What about a Castle?
It is well known: Only the rich can afford a Chateau.
Well, the trend might be changing due to the recession. According to an article in the French Paper (issue 11, April 2010), castles are now “more affordable than before”. As a matter of fact, vendors would be more disposed to consider offers, sometimes 15-20% under their asking price, to sell a property that has often been on the market for too long. Prices are more realistic than before the recession, in particular in regions such as Auvergne or Limousin, and thus attract a wider range of potential buyers. For example, you can find a c19th castle for sale in Auvergne region with a 5.5 acre land and numerous outbuildings for €480,000 (£431,987): click here for more details.
English speaking buyers seem to be very fond of these historic and charming properties and either convert it into a gite business /boutique hotel, or simply make it their second/retirement home. Lower prices are now adding to the long list of a Chateaux’s unique advantages (architecture, land, size, historic aspect…) to make it an even more attractive investment option.