Private mansions, sumptuous manors, former mills and converted barns, the properties listed with BARNES Propriétés & Châteaux all channel a heritage of French art de vivre. From the valleys of the Loire to the lavender fields of Provence and from the vineyards of Bordeaux to the countryside of the Île-de-France, these exceptional properties pay tribute to the history that has shaped them. Behind their gracious façades or out of sight in their astonishing parks, these dream homes hold the promise of the good life and new family memories. As a first or second home, these prestigious properties all represent the foundation stone of a life of luxury.
The real estate market
The second home market has seen a surge in recent years. The advent of remote working and the growing appeal of life in the country foreshadow a continued moderate price rise. Properties near major roads and cities remain in high demand. Charm, no disturbances and character are decisive criteria for buyers. It is worth noting also that the market is more susceptible than others to ‘love at first sight’ effects and emotions.
Our advice
Location is the first value factor. For classical country residences, proximity to village centres and conveniences are important. For large estates, being a reasonable distance from a big city, an airport, a TGV station or a motorway network is a major asset.
Horse farms, hunting estates, vineyards, agricultural holdings... choose a property that will enable you to live out your passions. BARNES Propriétés & Châteaux is here to guide you across all of France thanks to its global approach encompassing geography and areas of expertise.
The secret?
To guarantee a lasting investment, we recommend choosing a property in quiet surroundings with large grounds (minimum 2ha - 5 acres) without too many outbuildings which can be difficult to maintain.
Art of living
Transformed into contemporary art galleries or home to Michelin-starred restaurants, France’s châteaux are constantly taking on new form while its natural parks and forests make for an idyllic horseback ride.
Culture
Galerie Bayart
@galeriebayart
The famous Parisian gallery has opened a branch at the Château du Plessis-Brion, where sculptures and drawings are displayed in resonance with the furnishings.
2 Rue de l'Église, 60150 Le Plessis-Brion
Château La Coste
@chateaulacoste
Near Aix, this splendid wine-growing estate hosts installations by Louise Bourgeois, concerts under the pavilion designed by Frank Gehry and cinema screenings among the vines.
2750 Route de la Cride, 13610 Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade
Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire
@domainedechaumontsurloire
Between the garden festival and contemporary exhibitions, the château’s historic park is alive with the vibrancy of an exhilarating modernity.
41150 CHAUMONT-SUR-LOIRE
Shopping
L’eau et les rêves
@l’eau et les rêves
The shelves of this little botanical bookshop on a barge unveil the secrets of plants and the art of creating a garden.
9 quai de l’Oise, 75019 Paris
Barbour
@barbour
Made to weather the storms, the Barbour waxed cotton jacket forms a patina over time. A must-have item for long walks in the countryside which can be passed down from generation to generation.
240 bis boulevard Saint-Germain, 75007 Paris
Gueuleton
@sybaritasgin
The group of hedonists behind Gueuleton share the same ambition: to bring the French terroir to life with a dash of impertinence. A goal embodied in the “Sybaritas” gin, distilled as an artisanal production in the Gers.
70 place Richelme, 13100 Aix-en-Provence
The hottest reservations in town
Restaurant Lalique
@lafauriepeyrarguelalique
The crystal chimes in this restaurant where the glassware comes straight out of the Lalique workshops. In a 17th-century building, Jérôme Schilling serves up a Michelin-starred menu that places the accent on plants and vegetables.
Lieu-dit, Peyraguey, 33210 Bommes
La Folie Barbizon
@lafoliebarbizon
The restaurant at this guest house/artists’ residence is eminently inspired. Chefs in residence and pop-up restaurants serve dishes to be enjoyed in situ or as a picnic in the woods.
5 Grande Rue, 77630 Barbizon
Ardent
@loirevalleylodges
All of the products here are from the forest or the vegetable garden. A wild and modern menu that proves that rustic can still be chic.
Restaurant Ardent, Loire Valley Lodges, La Duponterie, 37230 Esvres-sur-Indre
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