Additional Coverage:
Americans Flock to Affordable French Châteaux
Three years ago, Mark Goff and Phillip Engel purchased Château Avensac in southern France, drawn by its historical charm. However, they soon realized the extensive renovations needed would drain their resources.
Châteaux in France are notoriously expensive to maintain, with some requiring 1.5% of the purchase price annually. Classified historic monuments add to the financial burden, as renovations must be approved by the culture minister and carried out by specialists.
Despite the challenges, American buyers are increasingly purchasing châteaux. Many are seeking a rustic lifestyle in the French countryside, and some even plan to use them as their primary residences.
Americans have a different perspective on châteaux than the French, seeing them as romantic and charming. However, for French owners, they can be a financial burden, leading many to sell.
One owner, Williams Henrys d’Aubigny, has struggled to find a buyer for his 250-year-old Château de l’Espinay due to his inflated asking price and the property’s need for extensive renovations.
Despite the difficulties, Goff and Engel remain committed to their château, even after Goff’s temporary paralysis. They are slowly renovating the property and plan to launch an events business and sell merchandise to cover costs.
“I live in a château,” Engel reflects. “Yes, it’s crumbling, but it’s still a château. And there’s something very romantic about that.”