Melbourne’s median house price has reached an exorbitant $600,000, according to Australian Property Monitors data in January. In Sydney, the median price is over $780,000.

But here’s a question. Why would you bother taking out a enormous mortgage for a typical family home in the suburbs when you could join the French gentry for a similar price? Or relax in style in a Balinese paradise? Or enjoy the mountain air in a log cabin in the US?

Here are some idyllic châteaus, holiday villas and cosy European homes that could be yours for around the price of your Aussie home, or a bit less.

South Vienne, south-eastern France

$762,300
20 rooms, 14 bedrooms, 740 square metres of living space

A 19th century castle enclosed by walls and set inside 1.5 hectares of park, with a great hall, sitting room, gallery, dining room, poolroom, library, fully restored chapel and heated swimming pool.

Source: www.group-mercure.com

Deux-Sévres, western France

$718,900
10 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 410 square metres of living space

A 19th century Chateau with reception rooms, billiards room, study, kitchen, cellar, and caretaker’s cottage set on 3 hectares.

Source: www.group-mercure.com

Abbeville, northern France

$715,000
7 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 4 toilets

A Chateau on 500 square metres, with the added bonus of a cellar.

Source: www.group-mercure.com

Vienne, south-eastern France

$468,915
4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 250 square metres

A 16th century castle on 2.25 hectares of courtyard, orchard and meadows.

Source: www.group-mercure.com

Ketewel, Bali

$758,000
3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, swimming pool

Built in 2005, this villa is fully furnished and is serviced by staff, including butlers, chefs, security staff and gardeners.

Source: www.balipropertysales.com

Seminyak, Bali

$487,300
2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

Located in walking distance from the beach and restaurants, this villa also has access to a swimming pool.

Source: www.balipropertysales.com

Seminyak, Bali

$471,000
2 bedrooms, 2 en-suite bathrooms, 23 year lease

This villa is part of a small boutique resort.

Source: www.balipropertysales.com

Canggu, Bali

$462,200
4 bedrooms, 4 en-suite bathrooms plus guest toilet

This newly-built villa is located 700 metres from the sands of Pererenan beach, and has a 10 metre long swimming pool.

Source: www.balipropertysales.com

Chillocothe, Ohio, USA

$681,800
5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 3 garages

Made from hewn Northern Red Pine, this log home is situated on 23 hectares, and has cathedral ceilings, a wood burning stove, a huge workshop, a basement and a barn.

Source: www.loghomes.com

Webster, Florida, USA

$422,100
4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom

The front door of this log home is only 30 metres from the river, and it has a balcony and pool on 2 hectares of land.

Source: www.loghomes.com

Greenbrier, Arkansas, USA

$400,500
3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 garages

Located in the foothills of the Ozark mountains, this Alpine log home has a huge kitchen, a barn, and even a fruit orchard.

Source: www.loghomes.com

Marseilles, Illinois, USA

$388,600
3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 garages

Built in 2005, this log home has two large cedar decks for entertaining and a master suite with walk-in closet, and sits on 1.2 hectares.

Source: www.loghomes.com

Blandford, Massachusetts, USA

$311,200
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 garage

Situated on over 1.3 hectares of open and wooded land, this log home has a brick chimney and wood stove, and a garden shed and wood shed.

Source: www.loghomes.com

Greenwood, Indiana, USA

$227,300
2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

Raised ceilings, hickory hardwood floors and a master bathroom are the best features of this log home, built on a little over 1 hectare.

Source: www.loghomes.com

Burgau, Algarve, Portugal

$664,000
3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms

Located 5 minutes from the nearest beach with sea views from both levels, this house has a master en-suite bedroom and a swimming pool complete with a palm tree and tiled decking.

Source: www.primelocation.com

Loule, Algarve, Portugal

$664,000
4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 garage

Five minutes from the beach and 2 minutes from a golf course, this villa also has a private pool and sea views.

Source: www.primelocation.com

Praia da Luz, Algarve, Portugal

$664,000
3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 garage

Located 2 kilometres from the popular beach resort of Praia da Luz, this villa has automatic gates, spacious lounge room, a sun room and an office, and is fully walled and fenced.