FRANCE
 
This enormous project needs an owner with ambition, spare cash and plenty of friends. But it is a spectacular prospect: a 15th-century castle, complete with nine bedrooms as well as plenty of staff accommodation. A spiral stairway leads up to a tower, while downstairs is an oratory and huge living and dining rooms. Among the 150 acres of grounds are extensive woodland, walled gardens and a meadow crossed by a river. There is also a 16th-century chapel and dovecote, ideal for conversion into a money-spinning guest annexe.
 
Location: Chinon, nr Tours
Guide price: £1.68m
Agent: Sextant (020 7428 4910)