Yes, this French manor truly does cost the same as a five-bed in Mt Roskill.

Auckland's housing bubble shows no signs of deflating, so maybe it's time to check out other options. The French countryside, par example?

With a strong Kiwi dollar, a weak euro and a surfeit of "chateaux" on the continent, maybe it's time to check out "la vie francaise".



1. Here's a countryside starter in the western region of Charente.

Dating from the 15th century, this three-bedroom stone cottage has a 100-square-metre living room, out buildings, 5900sqm of grounds and gardens, and a two-bedroom maison gardien (caretaker's house). All yours for $298,000 (€208,500), which in Auckland would get you something like this:

This 52sqm, one-bedroom loft apartment in downtown Auckland is on sale for $299,000, and the "outgoings" are less than $1000 a month.

2. Need a pool?

This three-bedroom home in the Dordogne region sits on four hectares of land, has a barn with a kitchen and wine cellar, ​an independent flat, and more than an acre of "parkland" with a pond and a pool. All yours for $590,000, which in Auckland would get you:

This 75sqm two-bedroom apartment in Chapman St, just minutes walk from Ponsonby Rd. The asking price is $585,000, though it is already under contract.

3. Maybe you need a bit more land?

This Lot-et-Garonne four-bedroom, three-bathroom property is described as "comfortable, luxurious living" with "attached barn, heated swimming pool, tobacco barn and just over four acres of gardens".

And a similarly priced property in Auckland?

This Mt Eden "two-bedroom brick and tile corner unit" is in the highly desirable Grammar zone. It has timber floors, open-plan living, an updated kitchen and a small garage. The asking price is $639,000.

4. But you really want to live in a chateau, right?

Featuring six bedrooms on two acres of parkland near Gontaud de Nogaret, this "elegant bourgeoise chateau-style property" has a stone staircase rising from the entrance hall, three floors, a roof terrace, chandeliers and "is walking distance of a charming village with all amenities".

Or there's Te Atatu:

With asking price of just $619,000, this three-bedroom house in Te Atatu South has a great location and is described as a "funky three-bedroom home, refurbished to high standards".

5. Sure, it's a chateau, but you're going to need at least 14 bedrooms for all your friends to come on holiday ...

Set in 3 1/2 acres of parkland in Vienne, this 19th-century chateau has 14 bedrooms, seven reception rooms, a 50sqm swimming pool with "Roman steps" and its own chapel, in case you want to host a wedding. All for the price of a two-bedroom apartment in St Heliers:

6. But I need a 16th-century vaulted cellar ...

Dating back to 1551, this seven-bedroom chateau in Poitou-Charente is bordered by a river and has 6.5 hectares of private grounds including outbuildings, stables and a pool. "The chateau consists of a 16th-century vaulted cellar, three floors of living space and an attic, with a minimum of 400sqm per floor."

And a similarly priced property in Auckland's Onehunga:

This brand new three-bedroom, three-bathroom home has "stunning modern design, [and] is finished to an immaculate standard, with accents on quality, durability and ease of living". The asking price is $1,295,000.

7. Look, if it's not "belle epoque" I don't want to know about it.

This eight-bedroom, six-bathroom 19th-century chateau is set in 13 acres of parkland in the Tarn, east of Toulouse. Along with your amazing pool you'll get a four-bedroom caretaker's cottage, extensive barns, stables, and garages, two large Pigeonniers (pigeon towers) a well, and a 268sqm wine cellar. All for the same money as this house in Mt Roskill:

This five-bedroom home in the heart of Mt Roskill has a large 637sqm section and is zoned for mixed use so there is potential for future development. The asking price is $1.49 million. Bon appetit!

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