French property dreams: 6 ‘maisons de maître’ for sale under €500,000

Forget those château daydreams, a ‘maison de maître’ has the wow factor for a much lower price!

A chateau has long been the ultimate French property dream for many Francophiles, but it’s remained just that – a dream – due to the high costs of buying and maintaining a chateau. But did you know that you could buy a property with the same wow factor for a fraction of the price?

The ‘maison de maître’ style of property in France translates as ‘master’s house’; these were the homes of wealthy, important people, and they tend to command the best locations within the community.

Built to showcase their owner’s prosperity and standing, these substantial homes usually feature a grand symmetrical façade, while inside features include marble fireplaces, parquet floors and elegant windows. Even when located in town or village centres, they usually come with a lovely garden, perhaps even parkland. Here are a just few examples of the many beautiful ‘maisons de maître’ on the market for under €500,000.

€318,000, Haute-Vienne

With no less than nine bedrooms, this elegant home comes with a swimming pool and beautiful gardens. Within easy reach of the bustling market town Bellac, the property also has a small tower, outbuildings and a small guest house to renovate. (Beaux Villages Immobilier)

€475,000, Creuse

This spacious ‘maison de maître’ in the beautiful Creuse countryside offers both a home and a business opportunity. With seven ensuite bedrooms in the main house and two gîtes, the property is set in over a hectare of land. (Leggett Immobilier)

€395,000, Aude

In a village half an hour from the medieval city of Carcassonne, this property comprises a five-bedroom house, one-bed gîte and garage. With a flexible layout, it could be a large family home or you could use two or three ensuite bedrooms for B&B as it has separate owner’s accommodation. (Allez Francais)

€487,600, Gironde

This 18th-century maison de maître benefits from a town centre location plus a large enclosed garden. With six bedrooms and elegant period features, the property is just a short walk from the local market, shops and cafés. (Beaux Villages Immobilier)

€472,500, Charente

Set in over five acres of parkland, seven-bedroom maison de maître comes with a two-bed caretaker’s cottage and large barn. Dating from the 18th century, the property retains many lovely character features. (Leggett Immobilier)

€487,600, Hérault

In the sunny south of France, this property boasts a beautiful courtyard gardens, a veritable oasis! The six-bedroom home is located in a pretty village just 15 minutes from the popular town of Pezenas. (Freddy Rueda Immobilier)

See all these properties and more on FrancePropertyShop.com

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