You Can ‘Buy’ a Stunning $1.65-million French Chateau for Just $13

By Mike Richard Published September 4, 2020

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Unless you’re Richard Branson or a “contestant” on American Greed, owning a French chateau is not likely in the cards for you. However, one philanthropic British couple is looking to make that dream a reality for one lucky raffle winner. The grand prize could be yours for the low, low price of just $13.

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By the numbers, Chateau de Cautine is every bit as stunning and elegant as you’d expect a French chateau to be. The sprawling main house dates back to 1667 and boasts nine bedrooms, four bathrooms, spacious living and dining areas, and a farmhouse kitchen outfitted for up to 20 guests. Centuries-old antiques and many original furnishings fill every nook and cranny. Outside, there’s a 12-meter swimming pool, a former chapel, two stone barns, and a restored three-bedroom guest cottage, all seated on 34 beautiful acres. Not surprisingly, it’s been covered extensively in Country & Town House and The Guardian. To sweeten the pot, the house is currently run as a successful vacation rental earning up to 45,000 euros (more than $50,000) annually.

The idyllic location in France’s Eastern Dordogne is one of the most pristine, unpolluted, and least populated regions of France. The chateau sits atop a 1,500-foot hill surrounded by three national parks. It is a dramatic terrain encompassing densely wooded hills, deep valleys, and winding rivers. Apple orchards and medieval castles and villages dot the landscape. For outdoor lovers, it’s convenient to canoeing, horseback riding, hiking, biking, hang-gliding, tennis, and golf opportunities. While it feels thoroughly remote, it’s also an easy day trip back to civilization in Rocamadour and Collonges la Rouge.

The 1.4-million-euro ($1.65-million) chateau is on offer via on an online raffle with single tickets priced at just 11 euros (approximately $13). Entrants need only choose the correct translation of two French phrases: “ca ne casse pas trois pattes a un canard” and “les carottes sont cuites.” If your French is a little rusty, don’t worry: it’s a multiple choice quiz.

A total of 500,000 tickets are available. So, while your chances aren’t great, they are better than, say, winning Powerball. Check out the full terms and conditions and score your chance to win at WinAFrenchChateau.co.uk.

Contributor

Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…

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