Moving to France: a guide to buying your own chateau
"House prices are falling, so now is the time to be king of your own castle' by Karen Tait.
Market Leaders in the sale of Châteaux & Fine French Properties
Market Leaders in the sale of Châteaux & Fine French Properties
"House prices are falling, so now is the time to be king of your own castle' by Karen Tait.
After 30 years sellling Chateaux and other presitgious French proeprties through her company, Sifex, Sarah Francis look sback at some of her most memorable sales. Expert Advice - FPN. June 2019 issue.
This 'pretty as a picture' farmhouse in the Tarn has been the subject of an inspired renovation - Ruth Wood tells the story. For sale on the Sifex website with Reference number F1-484.
Sarah Francis explains why she would love to be queen of this Chateau in the Gers.
The latest in a series of articles about Chateaux visited by Sarah Francis - director of Sifex Ltd. This article focuses on an impressive and beautifully restored XVII Century Brick and stone Chateau in the Calvados department of Normandy, with a deep dry moat and and an elegant Renaissance Chateau in the Charente with a 47 hectare sporting estate and reflected in stunning water filled moats.
The latest in a series of articles about Chateaux visited by Sarah Francis - director of Sifex Ltd. This one, an outstanding XVII/XIXth C. Chateau, beautifully maintained in an idyllic setting.
The Good Property Guide publishes the latest in a series of articles on Chateaux visited by Sarah Francis, director of Sifex Ltd. This time a beautiful historic fortress in the Gers - surrounded by plum orchards.
The story of a fairytale 'wedding cake' Chateau that became a successful wedding venue that Sifex sold some years ago and a similar property, also pretty as a picture and white stone with turretts and towers, that could become one.
Sarah Francis delves into the fascinating history of French Castles comparing a 'Chateau fort' and a 'Renaissance Chateau ' - both for sale in Gascony. H7-11905 ( Chateau Fort) http://www.sifex.co.uk/Propertyresults.asp?AFullRef=H7-11905 and F1-392 ( Renaissance Chateau) http://www.sifex.co.uk/Propertyresults.asp?AFullRef=F1-392
November 2016 - Sarah Francis reports on the Ch�teau market and offers some tempting examples for sale.
Recently visited by Sifex read all about these fabulous properties. The reference numbers on our website are: Dordogne. J4-1542 - Medieval Ch�teau & Estate. Asking price: 2,950,000� Gironde E9-1493846 - Superb XVII Century Riverside Ch�teaux with 5 Gites. Asking price: 2,500,000�
The Good Property Guide explores the story of how Sifex started in the late eighties selling barns and ended up selling beautiful historic Chateaux across France.
Ben Palfreyman learns about a Gascon gem that first cast its spell over its owner a quarter of a century ago, and has been transformed into a stunning home - now featured for sale on www.sifex.co.uk.
Small is beautiful � and to prove it, Sifex have an impressive international client base gathered over 25 years. In fact, they have an all-round reputation for handling the successful sales of numerous prestigious properties throughout France: Whether it be Ch�teaux, Manoirs, Maisons de Ma�tre, Bastides, Vineyards or luxury Villas, they have a wealth of knowledge to call upon.......
Sarah Francis offers an insider view for buyers.
'Sarah Francis of Sifex is positive about the Loire's ch�teau market. "This year has shown more movement compared to previous years and there has been a return of clients looking for ch�teaux in the area. Prices have not moved and there is a good supply of nice properties withprices being negotiated, so it's a good time to buy."'
"An elegant and spacious home in Maine-et-Loire, Pays-de-la-Loire. Dating from the 16-18th Century this striking Gentilhommiere.........
In Loir-et-Chet, a superb 17th century listed ch�teau, whose gardens were designed by Le N�tre is on the market...
Why a particularly charming Gersois Ch�teau has captured the eye of Sarah Francis
Meet some of this month's contributorts.... Sarah Francis
"Started by Sarah Francis in 1989, estate agency Sifex ( Soci�t� Immobili�re Fran�aise Extraordinaire) also celebrates its 25th anniversary this year." (Just to set the record straight, in actual fact this was not the first 'property' i ever sold.. but it certainly was a milestone in my life as it was the first 'ch�teau I ever sold. I started my french property adventure all those years ago - selling cottages and barns in Normandy and Brittany and my first ever sale was in Brittany and far from being a Ch�teau!
Sarah Francis, MD of London based Agency Sifex reveals the top performing locations in France.
"The days of retiring to the coast and putting your feet up are over. Now the Fastlaners ( that's Fifties and Sixties Trying to Launch a New Era) are more likely to be tackling a major property project. Christopher Middleton reports.
"Cash-strapped eurozone countries are selling stgate properties, from court to chateaux. Alexandra Goss tells you where to find the pick of the crop".
A beautiful estate in Normandy - no longer on the market in 2015!
"If you are looking for a property with the wow factor then this imposing estate will certainly make a statement."
Be part of your very own French fairytale and become king or queen of the castle......
"Invest in France, where credit hasn't crunched' says Sarah Francis who specialises in high-end property across the Channel.
A gorgeous riverside Ch�teau, Maison de Maitre and guest house with its own pigeonnier tower - sold in 2014.
Sarah Francis reports on a moated Ch�teau set in beautiful countryside yet within striking distance of Paris.
Architect-designed gardens give this southern Ch�teau the Edge.
Ch�teaux come in all shapes and sizes, as Sarah Francis explains.
Although David Hoppit says the 40,000 grands ch�teaux of France can be almost impossible to heatand, like a mistress, a constant drain on the wallet - they are simply irresistible.
A selection of Ch�teau for sale through Sifex Ltd.
These fascinating historic buildings continue to represent extremely good value for money in comparison with other types of French property.
"Four turrets and a moat, for the price of a one-bedroom, central London flat ( around �400,000 - $814,768, �578,150".
Karen Tait looks at the pros and cons of a compact and bijou holiday home or living the life of a lord in a grand ch�teau.
Sarah Francis of Sifex explores the ins and outs of buying and maintaining an historic Ch�teau
Belle de Jour
"Before you splash out on a Ch�teau do your homework advises Paul Shearer."
"Instead of a one-bed flat in London, why not buy yourself a stately pile? by Cheryl Taylor.
Patsy Dunne looks at this architectural genre.
"Owning a chateau in France is a dream for many. But despite rising prices, it is a dream that is still in reach for those with a bit of money and who are committed to keep their investment in good shape. By Jane Hamilton.
Sarah Francis, director of Sifex, explains how her love of France led her to manage some of the best French property on the Web.
"For the pastg sixteen years I have been involved in other people's plans to move to France, helping them to find the house of their dreams....."
"When Sarah Francis was enlisted by Carlton TV to help lottery winner Mel Eddison find tghe Ch�teau of his dreams in France, she didnt envisage appearing on camera minus her morning coffee or time to do her hair!
"An Englishman's home may be his castle, but what if you fancy making a castle your home? Alexander Garrett pulls up the drawbridge.
" Ch�teau for �100,000 - but it will cost you" - By Janette Hughes.
"You'll always be able to look down on the neighbours if you own a ch�teau in France. But take a hard look at the running costs, advises Ginetta Vedrickas.
The British are blocking to the South of France and Italy for work and play. Cheryl Markosky discovers the allure of sun, sea and beautiful homes.
The French property market has been buoyant for two years now, but most recently northern Europeans and Americans have been rushing to buy in the South and South-west. Penny Kitchen reports....
"Seven bedrooms for the price of a semi? France still offers bargains, if you know where to look" says Cheryl Taylor
"More than perhaps any other country, the castle is a powerful symbol of France, its history and its culture".
"Blessed with stunning scenery and within easy reach of both beaches and mountain skiing, Gascony should not be overlooked by those looking to set up house across the Channel, says Alexander Garrett.
More and more agents are saying these words to their English clients as the market for French property becomes increasingly active.
'look for gracious living near Toulouse from�175,000..."
"The fall in the franc is luring a new breed of buyers - including investors - says Clive Branson.
Fewer Britons are buying property in France these days even though they may want to.
'Thinking of a retirement dream home abrtoad doesn'tg put you on the road to senility' says Rosalind Russell.
