MY CHATEAU

Following many years of travel abroad, our interest in Chateau travel began with one husband's obsession in touring the battlefields of WWI.  Vowing to roam unlimited trenches, battlefields and forts in trade for a night in a Chateau is where it all began for us.

 

Add more than a quarter-century in the real estate industry, where negotiating is one of the best aspects of the job learning to negotiate hotel and Chateau rates became key.   Having only once paid advertised rates for our accomodations, we learned long ago that negotiation in all things is possible, including luxury travel.

 

We've gathered vast amounts of valuble information to help educate those with interest in Chateau Holidays and travel abroad in a style you might never imagined possible.  We offer 'On Your Own' tour suggestions but will also negotiate your rates for you.  We offer many options for personal assistance but our site is open to anyone in the planning and coordination of the 'most unique holidays available today'. 

 

Not only can you find brilliant destinations for your holiday or special event but we are a resource for the purchase of Real Estate abroad.

 

With many websites geared towards Brits and other countries of the world, we've gathered much information to help educate American visitors.  On this site you will learn how real estate transactions are conducted abroad.  In particular France and England but also offer links and other valuable information for other EU countries as well.

 

Professional Real Estate Services     We proudly work with some of the top professionals in the real estate industry worldwide.  Keller Williams Worldwide (Austin, TX) is our number ONE real estate source with offices in Europe, UK, Dubai, Viet Nam and more, however we work with all Brokerage firms on a basis of referrals and cooperating aggreements.   We have worked with some of these teams extensively and they share our commitment to excellence.  

 

Caveat emptor (Let the buyer beware)   Never has there been a more urgent necessity to know what one is getting in to when making a home purchase abroad.  Is the property of interest truly worth the price; so, as always, caveat emptor.   We in the US are most fortunate in that our real estate laws are rich with protection for not only the buyer but seller as well.  When purchasing outside the US it it imperative to conduct your own due-dilligence as Brokers are not necessarily going to provide you with the services you may be acustomed to.

 

MLS Does Not Exist Abroad   Without an MLS or Multiple Listing Service in Britain, France or other European countries searching for properties from another country can be brutal and time consuming.  Most don't know where to begin their search and having numerous sites at your disposal in one location and having access to professionals in the country you wish to make a purchase (or long term rental) can be the difference of a chaotic or smooth purchase.

 

As a visitor to this site you will be able to search for properties primarily in Britain, France and other EU countries.  We have gathered a detailed and comprehensive list of hundreds of options whether you are looking to purchase land, existing housing for sale, lease (long or short term).  

 

Property Searching   Once you have located that perfect property I will arrange contact with Keller Williams Worldwide or my European contacts, including an American Broker in France to assist in the completion of home purchases in France and 'Apres Vente', or 'after' sale assistance.   Not all Sellers work with agents abroad so negotiations, paperwork and dealing with a foreign language in making an offer will most certainly be a monumental challenge for the average buyer.  Utilizing a broker to negotiate with the Seller or Seller's Agent is crucial in assuring you as Buyer are getting the best price possible as well as assuring proper notary documents are processed accordingly.   

 

Fractional Purchases    You will also see limited links for 'fractional purchases'.  These properties can be found in the various country Property Links shown on each page.  Many historic Chateaux, Castles or Country Homes throughout England, France and more are being converted in to American-type condos, some for year-round occupancy, where others offer 4 to 8 weeks of use per year. These will include 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units.  Many of these new opportunities are located in or nearby 'golf communities' that have always been as popular abroad as it is here. The abilty however to own part of history and live in surroundings as seen in our Chateau Hotels, has been as major draw for expats and those wanting to spend significant time abroad on an annual basis.

 

If you prefer assistance similar to that of a Buyer's Agent in the US, that is precisely how we can assist you according to our Fee Service. 

 

We want to be your resource for all Chateau properties abroad.  We want to be your resource for property purchases throughout EU countries, including but not limited to FRANCE, ENGLAND, ITALY, GERMANY, AUSTRIA, SPAIN, PORTUGAL, BELGIUM, NETHERLANDS, and non-EU SWITZERLAND.

 

We can also refer you to the most knowledgeable real estate professionals through-out the world.