Absolutely Perfect (but…)
This chateau is absolutely perfect. It was the very first one we ever visited (in October 2019). I mean, just scroll through the pictures. Gorgeous floors, tasteful colors, incredible ceiling molding, that bathtub…& oh my, the checkerboard kitchen floor. Those of you who know me know that I’m an absolute sucker for a checkerboard floor. Here are the “buts”, that unfortunately made this lovely chateau out of our consideration…
1) There are no outbuildings to host receptions or to create a teaching kitchen
2) French bankers (we’ve now learned) won’t lend on speculation & business propositions. So this property was beyond a normal budget, though if we WERE able to factor in the revenue the property itself would generate, it might have been able to land within our budget. Alas, the French are WAYYYYY more risk adverse than US bankers, so this would be a huge issue
3) There were only 5 ensuite bedrooms, including the bedroom for the owners. There were other bedrooms ready to be worked on, but at the price, putting any more significant money would have broken the bank. Not to mention there was a spa that was roughed out in the cellar (sous sol), including a pool, but the “big money” for that project was still required as well.
So, picture perfect as it was, we knew it could not be for us. We’re both grateful, though, that we saw this one first, as it provides amazing inspiration. From this viewing, we got an important appreciation on price, taste & adjunct work to be performed. It was a real stunner.
