House for sale in Haute-Vienne - 17 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms

Enchantingly mirrored in its large moat, in the midth of its own woodland, this casle bears witness to the medieval lifestyle and defensive architecture in Central France.

DESCRIPTIVE

 

History :

Built near a Roman camp, the first Carolingian castle lay on top of a hill at the junction of two valleys. In the 12th century, the primitive castle was replaced by a Roman fortress built in 1179 with a high square keep, symbolizing the landlord's power. This elegant tower with fully curved arches is crowned by corbelled machicoulis, clearly inspired by Arab design. With its height of 35 metres and its single geminate window, this keep counts among the most majestic in France.

In the 14th century, the castle, an English fiefdom, got embroiled in the Hundred Years War.

In the 15th century, the main buildings were built following a square pattern with large round towers in each corner, one of them enclosing the old keep. A porch beyond the drawbirdge leads into a central courtyard in the middle of which the 12^th-century well has been preserved.

 

The castle has been completely restored recently, in the respect of all authentic feature, but offering all modern comfort.  

In the main building, a spiral staircase leads to the private apartments, generously lit by mullion windows which were opened during the Renaissance period. The living space is approximately 2200 m² (about 42 main rooms). Up to 30 people can be accommodated.

 

The castle comprises an elegant reception hall, two dining rooms, a conference room (a superb marble table recalls the Knights of the Round Table), a library, a study, a kitchen for receptions, 17 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms, the private apartments,… A solarium on the top, 2 lifts… The wiring has been modernised in all the castle. There is access to Internet. A large part of the furniture is included in the sale.

 

 

OUTBUILDINGS

 

Among the outbuildings are six old houses, all authentically restored (one of them is being used as a tavern), some large barns and a few other smaller outbuildings.

 

 

GROUNDS

 

The 200 hectares of land are mostly wooded. There are 4 ponds, a park with a medieval golf course (8 holes), a medieval tennis, private hunting grounds, various development plans and the possibility of creating an private aerodrome on the property (subject to authorisation).

 

 

TO CONCLUDE

 

Perfectly restored, this castle which « floats » in its ancient moat is the permanent residence of the present owners. The keep, its granite stone showing the patina of over seven centuries, offers a stunning range of colours in grey and ochre tones, pure enchantment on summer evenings.

 

The castle has managed to preserve its pride and magnificence and remains one of the most charming gems of French heritage. Ref.:B 725

property reference: BOIM999000100

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