Nearly 6000 m² of land, 528 m² of living space (on three levels), 12 rooms including 6 bedrooms with bathrooms, the charm of Provence combined with the prestige of the Côte d’Azur: it’s one very exceptional who is about to enter the real estate market. There is no doubt that its price is enough to turn heads. 5 million euros? More like 4 million euros. This is the price expected by the owners of one historic chateaue from the 16th century, nestled in the rolling hills and fragrant scents of the scrubland. A couple of young professionals americans, “successful in entrepreneurship“, confides Frédéric Barth, the real estate agent in charge of the sale of the Château de Tournon, located in Montauroux, 35 kilometers northwest of Cannes.
The owners opted for a salemuch more in Anglo-Saxon culture” and more unusual in France: the auction. “For us, it has a negative connotation. We often think of one property seizure . Among the Anglo-Saxons, it is a quick and secure solution“, explains Côte d’Azur director Sotheby’s Realty. To one good financial deal which hides a real hassle: expelling the seller. For this atypical transaction, none of that! This is not a forced auction but a real choice on the part of sellers to have liquidity and invest elsewhere. Although, a little anyway but for a completely different and more exciting reason. “The owners seized a professional opportunity abroad and did not want to manage their renovation project remotely for a few months. They therefore chose to part with their castle acquired two years ago“, says Frédéric Barth.
More than 600,000 euros of work
Because, and this is where the problem lies: from the outside, the castle is a dream. But inside, “everything has to be completely redone“, concedes the real estate agent. Before reassuring potential buyers: “Infrastructure (electricity, plumbing…) are completed, the interior is ready to be customized according to buyers’ tastes“. Work estimated between 600,000 and 1 million euros and which, according to the real estate expert, should not last more than four months. In addition to the six bedrooms with bathrooms, future buyers will be able to have, among other things, a natural wine cellar, a spa annex, a 30 m² swimming pool with large terraces or even a double garage of 74 m². “The current owners wanted to make this castle their family home. It is the appropriate property for a family retreat before being passed on to children or sold“, says Frédéric Barth.
A preview visit to the castle took place on October 16 during which French and foreign business leaders (Central or Northern Europe) in their fifties showed interest. Virtual tours can still be organized on request. The auction will start on Friday October 31 and end on Thursday 13th November. Verdict on Friday 14th November. “The chateau will go to the highest bidder“, warns Sotheby’s real estate agent.
