation or destination clubs) offering high quality accommodation in French homes. Le Chateau also offers its members 25 years in the properties CCOMMODATION unique, including castles. Destinations include 14th century Chateau de Houetteville Normandy, where guests can enjoy some of the benefits of owning a second home without any of the responsibilities.

Similarly, wine lovers can stay in a castle near Beaune Burgundy for a few weeks years, members of The Vintner Club coming to stay in the antique-furnished suites in a former 15th century mansion set in three acres with a warehouse and living tasting.

About the Author

Louise Taylor for Homes Overseas – Property for sale in France, property investment advice and international property news.
International property experts since 1965.

Ben Curiosity Killed The Cat at Project Talent UK London