I’ve at last finished converting the Windows Store DirectX C++ Sample Base (aka BaseWin8Direct3DApp) into a proper project template. Or, in this case, a multi-project project template. I then packaged that up into a VSIX file which I’ve posted to the Visual Studio Gallery as the Windows Store DirectX Game Template. Once installed (and yes, it works just fine with the free Visual Studio 2012 Express for Windows 8), you can create new projects based off of it to your hearts content.
See the Getting Started page for info about how to create and setup a new game project.
See the How To page for info about how to perform various tasks with the sample.
Good luck!