Finding our château in France | Queen's Escape

In this video we detail our search for a French château to buy between 2021 - 2022. We searched mostly in Southwestern France. We saw 10 properties in total, made lots of mistakes, had our hearts broke, then ultimately were touched by luck. We're so happy now to be the proud owners of Château de La Tuilerie, but there were times in over the past few years when we weren't sure it would happen for us. It's a long video, but we wanted to be sure we shared what our followers and any potential buyers might find valuable. Get the popcorn! xxoo Karen & Bo
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Learn more about our château, nicknamed, 'Queen's Escape and book a night in our bed & breakfast or start planning your wedding or event: chateaudelatui...
Subscribe to our KZbin channel: @Queen's Escape
Queen's Escape was inspired by the 4 years the Belgian royal family stayed at Château de La Tuilerie during WWII. In particular, it is for the Queen. The king took shelter at a different location in France. We've named each of our guest rooms after great Queens of the past and present from around the world. Margrethe, Eleanor, Catherine, Himiko, Cleopatra, and soon our bridal suite will be ready in honor of Queen Elizabeth II.
With it's sprawling green meadows, 100-year-old trees, and historic location in the small medieval town of Gluges, the 200-year-old château is truly an escape. With 5 guest rooms to rent and a stunning Orangery, we look forward to welcoming you for a visit or to host your wedding or event.
Follow us on Instagram: / queensescape
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Book now: queensescape.com/

[@billgreen1861]

As an old man, I have to admit I had tears in my eyes for what they put you through. Who would deny this lovely couple a chance to their dream home ? It's unethical what they did but, you arose to the occasion and overcame the obstacles. All the best in your future business and endeavors. 👍

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you Bill, that is very kind. Bo

[@queensescape]

Thank you for your empathy. We’re so grateful it all worked out in the end. 😊

[@jmz388]

Nicely put how to do business with castle sellers…

[@blancarivera7170]

Thank you for doing this video and sharing your experience. Many of us have a dream of someday buying in France and coming in with the right expectation is less stressful. Glad you were able to get the place that was right for you. Best of lucK!

[@BoSAChristensen]

Hello, thanks, we feel very lucky to get to do this. Bo

[@starveartist]

Finding an old chateau with heating is amazing!! Expensive to heat, but most old buildings don't have it.

[@BoSAChristensen]

Hello, you’re right. We did visit another chateau where a relative new heating system was installed. But you have to search longer for those. There were so many reasons why this Chateau we ended up in, was worth fighting for. Bo

[@creativecottage6137]

Wow, you guys have been put through the mill! Never trust an estate agent or car salesman I was always told. But, you have found your beautiful Chateau at last! Some great advice shared here and a nod to future buyers to hang in there and follow your dream. Congratulations you two your doing a great job in your chateau I wish you well x

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you very much, that is very kind. Bo

[@wernerdanler2742]

It was a long video to sit through but worth the time to do so. There are a lot of youtubers from Britain who managed to buy up some of the cheaper, more rundown chateaux, but with several family members, they are slowly renovating them. One and a half million US dollars will get you a new 4 or 5 bedroom house on less than one acre of land here in Las Vegas. (€1 = $1.07) (1 hectare = 2.46 acres). I'm glad you got your ideal château and that you will be able to make it pay for itself.

[@queensescape]

We really hope it will pay for itself at some point. Wheyw! That’s a high price in Las Vegas! Gosh.

[@larslotus]

Hi everyone. This has been a real emotional roller-coaster ride for you I'm glad that everything worked out fine in the end. Congratulations to your château and best of luck with your business. Best regards from a Swed in France.

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you very much Lars. Bo

[@lwest5686]

Whether your viewers are looking to buy or not, this vlog was so interesting and helpful. I loved the end of the vlog - seeing your joy holding the keys to your new chateau. Bless all your endeavors. Cheers from Vancouver Canada.

[@queensescape]

Ahhh, Vancouver… Thank you.

[@Ferdy1969]

Hello Karen & Bo, we are having the same experience as you had in our search for a house in south of France, the agents dont seem to be 100% sincere with the buyers ! Glad that you persisted and are very happy with it now ! All the best !

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you Ferdy, and all the best to you too. Bo

[@queensescape]

Bo has heard from several of his friends and colleagues having similar experiences. I guess that’s how it is, but it sure can be frustrating. I hope luck has been with you lately. 😊

[@carolmcreynolds7761]

I really enjoyed hearing of your journey to finding a château. ❤

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thanks Carol, we really appreciate that. Bo

[@TheFiown]

I live in Dordogne, there are over 1000 chateaux in this region alone ! The weather is gorgeous, very hot in summer and quite wet also which makes it very green. I loved here during the first lockdown, preferring to be locked up in the sun ! So much to see.

[@BoSAChristensen]

Yes the nature is absolutely amazing. Hard to explain in words. The wildlife… I tell my colleagues they need to come see it with their own eyes. All the best. Bo

[@fringedwellermccatintyre730]

...over 1000 chateaux in that one region alone?!... You mean lived in, or wrecks?

[@TheFiown]

@@fringedwellermccatintyre730 I would say that the majority are ok and many are open to the public. They say that only about 40 of them are still lived in by the original families. I've visited a few so far. One such chateau, one of the biggest was burnt inside in the 60's, left a shell and then a lady banker had it restored to it's original, something that today's costs would not allow. Part of it is still not finished but instead of doing so they rent it out for period productions and part of it was used as Versailles for a Louis XV TV series. There are many hundreds of chateaux in France in various states of abandon, some fully furnished with antiques just left and mostly because of either inheritance division or taxes. In France a dozen decendants can inherit and if no one agrees on what to do then no one does anything and the buildings just go to rot. The problem is the roof, it can cost over 100,000 to redo a roof and that's before something like heating that can cost over 200,000 for a chateau plus running costs. I almost bought small chateau many years ago but we found out that the cellars were under water as the nearby lake had leaked into it so to dry it out I would need to empty the lake after getting all the permits, then empty the cellar, let it dry out for a year or so then repair the damage, build a water barrier to stop further damage then begin to restore the building. Fortunately we backed out and bought a 17th century barn and converted it.

[@fringedwellermccatintyre730]

@@TheFiown Thanks for that reply - this is astounding, and sad, too.... But at least there are some tilting at windmills!

[@flojolivet512]

Hi Bo and Karen. I subscribed to your channel since the beginning. I’m French I live outside Paris And I love the region of your château. What you are describing is the regular functioning of the market and whatever happened to you is not something that should be taken personally, I understand that it can become emotional but that is the way market works and not only in real estate. First of all remember that realtors may have exclusivity to sell a property, but in most cases, They do not. Which means that several realtors have the property in their portfolio. In the majority of the cases they do not have exclusivity, because it is the interest of the seller to maximize the price and so to use several realtors. Usually when the realtor has exclusivity for the sale of a property, they advertise it. If they don’t, you can suspect that they do not have exclusivity, and in such a case you can expect competing offers. They will never volunteer the information that they do not have exclusivity because it is not in their interest. My piece of advice, as a French, and a lawyer Is to always first thing when you’re dealing with a realtor to ask him/her if they have exclusivity for the sale of the property. If the answer is no expect competing offers and take it into consideration when you make an offer. This is always the first question to ask the realtor. You say the realtor didn’t know about the competing offer. Of course he/she did not, and he should not because this is how competition works. You’re not supposed to know what your competitor is doing or talk to your competitors. This is normal rule of competition. Saying that you were used to raise the price is just taking personally a rule of the market. If you visit the property on Monday and you make an offer, and the seller has already lined up a visit with another buyer on Thursday, obviously, the seller will wait for the second visit to give you a response, and it is very likely that it would tell the Thursday visitor who is interested, about your offer. Nothing shocking about it. The difficulty in your case is that you were looking for a property from abroad and it was a long way to come and visit. But this is not the case in the majority of the situation. Although for sale of chateaus it could be different. You went through many disappointments visiting properties and so did I when I bought my apartment outside Paris. The way to deal with it is to ask as many questions beforehand. questions have to be objective not subjective. For instance you can ask if the electricity system is complying with the current regulations. You can ask question about the heating. You can ask precise questions to anticipate the condition, and that could save you some time if you decide it is probably not worth it coming to visit. Also, the pictures will always show the nicest part. So it is important to read between the lines. If the pictures mostly show the garden, then you can infer that the interior doesn’t look very nice. Also, you can ask why the seller is selling the property. That can give you an indication, if there is room for negotiation or not, if the seller is in a hurry to sell or not. Remember a letter of intent is not legally binding and it works both ways meaning That if you find a property you like better after having signed the letter of intent you could also theoretically get out of it, unless you put down a down payment. In such a case, there are rules about dealing with the down payment if the deal falls through. I hope this clarifies things. Even if there is an emotional part, buying a property is business and should be approached as such. Nothing personal. Florence

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you Florence! That was very informative, and of course, you’re right about everything you write here. You have a great knowledge that so many foreigners could make good use of. I wish we knew what you know before we started out on this journey. But we didn’t. Where I come from there’s usually just one realtor for a property. Different country, different rules. However, we know that our reality may not be the case for someone else. Hopefully others can gain more knowledge and good tips, when buying in France. I do know of others who went through just the same thing as we did. So it is not uncommon to get hit by surprise, but you’re right again, it’s nothing personal. The region we live in is absolutely beautiful, and has so much to offer for tourists. Thank you for following this channel. Karen is doing a lot of work to keep it running. Stay tuned for more. Your input is very much appreciated. Bo

[@queensescape]

It’s so nice of you to take the time to write to us in such length, Florence. I suspect real estate runs similarly in the US. But as this was my first time buying, it was all new to me. You’re right about the long drive being the catalyst to bigger disappointment. 😊

[@nigelirmamaher5811]

I’m glad you persevered and got what you really wanted. It paid off!

[@BoSAChristensen]

Yes it did, thank you very much. Bo

[@eileencronk7520]

Ultimately, you are where you were meant to be! Cheers to incredible growth, abundance and great memories to make!

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you Eileen, we are hoping for what you just described. Cheers, Bo.

[@beverlymurray6554]

I just love being with you two on this journey! Thank you for sharing ❤

[@BoSAChristensen]

That’s great to hear, thank you Beverly. Bo

[@GoGoChateau]

This is encouraging! I have been looking for a couple of years myself. Have made 2 trips from the US, 18 weeks total. It's hard to stay enthusiastic and motivated!

[@queensescape]

Especially coming from the US! Wow.

[@GoGoChateau]

@@queensescape Totally!

[@thesoulhome68]

My goodness, what a wonderful vlog. Im an Australian obsessed with watching chateau renovations and you’ve just become my favourite channel. The love and true partnership between you both is so palpable and beautiful to witness. Buying property of any kind can be the ultimate mix of hope, disappointment, disillusionment and elation. Im a firm believer that the right property comes to us, not when we want it, but when the time is right. Im looking forward to following your journey!

[@queensescape]

What a lovely comment. We’re so glad to have you and that’s high praise bc there are so many chateau owners doing big things. Thank you so much for the encouragement. ❤️

[@LA-jf1zn]

I found this very interesting. My personal favorite was the first one. So pretty! Congratulations on your new home!

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you very much. Bo

[@KiwiBabz]

I love your honesty about the highs and lows of your real estate experience. I can certainly understand why you were wary of being used to jack up the price. I think you were right about that by the way. Never mind all the "we are innocent of such behaviour." Great advice for buyers at the end of the video. Queen's Escape is a gorgeous fairy tale castle with its turrets. 🏰 So glad it is yours.

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you very much. Bo

[@y.lelivelt2619]

This is a very informative video for potential buyers of a chateau.

[@peterwhite9261]

This is an awesome vlog. I hope all new buyers in France watch this first. You both shared a lot of experience and advice for buying in France. In the end, you have your dream chateau. I'm so happy for you.

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you Peter, you’re always very kind. Bo

[@queensescape]

We really appreciate that encouragement. 😊

[@kathyevans2968]

I’ve really enjoyed watching all your vlogs and love your chateau.. but also both of you come across as genuine, kind & so likeable! I really wish you all the success with this amazing venture.. you deserve it! Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you very much Kathy! Bo

[@floridasunshine3916]

Hi Karen and Bo….. I watch a lot of different chateau videos on KZbin. I came across yours yesterday and have since watched them all and love them! Can’t wait to see more. Have a great day 😀

[@BoSAChristensen]

Hello, thank you, we’re glad you liked it. Stay tuned for more. Bo

[@lesley2110]

Wow what a journey to get your Chateau!.....I’m so glad you made this.....Thank you for sharing the ups and many downs!......Best Wishes from New Zealand......❤️

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you very much. All the best in NZ. Bo

[@kaytreble1123]

Great presentation of your journey I wish you well in your new adventure Well done to both of you Kay from Australia xxx

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you Kay! Bo

[@queensescape]

Australia… I so dream of going. 🥰

[@kaytreble1123]

@@queensescape Actually its the best time of the year to be here Thankyou

[@ji8044]

First time viewer, enjoyed this a lot, and subscribed. For the future, maybe break this up into two videos because 67 minutes is a bit long. Looking forward to catching up with your previous videos.

[@BoSAChristensen]

Hello, thank you. Yes, it could be an idea to launch a part 1 and a part 2 if the video gets too long. Karen is continuing working on improvements, and every suggestion or idea is considered. Enjoy the videos. Bo

[@queensescape]

Thanks for that. Yep. It was long. 😂 We’re not going to make that a regular thing. Thank you for being thoughtful enough to give a suggestion.

[@christinemarshall7217]

What a beautiful story. I believe in fate. You followed the path to your destination with persistence and determination. ❤️

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you, that is very kind. Bo

[@ensatlantic]

Thank you for sharing these very private stories. That will help a lot of people, going though this process, probably even for normal houses.

[@BoSAChristensen]

Hello, a colleague of mine was buying a house in France at the same time, and he experienced a similar thing twice. Namely, meanwhile negotiating a price with the seller, and the seller finally excepted, someone came in from the side out of the blue and just jacked up the bid. After the second time my colleague told me that it was unbelievable and that he almost gave up. But he didn’t give up, and today he is drinking his wine in his new home in southern France. Bo

[@predatornz.5493]

Great video but what a lot of let downs and the Chateau s u looked at would have been so easy to full in love with too . But the one u have brought is the best I said from the start u have brought a Dymond it's in very good condition, it be easy to put more of your touch to it when u do more painting and upgrading . U be able to add more character to yours with more dramatic looks like curtains and fancy mirrors etc u know what I'm talking about . U can easy get some of the ideas from the Chateau u loved with the front Verlander and pave it all adding trees in pots etc . U outside buildings are full of character and in time u make it into something really gorgeous u both have the version and u get jobs done. . I would love to buy a manor in France , I have a 1904 cottage I've done up it's my mini Chateau. Thank u SO MUCH for this video . 💚❤💚❤

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you so much for your kind words. All the best. Bo

[@queensescape]

So appreciate your perspective. NZ - I imagine everyone lucky enough to live there is in their own personal paradise. 😊

[@bubblin]

it's a journey for sure , we had to deal with a lot of the same things , but finally sorted now and in the last 3 months waiting to get our keys from our chateau :)

[@BoSAChristensen]

Congratulations! Then you’re good to go! Bo

[@queensescape]

Congratulations! Those last 3 months just drag on. 😂

[@wendyscott7432]

This was a really helpful video, thank you for sharing this experience.

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you Wendy. Bo

[@marilynwade9448]

Your videos are always such a pleasure. ❤❤❤❤❤ Thank you. Your chateau is beautiful.

[@johndavenport8843]

Fust wonderful for you to share the journey and give those of u sin this process the wisdom of your Chateau hunt. Merci

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thanks John, we feel very lucky to be here. Bo

[@paivitiitta1884]

Chateaux tend to be dark and heavy to live in but your's is bathing in light ! You did a clever buy, it's in so good condition ! But actually the one I liked was the courtyard castle , after the castle that broke your hearts ! You found your dream place , good luck !

[@BoSAChristensen]

Yes, you’re right, the big windows and the amount of light that comes in is one big plus. Karen really liked the courtyard castle too. Bo

[@queensescape]

That’s very perceptive, Paivi. The light really sets this place apart from the rest. You can feel it when you’re in the space - no dark rooms. 😊

[@paivitiitta1884]

@@BoSAChristensen and it had wall anchors which means it was built to last !

[@littleskittles7733]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video; it was extremely interesting to learn more about the experience of chateau viewing and buying. So glad you finally were able to purchase your lovely chateau.

[@BoSAChristensen]

Hello and thank you very much. We feel very lucky to be here. Bo

[@marytyson6376]

Your show has been a breath of fresh air , tried of these shows of Chateau DIY . Help me pay for my poor crumbling castle.

[@lorahart56]

So don't watch or follow.

[@marytyson6376]

@@lorahart56 Read very slowly and think .

[@queensescape]

Thanks, Mary. I think we’re also crumbling. Just not as good at asking for money. 😂😂😂 Thank you for your kind words.

[@graciemaca6996]

Barring all of the obstacles, you ultimately made the right choice for you. I'm so glad it finally worked out for you. Blessings on your journey!

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you very much. Spring weather has arrived here, it’s sunny and very nice outside. Just another reminder how privileged we are to be here. All the best. Bo

[@kathyweiner6392]

May goodness you had patience. As a real estate agent here in the US, I would have ripped someones head off if they had done that to me. That's why we write into an offer a time frame for acceptance. 24 hours no more than that. Otherwise we withdraw our offer to purchase. Never leave your offer open ended. I'm glad you got the one you liked the most in the end, but what an emotional roller coaster. Congratulations!

[@thierrymilan2039]

Well, France is not for you if you think you're not going to be in self-control at some points. French people are not knowed to give up and you would be in trouble.

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you Kathy. We learned that lesson the hard way. Bo

[@queensescape]

I love this idea of an24-hour acceptance. It was the WORST to wait day after day after day after week, checking our emails constantly bc we were so desperate to hear back. We probably knew subconsciously that something was off. I appreciate your reaction. 😂

[@jessicacampbell5417]

I really enjoyed this video thank you. It was very educational. 😊

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you for your support Jessica, we really appreciate it. Bo

[@darant2249]

Love to know more of the history of your chateau and the area. Enjoy your videos!

[@BoSAChristensen]

Hello, yes we are talking about making a video about the history of the Chateau and the area in the future. Bo

[@thomasbee5218]

great great in debt vlog - touching on many great thoughts, advice and experiences you had during your journey

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you Thomas, we thought it would be a good idea to share these information. Bo

[@AngelikaPlett]

That was VERY informtive! Thank You for your openess.

[@barefootminis]

Karen and Bo, it is so beautiful and you got the best one as the grounds are stunning. The castle is so pretty but if there were no cliffs to see or pretty groves it wouldn't be quite the same. The land completes it.

[@soniadennis7801]

I'm sorry you had gone through all that , it's really not fair that this happens because people are not trust worthy, but you got there in the end, well deserved.

[@ellebelle8515]

This is a very well presented educational presentation which will be so useful for numerous individuals considering joining the journey you have been on- chateau buying. Sharing the ups, and especially the downs is necessary preparation; many might otherwise give up.

[@queensescape]

Don’t give up. 😊😊😊

[@chateaudelamotte9527]

We iked your video it was well done. We have a different experience since we bought the first château we looked at

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thanks, that is perfect, that is how it should be. We wanted to be informative about our journey to the chateau, so maybe someone else can be more prepared for the french market than we were. Bo

[@nordwestpassage]

Very interesting insights into the acquisition of a chateau in France.

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you very much. Bo

[@TheFiown]

The last two years has seen many people reprioritising their lives and maybe also deciding to work from home. Many chateau owners have made vlogs that have inspired more people to buy one and turn them into businesses. The French typically see a chateau as a money pit, too much upkeep and potential problems and don't see the business posibilities which is why so many are in disrepair. Vlogs like 'The Chateaux Diaries' and programs like 'Escape to the Chateau' and 'Chateau DIY' have inspire many. Steve and Sara from 'Manor & Maker' have moved near me and we are friends now and it's lovely to follow their journey. Welcome to the fold ! I don't live in a chateau although friends tell me it is a very big house, enough for me alone and my doggies.

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you very much! We love it here. Bo

[@queensescape]

I hadn’t heard of, ‘Manor & Maker,’ but I’d like to check that out. I think your appraisal of the chateau world is perfectly on point. 😊

[@TheFiown]

@@queensescape They are lovely people, Canadians and artists ! xo

[@robertmajor3883]

Great video. Full of information. Well executed. Interestingly, I’ve been looking in the south of France, Lake Como, and Key West! What a coincidence. My criteria are a bit different (I don’t want to operate a B&B) but your story resonated with me. Thank you. Bob M from San Francisco.

[@BoSAChristensen]

Hi Bob, thanks for sharing your similar interest in places. That is very interesting! Our plan A was a castle in the SW of France, where we could do B&B and events. Should that fail for some reason, plan B was to get a place in Lake Como & a place in Key West, because we love those places very much. They were however never intended to be B&B. It would be more like a summer and winter residence for us, and a lot smaller in size naturally. All the best! Bo

[@queensescape]

Bob, I also lived in SF a couple years. So much in common. 😊

[@WandaSmith-pj7ee]

Good for you folks ! Happy trails

[@johnsoran3874]

I glad you finally found the one you wanted. Iwe looked at almost 40 homes before we found the one we fell in love with. Watching you from the Southern Tier of the Catskill Mountains in Upstate New York USA

[@queensescape]

Hello Catskills!

[@queenbvintageresale]

Karen, where are you from? You sound like midwestern US meaning you have no accent. New subscriber here from southern Indiana. You guys definitely made the right choice! Key West? Absolutely not. The tourist are horrible. I used to go there a lot back in the past and it has changed so much. Plus, the water is rising and there's only one road out of there.

[@queensescape]

Lol. So true about Key West. Still miss that sun and blue water though. But I agree - good to be here. I’m born in Pennsylvania raised in Virginia, and I’ve lived in the Middle East and Europe for the better part of 15 years, so my accent has probably mellowed. I always thought I had a neutral accent, but have to say I’ve been hearing some southern overtones in these videos. 😂

[@queenbvintageresale]

@@queensescape Not at all a southern accent. I've lived in FL and NC before I moved back here and remarried my 1st husband

[@janteve6509]

Thanks for your honesty and advice.

[@taylorschoeninger8818]

Thank you so much for putting this informational video together. We hope some day to be Chateau owners ourselves. What were some of the websites you used to research Chateaus for sale? Thanks so much!

[@stephjezo6470]

There are quite a few and you want to search them all because they differ, VERY different from US realtor sites. And a lot of the listings barely have any photos. I also should warn you it sounds like getting showings is hard and also nothing like the US. Plan on chasing realtors for a while.

[@BoSAChristensen]

Hello Taylor, thanks, we certainly hope that for you too! We looked at various websites, but probably mostly Le Figaro & Le Nail. We did look at other pages too, and we contacted some agents to see if there might be something for sale, that we could not find ourselves online. Don’t give up! Bo

[@tjsmith2748]

Thank you for a very informative video…..hitting on all the important aspects of shopping . Glad you struck to your guns ! About the same as buying a regular house now days. Good Luck and many returns for your patience and perseverance.

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you, that is very kind. Bo

[@deniereynolds6119]

I’m a retired Realtor and the Sellers are responsible for the roof, because Buyers wouldn’t be able to insure the home. All you need is courage and a large bank roll. My husband used to say we no longer had a 401K it’s now our 101K. So true.

[@katherineleavitt7275]

I really enjoyed your video talking about the process of buying a Chateau, thanks for taking us along on your journey. I think you have a lovely place a perfect place to stay on vacation. God Bless Kathy 🇺🇸

[@billgreen1861]

Denie Reynolds, I've been saying it for years, I retired and when I looked into my 401K, I nearly had a heart attack. It pretty much looks like people will have to work until they drop. Just like in, Bible days. Thank goodness for a little savings or I'd have to go back to work. BTW I was an accountant, we don't have a crystal ball into the future. We just know about numbers.

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you very much. We thought it was important to share our experience to other potential buyers. We suppose buying a property in France can be very easy too, we were just not that lucky. Bo

[@queensescape]

101K 😂😂😂 It’s true what you say about the roof. People love to say NO and cite potential roof issues. The chateau we saw when it was raining hadn’t mentioned the roof too much until we witnessed the rain pouring in. I thought the realtor was going to have a heart attack. He was mortified. Oh well. 😊

[@allisonrobb5329]

DenieReynolds here in France you buy a property as is. Unless you negotiate a particular item, the buyer is responsible for all repairs. Your only come back is 'vice caché', which is where you can prove the seller hid a problem. It's not easy to prove though. The insurance companies will insure anything, except maybe a ruin 😂.

[@atomicrancher3745]

Just a point of clarification…..Turrets and towers are not the same thing. Most of what you were showing were places with towers……basically, if it touches the ground, it’s a tower. If not, then maybe it’s a turret.😊

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you for that clarification. I did not know it differs. Bo

[@queensescape]

I Waś recently corrected on this. We learn every time we do a video and I so appreciate that. 😊

[@peterjohn63]

What a fabulous heart wrenching and heart warming story , Thank you so much for making it And i wish you all the happiness in the world with your future life in France as Chateau owners , I think the Program Made by UK channel IV , Escape to the chateau has had an effect in the sellers of Chateau's over the past for or five years as so many Chateau's have been stood empty and all of a d´sudden there is a big explosion of interest in them,

[@happydays1336]

What you describe as far as negotiating back and forth and an owner entertaining more than one offer is pretty standard--even with regular homes.

[@bruniduncan7789]

Your new machine will be so helpful. Love your new toppers for your gate columns. So beautiful and it also made me smile too. Lovely. I enjoy watching your vlog.

[@marilynwade9448]

So happy you didn't give up

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you Marilyn. Bo

[@dds3370]

Happy for You both!

[@laurieedeburn2449]

thanks... you have good volume music voice cadence n one heck of a lovely home

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you Laurie, stay tuned for more. Bo

[@queensescape]

So nice of you

[@staciamartin923]

I am so happy you made this video. It helped me tremendously. Thank you .

[@BoSAChristensen]

Hello Stacia, you’re welcome. It was the aim of this video to help others who might try the same thing. All the best. Bo

[@virginiawestcot3111]

Excellent presentation thank you and best of luck in your Chateau much prosperity

[@BoSAChristensen]

You’re very kind, thanks. Bo

[@Gajdacsi61]

That was soooo interesting. Thanks so much.

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you very much. Stay tuned for more. Bo

[@farmersbankofrusticoandthe1437]

We love your mom…hey she could really start her own Mrs Fix-It show! She’s wonderful! Hugs from Carter & Arnold

[@ionstepanek]

Thank you for sharing your story. I have to admit I am surprised you didn’t offer more initially especially for the first couple chateaus. Seems many of the chateaus have a lot more problems and work that would need done. I personally think you yourself should understand that if you were selling as grand a property as these you would want at least an offer close to or even with the asking price. Having a great realtor makes all the difference. It will be interesting to see what you want to get for the same property when you go to sell it. My guess is a lot more because what you obviously don’t understand is you are looking for your dream as they are giving up theirs.

[@BoSAChristensen]

Hello, thank you for your input. You’re right, most of these chateaux need work done. Some a lot more than others. The first one we saw in June 21, was sold 23% below the asking price. And so it continued. I think maybe except for one, all the rest we visited were sold way below the asking price. 20-30% lower. So we quickly figured out that properties were overpriced because of the hype about having a château in France. TV shows about chateau owners made it very popular. If you go back to before those shows started production (2014-2015) you could have bought any chateau at a significantly lower price. We understand that sellers want as much as they can get, there’s nothing strange about that. The question is how much you’re willing to accept and pay, because after the purchase, you’re the one standing with a rather huge renovation project. The realtors will tell you that there is a huge demand for these chateaux. This is correct because of the hype. No one can dispute that fact. But, when you ask them why the properties don’t sell at the listed price (but lower) their answer gets complicated. And to your question if we wanted to sell; If we have done up the place, naturally the price will be higher. The previous owners more than doubled the price in the 20 years they lived here. So that might be the indicator. But we don’t want to sell. We want it to stay in the family for generations to come. That is our wish. Bo

[@totallydomestic433]

Greedy sellers & shady real estate agents give France a bad name. So sorry you were used like that to basically let sellers auction their properties. Shame on them! You two are such fine people. I am glad that you bought your chateau after all, a happy ending. Thanks for educating so many people of the ins and outs and pitfalls of searching to buy a chateau in France.

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you very much for your kind words. We are convinced there are buyers who have the perfect buying experience. We just wanted to tell our story, and hopefully help someone else to be more informed about this subject than we were. All the best. Bo

[@flojolivet512]

When deciding to live abroad including buying a property one should not assume everything works like in his/her country, but should first get information on how things work instead of judging according to the way it works in his/her country. This is sheer ignorance and prejudice. Living in a different country requires an open mind and a curiosity.

[@totallydomestic433]

@@flojolivet512 Honesty is honesty & it is not ignorance or prejudice to expect honesty from people no matter what country they are in.

[@flojolivet512]

@@totallydomestic433 you prove my point. Before judging somebody on honesty, it is important to know the rules. In France realtors usually do not have exclusivity on the sale of a property. It is up to the seller to decide if he/she grants exclusivity to a realtor and usually it is for a short period of time, so if the property is not sold at the end of the period, exclusivity expires. Exclusivity is the exception rather than the rule. It is usual for a property. to be in the portfolio of several realtors. from the sellers point of view the purpose is to generate competition between realtors and prospective buyers to maximize the selling price. It is customary to always ask a realtor, if he/she has exclusivity for the sale and if the answer is no, you know that there could be competing offers. It is absolutely normal that the realtor did not know about the competing offer because this is the way competition works! You are not supposed to know what the competition is doing. So there is absolutely no dishonesty here on the part of the realtor. It is just market and competition working. Rules are different in various countries. Maybe in your country realtors always have exclusivity but here it is not the case. It is important to remember that rules are different in different countries and to be open about it and not judge according to the rules in your country.

[@Cenepk101]

Harrowing experience. I love the place you landed upon. Incredible Orangerie.

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you, yes the orangery is very special! Bo

[@Cenepk101]

@@BoSAChristensen The house I’ve been in 11 yrs, I lost in 2 bidding wars. Winners backed out both times. 3rd time was the charm. It, too, was a nail biter

[@sharongaines3043]

Thoughly enjoyed the start of your french journey, I cant wait to the continuing chapters in the story. I hope you dont leave out the juicy things. Were expats in france since 2020, near Le begue, best discision of our lives. Good luck for your future, and your new projects. Xx

[@queensescape]

Thank you, neighbor! 🥰

[@reneskaaning5751]

Great information thank you for sharing

[@BoSAChristensen]

Hello René, in the hope it might be helpful to someone else, we wanted to share our experience. Bo

[@dianamarksperber5927]

This is so educational. Lovely people! Thank you

[@beckyj44]

Just found you and immediately watched all your videos. I really love your channel. You are going to be very successful on KZbin. 🇩🇰

[@BoSAChristensen]

Tusind tak! That is very kind. Stay tuned for more. Bo

[@queensescape]

That’s so nice of you to say. Thank you for the good vibes. 😊

[@paulacorreal1675]

Just listened to your fascinating journey and I’m looking forward to your future videos. Have subscribed and will be cheering you on from PA, USA.

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you Paula, that is very kind. Bo

[@queensescape]

That’s my birth state! 😊 We have relatives in Erie.

[@michellechilds-mccarthy4771]

Thank you for making this detailed video. I really enjoy watching your channel. I appreciate hearing about your Chateau hunting journey and how the real estate market works in France. I think one thing I would be curious to hear more about is when you are doing renovations what type of permitting is required in France? And for what type of projects are permits required vs not? Also, are property taxes expensive and do they increase after the sale? Keep the videos coming!

[@BoSAChristensen]

Hello Michelle, thank you very much. I will try to answer your questions; In our case, because our land is located in the perimeter of a small town that is “monument historic”, we have to ask/apply for any type of exterior optical change we might wish to do. Inside the buildings we can do what we want. So if you want to install a swimming pool or a tennis court, the authorities have to be involved first. We applied to paint all the shutters in a certain colour, and that was a French 4 pages application. The application was sent to the mayor’s office. An architect has approved the project, and we got back an official approval with stamps and everything from the mayor’s office. And so it goes. Any application will take months. To our information, it is not wise to cross the French authorities. Property taxes are not that bad when you consider the type and size of property. We are also in a very rural area, where the next town (Martel) is a medieval town. If you live in a city I’m sure it’s more expensive. I don’t remember exactly how they calculate the amount, but I’m sure you can google that. The property tax stays the same after the sale. During the sale, the buyer pays 7-8% tax of the sale price to the French state. That is a one time payment. Stay tuned for more. Bo

[@michellechilds-mccarthy4771]

@@BoSAChristensen Thank you. Appreciate the information. Here in the States (Florida to be exact) property taxes can increase no more than 3.5% per year even when homesteaded (you get a $50K exemption off your taxable value for actually living in your house for at least 6mos every year) . So taxes can go up every year on property. Also, when a property changes hands the new sales price (value) is recalculated this one time and again the property tax will increase based on the new sales price this one time to reflect the current value. I was wondering about that "monument historic" as I had heard it mentioned on other videos but no one really explains it. Good to hear that you are making progress on the shutters including approval of your paint color. I know it takes a lot to make these videos and really appreciate the time and effort you both put into making them. It has opened up a whole new world for me...trying to convince my husband to sell everything, move to rural France and buy a smallish chateau...lol! Ah, one day, maybe! What is life without dreams!

[@BoSAChristensen]

@@michellechilds-mccarthy4771 your property can be protected by 'Monument historic', or in our case, we are relative close (8-10 min walk) to something that is protected, namely the small village of Gluges. When and if your property is protected, you also have some options, like deduction in taxes, or maybe you can get partly funding from the authorities, because you maintain a property that is protected. You might have to open up access to your property for the public to visit a few days a year (not inside your house), before you can have access to deductions and or funding. This is not something we are completely experts on, we just read about it some time ago + a couple of agents told us about it. We also have to look further into this at some point, as we need to renovate some exterior areas. Karen and I will be happy to help you convince your husband, because we can strongly recommend this laid back french rural lifestyle. Dreams do come true. Bo

[@michellechilds-mccarthy4771]

@@BoSAChristensen Thank you! My brother has been to France and loved it. A future trip to France to check things out would be the first order of business in convincing my husband to adopt a rural lifestyle. It is so difficult to buy "rural" here in the States (especially Florida) as development is favored and just when you thought you were living in the country, now you are living surrounded by new shopping malls and housing developments. I think once my husband experienced the French countryside he would love it.

[@queensescape]

I just learned more from you about property tax in my own country than I ever knew. I did not know that was the rule in Florida that it went up every year. My aunt lives there. Keep working on your husband. 😉😊

[@janicerobinson2970]

Hi Karen &Bo you did go through the Mill Thing Work Out For You Both . Wish You The Very Best In To You 💕

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you Janice, you’re very kind. All the best. Bo

[@juliabender6595]

Would love to see more of the inside!

[@BoSAChristensen]

Hello Julia, that is certainly something we can look at in the coming future. Bo

[@williamwaterford8114]

Queen's Escape, in this case escape from queen Margaretha, no doubt.

[@kiwibelinda]

WOW what a journey but you stuck to it, and got it

[@jfs59nj]

This was so very interesting! Thank you!

[@BoSAChristensen]

That's perfect, thanks! Bo

[@allysonsears]

Very interesting information. Excellent vlog!

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you very much. Bo

[@patriciabyett8910]

Oh my word - what a fantastic beginning.

[@lisamadison2084]

I loved your video about Queen 👑 Eleanor I have never heard of her she was amazing and you telling you and bo story was very personal and nice your paintings are lovely 🌹 and I've learned about PCOS...my dream is to come to France w my grandkids hopefully next year God willing...Thank you both God bless.

[@queensescape]

I hope you get over here with your family. 😊

[@chrisbrookesphotography]

Beautiful building

[@upsupeter]

Brilliant video. Good luck you both deserve it for your dedication. Look forward to more of your story.

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you very much. All the best. Bo

[@sylviamiddleton8154]

Excellent and interesting video! Thank you!👍👏👏👏👏

[@KeithWiggins-xc1sf]

At lest with your Chateau u can carry on with your BNB which u have done and your Chateau has more potential to add things like a pool , etc u get there in time Roman was not built in a day . Great video and great Journey too with its up and downs . Best Wishes for the future too .

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you very much. You’re right, Rome was not build in one day. All the best. Bo

[@thierrymilan2039]

You were very lucky to buy your home at so low price. Many buyers are very naïve and confond buying a house vs buying a large estate. Many of those large properties were first built and managed as business farms or any others rural economic activities with many staff to work in. Some others chateaux were homes of powerful people with a fortune in their bank accounts. It just mean you're buying a domain plus a business you can earn money with. As a result, you would think of having a serious budget and business plan (or at least, a strong DIY experience) to bring with you while you're doing your search. That's the reason many of these big properties are derelicted as they need a lot of money to maintain in good conditions. These are managers houses.

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thank you Thierry, you’re right in every aspect. Bo

[@queensescape]

Very true.

[@okienana11]

For those of us who dream about owning a château this shows us reality.

[@jacqueline23788]

you want to know the price for a castle the in uk ? or the equivalent in the us? forget it.why they complaining??yes everybodys knows its a lot work and the funny thing that they were searching a new chateau ? why not but yes there are not really chateaux lovers sorry.

[@BoSAChristensen]

Hello, this was just our reality. We are sure that some buyers have a perfect experience. But the fact still stands regarding Château’s in France. 50% of all deals fail for one reason or the other. Bo

[@queensescape]

You’re right, Nancy. There’s a non-romantic side to every story. But that’s pretty much life. Makes having it now much sweeter. 😊

[@elisabethnejedly9684]

This was so interesting.❤

[@iahorvath]

Such a cute little chateau ❤

[@greghirst5275]

Well done!

[@BoSAChristensen]

Thanks Greg, stay tuned for more. Bo

[@daphneoakes8389]

I love your Hollins sweatshirt. I live 25 miles south of Roanoke, Virginia.

[@BoSAChristensen]

Hello Daphne, Karen’s daughter went to Hollins, so we have been around. Bo

[@queensescape]

I lived in Blacksburg 2 years and my daughter went to Hollins for 4. Beautiful area out there in the moi rains. 😊 thanks for recognizing.

[@aspieinspace]

Stort tillykke. Sikke en rejse! Jeg håber, jeg kommer til at se slottet på et tidspunkt. Hilsner fra kusinen :o)

[@BoSAChristensen]

Tusind tak! Ja selvfølgelig, al familie er hjertelig velkommen. Jeg havde bedt Marianne om at sende en invitation til dig og dine brødre også. Mvh Bo

[@debbiedonaldson6545]

Congratulations 🎉great video very interesting!

[@nilawagner9361]

Very interesting, thank you for sharing your journey! New sub :)

[@queensescape]

Thank you. 😊😊

[@kerplunk8011]

I'm a firm believer that in time it always works out.

[@kristinaz8986]

Hi Karen, how much costs to run chateau per month? And how did u manage to keep your your previous job and to run b&b?

[@queensescape]

We would estimate around 1,500€ not counting renovation costs or mortgages / loans. Bills come up, of course and the first years in a new place are always a bit more of you need new things. I am a freelance writer / creative director and my work is mostly proofing English for companies without native speakers so I can do that remotely. Bo works a full time job. 😊

[@sandramelvin7123]

Looks like you guys got the southern European cultural experience. Very different from northern Europe or Anglo cultures which are straightforward. France has a sclerotic economy for a reason.

[@queensescape]

I had to look sclerotic up, I must admit. But thanks for that. I will use that. 😊

[@jeanhawken4482]

Lovely work