This is a complex question since as is common in buildings like this it has been altered and added to many times. The original stonework has a plaque dating it to 1763. This was of course pre-French Revolution, many of the original stone features, floors, fireplaces seem to date from this period as does the main planting in the garden. Many fine houses and Chateau were destroyed by the mobs and it looks certain that Villechaise was seriously damaged in the Revolution.

The interior is in the style of  Napoleon III, about 1850 - 1880 and shows many features of this time including some that are early Art-Deco.  It is likely that the extension for the servants' accommodation was added at this time, this is now the Petite Maison. The kitchen wing and the Gatehouse are later additions probably early 20th Century. Over the years of restoration most of the original features have been carefully retained and much of the history is based on dating these.

An SCI is a 'Societe Civile Immobiliere' a French limited company that is specifically designed to own a property such as Villechaise.  It is a transparent company that we own 100% of - it makes no difference to the way you live in or operate the business from the Chateau. It has many advantages, principally in the interpretation of the French Inheritance Tax Laws. There are many websites that give full discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of owning property through an SCI. The sale of the SCI Villechaise shares is one way to purchase the property, thus avoiding most of the Notaires Costs in buying property in France.

Registering the share transfer incurs a transfer fee of 4.8% of the share value.

The present Gites could be further improved as profit generators as we do little marketing and the rates could be adjusted. The Barn is a realistic conversion option to a three bedroom additional Gite (see below) which would substantially increase rental turnover. The chateau itself has two bed & breakfast suites on the ground floor. We currently use one as our main guest suite and the second as a TV room. These would let very well for the main summer period and generate almost as much as the Gites in this time - more if a cook is available to supply a dinner each evening.

Another option worth considering is renting out the Chateau itself - there is serious demand in the high season at very high prices - we have not examined this option.

The Barn, which has been partially converted and has full planning permission to change to a habitable dwelling, could be let as a large Gite and long term let over the winter. Alternatively this building could be completed and sold off with a 1 hectare piece of land with swimming pool for between 250,000€ and 300,000€ depending on quality of finish. It is a sensational building but is well out of the area of the Chateau and wouldn't affect your life there.

We only use our marketing website and 1 agency. Our website is included in the sale price. We have many links on free advertising sites and have worked hard to maintain the sites position in the main search engines. Without doubt some advertising would generate more bookings in the off season particularly the carp fishing market. Other specialised niche markets could also be investigated, eg. water colouring courses, cooking courses and the like which have proved very successful in other areas of France.

If a buyer desires to keep the gite business going - some have looked at other options - we would work with the buyer to maximise bookings before we vacate the property.

There are thousands of 'Gite Businesses' in France - only very few make any money and even fewer make a substantial income.

If you are considering a 'Gite business' you should first consider which part of the market into which your prospective business falls.

'Gites de France' (the most common) - these are low cost Gites renting for 100 - 200 € a week for a very basic unit, often a single room with kitchenette and a bed, basic bathroom and little else. These are often in large blocks of 8 to 10 Gites, sometimes with a pool - the market is mainly for French holidaymakers in July and August. Historically, it is a diversification project by farmers but competition is high, bookings hard to get, and profitability very low.

Second most common are the farmhouse Gites, usually very clean and in small groups around a pool away from the main house. Often they are based on a conversion of farm outbuildings. They commonly have 2 or 3 bedrooms and let for 700 - 900 € a week at peak period s - little letting outside this period unless there is a local attraction. Main client base is UK/Dutch looking for a low cost holiday in the sun. The main problem is the sort of clientele - a combination of cheap accommodation, cheap beer and too much sun can lead to problems that you should consider how to deal with. The other problem is getting the bookings - there is a lot of competition and the off-season weeks are very difficult to let. Often owners use agents in UK to get bookings - they typically charge 20-40% commission!

Finally, luxury Gites such as at Villechaise, usually in small units close to a Chateau or other major house. Set in beautiful large grounds with private or large shared pools.

Expensive to rent, 1250 - 2000€ a week in peak times and due to the setting, very easy to let off-season. Clientele are paying substantial amounts so tend to be well-behaved. The large grounds mean they 'disappear' a lot of the time although they do want contact with the Chateau owners. You must be prepared to discuss restaurants, shopping, make sightseeing recommendations and assist with any problems they may have, but generally this is easy. Villechaise is very lucky in that the setting is truly magical, with lovely scenery and a wonderful local area. The Charente microclimate and a great lake full of fat Carp attract visitors throughout the season. Confolens is one of the prettiest villages in France and the music Festival in August means you are always solidly booked throughout the summer.

Nobody will show you their accounts - they are meaningless in any case. What you need to see are records of bookings, particularly off season. We will be happy to show you ours.

Running costs of course will reflect how much work you do and how much help you employ. We currently only employ a cleaner who assists with the Saturday changeovers and cleans the Chateau one half day a week. With very low traffic levels, very clean air and rain, the property does not get dirty in the way houses do in the UK so the cleaning is mainly the removal of the living mess that a family generates!

Insurance costs are very low - crime is almost non-existent here. Heating costs, electricity and water are cheap relative to the UK. Also the general living costs can be inexpensive relative to the UK.

There are many people locally looking for work managing Gite complexes, gardening and providing assistance in many ways. Many of these are ex-pats that have settled in the area.

The garden is set up for ease of work! Mowing is the main job but we have a large ride on mower for the main areas - about 8 hours a week in spring, less in summer. We have a mini tractor with grass topper/mower that does the larger areas if we haven't grazed them with our neighbours horses, sheep or cows - the farmer tops the fields and does all the work in return for the grazing! We have a petrol strimmer and hedge cutter which is required to tidy the hedges and edges.
Leaves are collected easily using the Terravac vacuum machine towed behind the tractor mower.