1. Montignac, Dordogne
France: £4.8m
An attractive castle in the heart of the Perigord noir, currently being run as a 4-star hotel and restaurant, dating from the 12th century. Running along the Vézère valley, the château is situated near all the tourist centres, while also being in a peaceful area, surrounded by 20 hectares of land (animal park, prairie and forest). 33 beds, 33 baths, swimming pool, spa facilities, sauna, private parking, riverside.
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2. Thiviers, Dordogne
France: €673,100
An authentic château and tower, dating back to the Renaissance period, set within beautiful parkland. There is a Perigourdine house, currently used as an artists’ studio with workshop, and 19 acres of mature trees and shrubs, a lake and enclosed pasture. 9 beds, 5 baths, 7 receps.
3. Earlshall Castle, St. Andrews, Fife
Scotland: POA
One of the best-kept 16th century houses in the country, beautifully restored by Sir Robert Lorimer with a world-famous walled garden. Sir William Bruce received Mary Queen of Scots at Earlshall in 1561. Later James VI of Scotland, who became James I of England, also visited. The grounds extend to 34 acres. 10 beds, 6 baths, 8 receps, 3 cottages, outbuildings, 5-car garage, garden.
4. Bourganeuf, Creuse
France: £620,000
A stunning, fully furnished family home with income potential. With a beautiful formal garden in front of the house featuring a stone fountain, and a terrace to the side of the house where you can enjoy the afternoon sun – there is also a heated swimming pool at the south-facing rear of the house and two hectares of pasture land with streams fed year-round. 6 beds, 6 baths, 4 receps, games room, office, barns.
£620,000; Hamptons International
5. Orchardton Castle, Auchencairn
Scotland: OIEO £1.7m
A magnificent Grade B-listed 20-bedroom Scottish baronial-style castle on the Solway Coast, set within 5 acres including extensive lawns, wood and paddock. The property was originally constructed in the late 18th century for Sir Robert Maxwell as a mansion house and subsequently largely rebuilt in 1881. 20 beds, 15 baths, 5 receps, cinema, gardens, large pond.
6. Apartment 1, Flete House, Ermington, Devon
England: OIRO £330,000
A handsome, spacious and impeccably appointed serviced apartment on the ground floor of this historic Grade I property, set in 12 acres of unspoilt landscaped grounds, overlooking the beautiful Erme Valley. 2 suites, kitchen, recep, private walled garden, parking.
7. Albertville, Savoie
France: €4.725m
The château is complete with modern gîtes; a restaurant; a banqueting hall; swimming pool, and a well-being fitness centre. It can also be run as a destination to enjoy the Alps. 14 beds, 13 baths.
8. Cuneo, Piedmont
Italy: €2.5m
Italy: Cuneo, Piedmont. A finely restored 14th century castle in a beautiful position with panoramic views. 5 beds, 5 baths, kitchen, private studio, 2 receps, gallery, terraced garden, pool.
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