Chateaux are a typical feature through France. You will be surprised at only how many chateaux for sale there are in the country. In the event you are looking to invest in a French chateau, you need to necessarily have some concept about chateaux, and their varying consequential and architectural values.
In truth the word "chateau" is very often misrepresented in English as "castles". This is basically because the 2 words sound similar. The French word "chateau" basically indicates "country house" or "grand house" and were built and resided in generally by people belonging to the nobility. The chateaux also served as forts, to offer protection to the assets of the noblemen.
Different strategies have been employed at different time periods to build up these chateaux. The ones built before the 12th century used a mix of earthwork and timber. Many of those chateaux remain intact, some dating as far back as the 10th century. After the 12th century, stone was the predominant material utilized in the construction of the chateaux. There are many examples of chateaux from the period with their fortifications still intact.
During the Renaissance period, new architectural styles poured into France, predominently from Italy. The Chateau de Chambord, situated in the Loire Valley, is perhaps the best example of design influenced by this Italian Renaissance period. Chateaux from the 15th century onwards show a fascinating mixture of the French medieval and Italian renaissance-style architecture. Some of the finest chateaux made in France include the ones at the Bordeaux, Loire Valley and the Vaux-le-Vicomte, not to mention the world-famous Chateau de Versailles.
The French Revolution and the fall of French aristocracy led to lots of the chateaux being deserted. As a consequence, a lot of them were in such a ruined state that they were in need of extensive rebuilding to be fit for living in again. Over the last few decades, an interest has been revived among both foreign investors and Frenchmen alike to save these pretty buildings, and a lot of them have been totally rebuilt to their past glory. You'll find chateaux for sale that are well redecorated as well as the ones that are in need of renovation.
In truth the word "chateau" is very often misrepresented in English as "castles". This is basically because the 2 words sound similar. The French word "chateau" basically indicates "country house" or "grand house" and were built and resided in generally by people belonging to the nobility. The chateaux also served as forts, to offer protection to the assets of the noblemen.
Different strategies have been employed at different time periods to build up these chateaux. The ones built before the 12th century used a mix of earthwork and timber. Many of those chateaux remain intact, some dating as far back as the 10th century. After the 12th century, stone was the predominant material utilized in the construction of the chateaux. There are many examples of chateaux from the period with their fortifications still intact.
During the Renaissance period, new architectural styles poured into France, predominently from Italy. The Chateau de Chambord, situated in the Loire Valley, is perhaps the best example of design influenced by this Italian Renaissance period. Chateaux from the 15th century onwards show a fascinating mixture of the French medieval and Italian renaissance-style architecture. Some of the finest chateaux made in France include the ones at the Bordeaux, Loire Valley and the Vaux-le-Vicomte, not to mention the world-famous Chateau de Versailles.
The French Revolution and the fall of French aristocracy led to lots of the chateaux being deserted. As a consequence, a lot of them were in such a ruined state that they were in need of extensive rebuilding to be fit for living in again. Over the last few decades, an interest has been revived among both foreign investors and Frenchmen alike to save these pretty buildings, and a lot of them have been totally rebuilt to their past glory. You'll find chateaux for sale that are well redecorated as well as the ones that are in need of renovation.
About the Author:
Andre Boultaire owns Luxury French Chateaux a website for those looking for a luxury French Chateaux for sale. The site provides an extensive choice of the best castles for sale in France, ideal for if you are looking to buy a chateau for sale Bordeaux, the dordogne or the South of France.
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