Stylish Modernised Château
For Sale in the Languedoc, South of France
  Château
for sale, with walled grounds and two independant apartments in
historic Medieval town in the South of France. It is south facing
set into the side of a hill on the basement level. It is built
to four levels.
- Over 1000 m2 of living accommodation over three floors.
- Over 100 m2 of garaging, stores, green houses and out-houses
- Over 2000 m2 of garden - park and terraces.
- Outstandingly well maintained.
- Well lit with volumnious corridors and vestibles.
- Wall depths between 60 and 80cms.
- Built by a local Count with exceptional taste and attention to detail.
- Outstandng location with walled garden and 6m x 12m pool
- Walking distance to banks, post office, grocery and medical services.
- Situated in the foothills of the Pyrenees, a short drive from Spain, Andorra and Mediterranean beaches.
- Toulouse, Carcassonne and Perpignan airports between 40 and 120 minutes drive
Interior of Château (at night)
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The château is made up of two separate buildings which have been elegantly united to create the château and two spacious and well appointed apartments. The whole property is in extremely good repair. The original building dates from 1817 and the second, built with authentic highest quality materials, was completed in 1914. The château and its tower combine medieval, baroque and renaissance grandeur, the best craftsmanship of the region and modern comfort and convenience. The château is south facing, centrally heated throughout with mature gardens, a winter garden, green house, and a 6 x 12 metre swimming pool and terraces.
 The
Château has two entrances. The grand entrance with marble staircase
and an impressive stained glass light enters from the main street.
The more homely intimate entrance known as the trademan’s
entrance belongs to the older part of the property immediately
proffers the comfy wax smell of a well-kept house and the welcoming
luxury of shoulder height wood panelling. Equally charming, the
trademan’s entrance is on a small side street,
The château has been built using the best quality very beautiful local sand stone. Hand painted ceilings throughout have been sensitively restored. Ornate walnut fireplaces grace master rooms. There are a total of 11 fireplaces in the property of marble or carved wood, in addition to the efficient central heating system. Solid oak floors classic and herring bone have been lovingly cared for since construction and are found throughout the château suites and bedrooms.
 The
iron work was conceived and commissioned for the construction
of the château and is of a fine hand-forged quality. The
current owners have further improved the quality of the ironwork
and lock smithery.
The ceilings show a similar attention to fine craftsmanship. Several are of magnificent carved wood - another testament to the Count’s ability to find fine craftsmanship. In the reception rooms, bedrooms, several of the bathrooms, lobbies and vestibules, in fact the ceiling of almost each available space has been turned into a little gem of plaster and paint work.
After the war the Count, having built the Château, left for the New World leaving his creation in the hands of his conscientious and capable guardian. It eventually became the guardian’s property upon which he sold it to a French diplomatic family. The château still has 2 guardian apartments which are currently successfully let as furnished holiday homes. The two apartments are included in the sale price fully furnished and equipped (down to the cutlery and linen.
Many of the fittings and ornaments in the château are included in the sale and the owners are happy to include other contents by arrangement.
The outside area has been laid out with similar care. The winter garden provides ample shelter for larger plants which need to winter inside and tropical plants. The outdoor cast iron and glass greenhouse is perfectly conceived as a nursery. Water and electricity supplies are found throghout the garden.
To the south of the château is a mature landscaped and wooded park with a 6m x 12m swimming pool. The park has been beautifully maintained and improved by consecutive owners. Excepting a spacious attic with gable windows and services the château is complete. Renovation has been based on the principle of working around the high quality of the original craftsmanship.
The current owners bought the property in 1998 and are now selling due to family difficulties.
In addition to the dimensions given below there are various lobbies, corridors and large cupboards which have not all been individually documented.
The entire property is beautifully maintained and has been continuously improved by consecutive owners. The structure is in an excellent state of repair having been consistenly cared for since the château was built.
An underground stream passes through the property.
Total foot print of the Château 402m2
Total area of the Park 2323m2
LOCATION
The Château sits on the outskirts of a small town - a 13th century market town. Situated near a confluence of three rivers the town was once of political importance. It is still well supplied with professional services and merchants of quality. Whie secluded from the publi, the château commands an outstanding view of the surrounding hills and farmland and in the distance the pyrennees. Within the town are bakers, banks, restaurants and cafés, quality pharmacies and doctors. Larger supermarkets are within a 30 minute drive. Also within easy reach are historic market towns, munumental sites, skiing, the mediteranean coast and the natural wonders to be found in the Pyrènèes and foothills.
 Next
to the Chateau is an old disused thermal bath, developed from
one established by Roman legionaries posted to this area under
Julius Caesar .
The town has a population of about 1200 inhabitants and is well known for its good school. The region is renknowned for its ruined cathar castles, stunning landscapes and artisanal and organic food and wines. It is a cultural, sporting and recreational centre with a lake and airfields. There are over ten ski stations with 45 to 90 minutes drive. Mediterannean beaches and the Spanish border are also about 90 minutes away. The area is known as the Pays Cathare and contains a large number of stone Châteaux perched on rocky peaks, magnificent mediaeval cities including the world famous Carcassonne, and impressively preserved abbeys and monastries.
Elevation 380 metres above sea level.
ACCESSABILITY
The town is well serviced by arterial roads, providing easy access to the Medterranean coast, Andorra, Spain and the Pyenees.
There is a small local airport suitable for private planes about 15 minutes away.
The chateau lies between 40 and 120 minutes drive from major cities such as Toulouse, Carcassonne and Perpignan - all with airports less than two hour flight from London, Dublin and Brussels.
TGV trains run to Toulouse and Montpellier, around five hours from Paris.
THE CHATEAU
Grand Entrance
Main Entrance Hall - Marble Staircase |
Stained Glass Window in entrance hall |
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Ground Floor /R.deC. total floor area 78,6m²
The first floor consists of a suite of four reception rooms, the winter garden, a modern equipped kitchen, laundry, WC, salon, wine cellar, bathroom and the trademan’s entry on the upper street level .
The floors are herringbone oak parquet and in the kitchen hexagonal quarry tomettes. There are three large fireplaces one of monumental proportions of carved walnut wood, one of Caune Minervois marble and others in varying marbles. All the fireplaces are in working order. Each room has marvellous south facing mullioned leaded windows and in the great hall the doors open on to the south terrace. Generous window ledges are of marble or noble woods and all the woodwork, walls and fittings are in immaculate condition.
Music Room / Reception Room (5 x 5.75m, 41.4m2)
The music room has exceptionally fine plasterwork on the ceiling including musical and floral motifs in the style of Louis XV as are the fireplace and mirror.
Great leaded windows flood the room with light. |
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Music Room / Reception Room |
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Music Room / Reception Room |
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Music Room / Reception Room |
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Music Room / Reception Room |
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Music Room / Reception Room |
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Music Room / Reception Room - at night |
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| The Music Room leads from the Entrance Hall |
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Music Room / Reception Room
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Great Hall (3.75 x 7.1m, 29m2),
The Great Hall is decorated in the style of Louis 14th.
Its huge baroque fireplace is carved from walnut wood.
Oak panelling comes to head height.
A solid oak 'plafond francaise' is supported by huge carved acanthus corbels.
Oak french windows open on to the south facing terrace. |
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Great Hall - Coat of arms |
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Great Hall - Coat of arms |
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Fumoire or dining room (4.9 x 6.1m, 29.89m2),
The Dining Room was originally conceived as a smoking room , or ‘fumoire', a room reserved for gentlemen to smoke.
This fumoire is decorated with morroccan style tiles probably manufactured in southern Spain, again preserved in immaculate condition.
This room has the unusual feature of a tap outlet embedded and concealed in the tile in the floor specifically for people to hook up their hubble bubble pipes for a cooler smoke.
The room leads to the kitchen and winter garden. |
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Fumoire / Dining Room - Wall Tiles |
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Study / Library (4.65 x 5.65m, 26.67m2)
Adorned with beautiful original moulded ceilings, fireplace and the oak parquet and leaded glass windows.
Study / Library - Fireplace |
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Modern kitchen (5.5 x 7.25 x 0.5m, 29.89m2)
The kitchen Is fully equipped with double glazed windows, a gas and an electric oven and larder, quality work tops and lighting.
The floor is of original hexagonal terra cuite tomettes.
Winter garden (57.3m2)
A generous unusual shape with four great arched windows which all can open, with decorative iron work.
The central plant basin is also in the moroccan style relief tiles.
There is an orchid bed.
Flooded with light the winter garden offers ample space for people and large wintering and tropical plants.
The original light fittings are included in the price. |
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Laundry (3.25 x 6.5m, 21.13m2),
Extremely spacious with built in cupboards and giant washing sink.
WC (3 x 2.1m, 7.90m2),
With small anteroom with charming details and the ever present beautiful cast iron radiators appropriately sized to each room.
Trademan’s entrance (7.5 x 2.25m, 16.9m2),
Charmingly tiled entry with fine door leading to street with transom window.
Trademan's Entrance - Exterior |
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Trademan's Entrance - Interior |
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Parlour (5 x 4.25m, 21.25m2)
See 'Gendarmerie apartment'.
Wine cellar (2.6 x 2.6m, 6.76m2)
See 'Gendarmerie apartment'.
Hall (31m2)
The hall possesses a sweeping oak staircase of late art nouveau style that leads to the upper floors.
A secret concealed door on the first landing leads to the guardian apartments.. |
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Ground Floor Hall Staircase |
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Ground Floor Hall Staircase |
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Ground Floor Hall Staircase |
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First Floor of Château
Hall Staircase - Skylight over the Stairs |
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Running
along the south facade of the first floor of the château
are the bedroom suites. Each bedroom is king size with oak flooring
and has a fireplace. The walls are in perfect condition. The large
mullioned south facing windows combine renaissance grandeur with
convenient blind mechanisms. Each bedroom has a large bathroom
en suite. The bathrooms of bedroom 2 and bedroom 4 are already
charming with high ceilings, hand painted plaster medallions,
mouldings and natural light however with some further work could
easily be made spectacular.
Master bedroom (4.85 x 5.8m, 28.13m2) and roof terrace (57.3m2))
The monumental baroque walnut wood fireplace in this room has a secret compartment concealed in the carved panels. The painted coffered ceiling is perhaps the most elaborate of all the ceilings in the Château. The master bathroom is in the style of the spanish relief tiles and is yet again a special combination of old fashioned solidity and modern comfort. A large roof terrace (57.3m2) leads off the master bedroom bathroom with a south westerly view of the gardens.
Master Bedroom - Coat of Arms |
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Master Bedroom en suite Shower & WC (7.92m2)
Includes gorgeous tiling and fittings a walk in shower and seperate WC cabinet and leads on to 70m2 south facing terrace.
Bedroom 2 (5 x 5.8m, 29m2)
A deep blue and ornately painted plafond francais with a four bay window and a carved walnut wood fireplace.
Bathroom 2( 10.76 m2)
Ornate ceiling, bath and double sinks.
Bedroom 3 (4.2 x 5.8m, 24.36m2)
Ceiling another splendid rendition of Louis 16th style medallion, mouldings and paintwork. Fireplace and window ledge in matching white marble.
Bathroom ( 10m2)
Includes double sinks, shower and plumbing for washing machines.
Bedroom 4 (4.5m x 6.75m, 30.37m2)
Ceiling another splendid rendition of Louis 16th style medallion, mouldings and paintwork. Pink and grey marble fireplace.
Bathroom ( 9.88m2)
A large bath, double sinks. Another extravaganza of fine quality Spanish tiles.
Second Floor of Château
 The
attic of the château is painted with pristine solid wood
floor boards, partitions, doors, oak gabled windows, exposed beams
and skyights. Electricity and water supplies are in place and
sensibly accessible but the three rooms and large storage cupboards
on this floor have not yet been converted into bedrooms.
These rooms could make a third self-contained apartment.
Room A (4.9x 4.7m, 23.03m2),
oak gabled window, exposed beams and skyight.
Room B (6.8x 4.7m, 31.96m2),
oak gabled window, exposed beams and skyight.
Room C (4.9x 4.7m, 23.03m2),
oak gabled window, exposed beams and skyight.
Loft storage space (28.22m2),
4th Flour - Top of the Tower
The Guardian Apartments
The Château has two independant guardian apartments which are sold fully equipped and furnished including details such as linen and cutlery and a full set of baby equipment.
Rooms are spacious with natural light and are served by their own naturally lit solid and ample stair case. They are centrally heated, with the same high quality original ornate cast iron radiators found throughout the Château.
Several of the living rooms and bedrooms have marble fireplaces and gabled windows. Like the château itself the apartments have been beautifully looked after and built to high specifications with tasteful attention to iron and wood working details.
Each apartment has the possibility of independant access to the terraces, the pool and the garden.
Each has its own out door dining area in the Park.
First guardian apartment known as La Tour
Situated on a paralell level to the bedroom floor of the château there are two entries to this apartment. This one bedroomed apartment has a stunning saloon with mullioned windows and is situated on two floors. Excluding hallways the apartment is 70m2. It also has access to the Château tower.
Bedroom 1 (5 x 4.25m, 21.25m) has exposed beams and a fireplace.
Bathroom (6m2), with a generous window, a shower, dressing table and sink.
WC (2.6 x 2.6m, 6.76m2)
Kitchen living room (4m x 7.7m, 30m2) situated in the Tower with large mullioned windows and a well equipped kitchen.
Reserve attic space (65m2 approx)
One entry to the 'Tower' apartment |
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WC of the 'Tower' apartment |
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Bedroom of the 'Tower' apartment |
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WC of the 'Tower' apartment |
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Bathroom of the 'Tower' apartment |
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| Kitchen/living room of the 'Tower' apartment |
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Kitchen/living room of the 'Tower' apartment |
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Kitchen/living room of the 'Tower' apartment |
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Linen for the 'Tower' and 'Gendarmerie' apartments is included in the sale |
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Bedroom of the 'Tower' apartment |
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Bedroom of the 'Tower' apartment |
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Bedroom of the 'Tower' apartment |
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Bedroom of the 'Tower' apartment |
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Bedroom of the 'Tower' apartment |
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Second guardian apartment known as the 'Gendarmerie'
The larger of the two apartments is situated on two floors and consists of two spacious and private bedrooms each with views of another more ancient chateau in the nearby hills . It is situated on a paralell level to the bedroom floor of the château and access is through the conceled door on the grand staircase landing and alternatively through a pantry leading off from the trademan's entrance. The bathroom has an Italian walk in shower and double sinks. There is a nursery room and a dressing room.
Kitchen/living room of the 'Tower' apartment |
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Kitchen/living room of the 'Tower' apartment |
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Kitchen/living room of the 'Tower' apartment |
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WC washroom of the 'Gendarmerie' apartment |
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WC washroom of the 'Gendarmerie' apartment |
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Living room of the 'Gendarmerie' apartment |
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Second staircase that serves the 'Tower' and the 'Gendarmerie' |
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Bedroom 2 of the 'Gendarmerie' apartment |
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Bedroom 2 of the 'Gendarmerie' apartment |
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Living room of the 'Gendarmerie' apartment |
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Bathroom lobby of the 'Gendarmerie' apartment |
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Bathroom of the 'Gendarmerie' apartment |
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Bathroom of the 'Gendarmerie' apartment |
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Bedroom 1 of the 'Gendarmerie' apartment |
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Bedroom 1 of the 'Gendarmerie' apartment |
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Kitchen of the 'Gendarmerie' apartment |
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Kitchen of the 'Gendarmerie' apartment |
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Kitchen of the 'Gendarmerie' apartment |
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Parlour/dining room of the 'Gendarmerie' apartment |
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Parlour/dining room of the 'Gendarmerie' apartment |
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Parlour/dining room of the 'Gendarmerie' apartment |
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Parlour/dining room of the 'Gendarmerie' apartment |
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Parlour/dining room of the 'Gendarmerie' apartment |
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corridoor in the 'Gendarmerie' apartment |
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Bedroom 1 (5 x 4.25m, 21.25m2) Grey and pink marble fi
Living room (20m2)
Bedroom 2 (13m2)
Dressing room (2.6 x 2.6 m 6.76 m2)
Bathroom and lobby (10 m2)
WC (2.1m2)
Kitchen (6.3 x 2.9 18.27 m2)
Parour, dining room (6.3 x 2.9 18.27 m2)
The basement floor
total floor area 78,6m²
Great Entry Hall
Entered from the lower street level (4.6 x 9m approx 41.5m2) thia hall has a stone floor and marble staircase and is decorated with a large stained glass window dating from 1914 bearing the count’s arms.
Stained glass in main entrance |
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cellar (3.75 x 7.1m 26.63m2)
Boiler room (4.75 x 3.75m, 41.4m2)
Plumbing for washing machines, DeDietrich furnace installed 1999 (certified 93% efficient)
Water meters, work bench, concrete floor.
Garage (4 x 7.7m, 36.96m2),
vaulted space to park two vehicles.
EXTERIOR
The Park
The Park begins with the 70m2
terrace that runs along the south facade on to which the French windows of the great hall open on to. The outdoor jacuzzi for four is included in the sale.
The park is fully walled and has vehicular access.
The park includes out buildings, a pool, a fountain, mature trees a period potting house and much more.
The park has been maintained by the same man throughout the occupancy of the present owners and lives nearby.
South facade with winter garden |
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Built in high quality sandstone |
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Park, facade and winter garden |
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Attic and first floor windows |
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South facade with winter garden |
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Garage and principal entry |
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South facade with winter garden |
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First terrace in the park |
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The Roof
The 19th century part of the building is tiled in the local roman terracotts tile. They have non- ferrous flashings and it is well insulated.
The château roof is covered with slate tiles. A supply of replacement tiles is provided and the roof has been maintained annually. |
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Perfectly maintained slate roof |
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THE SWIMMING POOL
12m x 6m
Roman steps.
Large surround with high grade teracotta coloured pumice concrete.
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THE GARDEN (PARC)
Running along the south side of the château is a large terrace approximately 70m2 on to which the windows of the great hall open.
The park is fully walled and has vehicular access.
The out buildings include :
- A small aviary now used for general garden storage.
- A cast iron winter green house with raised work area, water and electricity
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The park includes :
- Mature evergreen and deciduous trees
- Mature evergreen and deciduous shrubs icluding Laurel, lilac and fuscia hedging
- Palm trees
- Mature wisteria
- Magnolia grandiflora
- Box and rose garden
- Strawberry bed
- Gazebo
- Lanterns
- Green house
- Jeu de boules
- Stone bordered flower beds including rosemary dog rose and lavendar
- Four stone walled terraces
- Grape vine
- Fruit orchard including cherry, apricot and apple trees
- Marble Fountain
- Outdoor jacuzzi
- 10 water points
- Three independant barbeque and outside dining areas
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Staircase to fourth terrace |
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Staircase to fourth terrace |
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One of the Parks barbecue corners |
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One of the Parks barbecue corners
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South facade and greenhouse |
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SERVICES
- Mains electricity with 60 amp earth trip, fuse board zoned with circuit breakers.
- Mains water with supply separately metered outdoor circuit.
- Connected to communal water sewage
- Bottle gas. Two telephonelines.
- Hot water by oil and immsersion heater.
VIEWS
View over roof tops of village |
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HISTORY
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Far left the Count who built the Château
with his hands on the shoulder of his godson and successor |
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| x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x |
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Photograph of the Château (mid 20th century?)
with the owner (the boy in uniform in the previous photograph)
in the forground
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PRICE
Prospective purchasers may offer to acquire the property with as much as or little furniture as suits their requirements.
The Price including furniture in the apartments, most
light fittings and jacuzzi in the chateau is 990 000 EUROS
For Further Information please contact Sophie McDonald
The house is ready for immediate sale. A trusted neighbour now cares for the garden and grounds and lives nearby and can be available by agreement to continue to familiarise the buyers with the facilities and services in the château and park and possibly remain on a more long-term basis.
PHOTO GALLERY
window in unconverted attic |
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Concealed compartment master bedroom |
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Concealed compartment master bedroom |
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Master bedroom walnut wood fireplace |
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Ground Floor Hall Staircase |
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Music Room / Reception Room - at night |
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Music Room / Reception Room - at night |
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Music Room / Reception Room - Ceiling Rose |
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Great hall and music room |
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Great Hall - Fireplace Tapestry |
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Great Hall - windows at dusk |
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Great Hall - Coat of arms |
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View of Park from the master bedroom terrace |
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Ground Floor Entrance Hall |
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Main Staircase - Secret door open |
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Main Staircase - Secret door closed |
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| Stairs From Tradesman's Entrance |
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