Our Bespoke Service

We believe in transparency and providing clear value at every step of your journey to owning a French château. Our approach is tailored to your unique aspirations, and below we describe our services. A summary of associated fees is provided at the end of this page.

Phase 1: Property Discovery & Selection

This initial phase is dedicated to deeply understanding your vision and identifying suitable château properties that align with your aspirations, budget, and preferences.

Initial Consultation: We begin with a complimentary consultation to discuss your requirements in detail.
Property Sourcing & Presentation Rounds: Following the consultation, we conduct dedicated research, selecting and presenting curated lists of properties based on your refined criteria. Each round is designed to bring us closer to your ideal château, with the first round often providing significant clarification. We typically anticipate an average of three rounds to compile a shortlist for viewing. (Fee details for these rounds are summarized below).

Phase 2: Property Viewing Trips

Once a shortlist of desirable châteaux is established, we meticulously organize and accompany you on viewing trips.

Trip Organisation & Support: We handle all logistical aspects based on investor availability and provide on-trip support throughout the duration. This includes offering insights during viewings and creating video recordings for your later review. The provision and editing of these videos are part of this support.
Trip Costs: Actual travel expenses (such as flights, car rental, hotels, group meals) are charged at cost, based on a detailed trip plan and budget estimate reviewed and accepted by you beforehand. (Associated service fees are summarized below).

Phase 3: Pre-Acquisition Analysis & Planning

For properties you wish to focus on after viewings, we provide in-depth support to thoroughly evaluate their potential and plan for the future.

Services Include: This can encompass developing initial plans for renovation or extension, creating commercial and financial forecasts, preliminary engagement with local authorities, and other critical due diligence. The scope of work is always defined and agreed with you before commencement. (This work is undertaken at an agreed daily rate, detailed in the fee summary below).

Phase 4: Acquisition Support

When you are ready to proceed with acquiring a property, we can assist with navigating the process.

Administrative Support: At your request, we can help manage the administrative procedures in France and organise any related travel for signing documents. (This support is provided at our standard daily rate plus travel costs if applicable, as outlined in the fee summary).
Our Fee Structure Philosophy: Importantly, we do not charge a commission or percentage-based fee on the property acquisition itself. Our fees are transparently based on the time and services provided.

Important Clarification: While we offer support throughout the acquisition process, we are not legal professionals. Our assistance is for general organisation and explanation of the process. We are not qualified legal advisors and cannot act as such. We strongly recommend you engage independent French legal counsel (Notaire, Avocat) for all legal aspects of the property purchase and SCI formation.

Phase 5: Post-Acquisition & Initial Planning - Château de Fontainebleau

Phase 5: Post-Acquisition Project Launch & Ongoing Support

Once your château is acquired, our focus shifts to bringing your vision to life and preparing the property for its intended use, whether for private enjoyment, commercial activity, or a blend of both.

Initial Project & Renovation Planning (Pre-Signature)

Before the final property signature, we collaboratively prepare a comprehensive action plan and a foreseen timetable. This covers:

The detailed steps and initial planning for launching any agreed château commercial operations (which our team, through a dedicated SAS, will subsequently manage).
An outline of any desired renovation or modernisation work. While contracts for significant building work are directly between the property-owning SCI and chosen contractors, we can offer dedicated project support for these SCI-led initiatives.

Phase 5: Weddings & Events at Your Château

Project Support for SCI-Led Renovations & Other Consultancy

For significant structural or renovation projects under the SCI's direct responsibility, or for other specific consultancy tasks you may require post-acquisition (beyond the day-to-day commercial management undertaken by the SAS), we offer dedicated project support. This can include assistance in defining detailed scopes of work, sourcing and liaising with specialist third-party suppliers for the SCI, and helping the SCI to obtain and review quotes for its projects. (Our involvement in these specific roles is charged at our standard daily rate, with scope and duration agreed beforehand. See fee summary).

Commercial Operations Launch & Management (by Our Team via SAS)

We establish and manage the château's commercial activities through a dedicated French management company (SAS). Our role includes overseeing the operational plan, personnel hiring and management, and developing and executing the marketing strategy for the agreed commercial uses (e.g., B&B, events, restaurant). (The remuneration for the SAS's ongoing management is based on an operational margin, as detailed in the fee summary).

Our Service Fees

We believe in clear and transparent pricing for our bespoke services. Below is a summary of our standard fees. Detailed scopes of work and any applicable travel cost estimates are always reviewed and agreed with you in advance.

Initial Consultation

Free of charge

An opportunity to discuss your aspirations, budget, and preferences in detail.

Property Sourcing & Presentation Rounds

£700 per round (fixed fee)

Includes research, selection, and presentation of curated property lists. We typically anticipate an average of three rounds to compile a shortlist for viewing.

Consultancy & Support Services

£600 per day (daily rate)

This rate applies to a range of dedicated, hands-on services where the scope and estimated duration are agreed with you in advance. This includes:

On-Trip Support (Property Viewings): Trip organisation, insights, video documentation & editing included. Travel expenses are charged at cost against a pre-agreed budget.
Pre-Acquisition Analysis & Planning: Renovation/extension plans, commercial/financial forecasts, etc.
Acquisition Support (Administrative): Assistance with French administrative procedures.
Post-Acquisition Project Support: Support for SCI-led renovations & other specific consultancy tasks.

Commercial Operations Launch & Management

Based on an approximate 10% operational margin for the managing SAS.

This margin covers the SAS's remuneration for ongoing management of commercial activities (personnel, operations, marketing, taxes, and rent to the SCI). The rent paid by the SAS to the SCI is reviewed and updated if commercial activity generates substantially higher revenues than projected, ensuring an enhanced Return On Investment for SCI owners.

For services tailored to current château owners seeking to enhance their property's operations and financial performance, please refer to our Château Asset Management services or contact us directly for a bespoke consultation and proposal.

Transform your château dream into a tangible reality.

Discuss the Possibilities