An enormous chateau with sprawling gardens and several outhouses is going up for auction with bids starting at just one euro.
Chateau de Blancafort was built in the Loire Valley in 1453 with Roman-style turrets and a French Baroque façade added two hundred years later.
It has 22,000 square feet of accommodation – around 25 times the size of a typical English home – and features a library, extensive wine cellars, a convenient feature for a home just 30 minutes from France’s world-famous Sancerre vineyards.
An enormous chateau with grand gardens and several outhouses is going up for auction with bids starting at one euro
Chateau de Blancafort was built in the Loire Valley in 1453 with Roman-style turrets and a French Baroque façade added two hundred years later
The six-bedroom castle has been home to a Count and Countess for the past 30 years. But they have decided to sell up and it is going to be sold by Concierge Auctions without a reserve.
It had previously been listed for 4.95million euros but could theoretically sell for a little as one euro on October 19.
Set within the 42 acres of gardens are a caretaker’s house, tearoom, chateau shop and six-bedroom guest house.
The gardens have been landscaped to the exact specification of historic plans dating from the Renaissance period and the surrounding parkland provides picturesque views.
William McIntosh, project sales manager at Concierge Auctions, said: ‘Despite its majestic dimensions, Chateau de Blancafort feels very homey.
It has 22,000 square feet of accommodation – around 25 times the size of a typical English home – and features a library, extensive wine cellars, a convenient feature for a home just 30 minutes from France’s world-famous Sancerre vineyards
The six-bedroom castle has been home to a Count and Countess for the past 30 years. But they have decided to sell up and it is going to be sold by Concierge Auctions without a reserve
It had previously been listed for 4.95million euros but could theoretically sell for a little as one euro on October 19
Set within the 42 acres of gardens are a caretaker’s house, tearoom, chateau shop and six-bedroom guest house
The gardens have been landscaped to the exact specification of historic plans dating from the Renaissance period and the surrounding parkland provides picturesque views
‘The castle has been meticulously cared for by the current owners and is ready to move into, which is rare for a property dating back over 600 years.
‘With the chateau previously valued at a similar price as a luxury apartment in Mayfair or a small New York condo, I can see the auction attracting the attention of US or European buyers looking for a lifestyle change.’
Charlie Smith, European advisor to Concierge Auctions, added: ‘We are delighted to see such a significant chateau come on to the market in this iconic region of France, which has a worldwide following.
‘Chateau de Blancafort is in the architectural vernacular of the classic French chateau, and offers the purchaser a home that is both grand and manageable. We expect to see interest from around the world.’
William McIntosh, project sales manager at Concierge Auctions, said: ‘Despite its majestic dimensions, Chateau de Blancafort feels very homey’
Charlie Smith, European advisor to Concierge Auctions, added: ‘We are delighted to see such a significant chateau come on to the market in this iconic region of France, which has a worldwide following’
He continued: ‘Chateau de Blancafort is in the architectural vernacular of the classic French chateau, and offers the purchaser a home that is both grand and manageable. We expect to see interest from around the world.’