Historic buildings
Outstanding French MH listed ruins on an archaeological site
in the Périgord region
Location
In Black Périgord, in the heart of undulating countryside, punctuated with superb grasslands and dense stretches of woods of varying species. An ideal, peaceful setting, slightly removed from the tourist tumult in one of the most appreciated regions of France. Close to 2 million visitors a year come to take advantage of the exceptional diversity provided by the historic, architectural and gastronomic heritage. The Dordogne valley, medieval gems and world renowned prehistoric sites are but a short distance away. The A20 and A89 motorways put Bordeaux 140 km (88 miles) away, Limoges 100 km (63 miles) away, Bergerac and Brive-la-Gaillarde are only about 60 km (38 miles) away, with Périgueux and Sarlat about 30 minutes away.
Description
On the outskirts of a peaceful hamlet, on an island surrounded by wide water-filled moats, crossed by a stone bridge, stand the imposing ruins of a castle built during the 14th and 15th centuries. Abandoned since the 18th century, this flamboyant gothic-style building currently has French MH classification, and still has its original appearance. The present owners have not only contributed to its preservation but also studied its history for a better understanding of events. State authorised archaeological excavations thus made it possible to find numerous relics of the past: the foundations of a chapel, several bread ovens, a fireplace and a watch tower, all dating from before the construction of the castle; pottery, glass, jewels and pieces of money were found as well.
Spanning approx. 1 ha (2.47 acres), the property also comprises two houses from the beginning of the last century; they await renovation.
The building comprises a rectangular-shaped main building approx. 25 m (82 ft) long by 10 m (33 ft) wide (small rooms and large rooms), flanked by two round towers at the back (bedrooms and dungeons) containing square rooms of approx. 25 m² (269 sq ft). At the front, a third hexagonal tower contains an outstanding moulded, twisted spiral stairway, the top of which forms a spectacular palm tree-shaped vault. At the summit, a vaulted room makes a magnificent view point. In the 16th century, it housed the Seigneurial chapel.
The building has walls which are sometimes up to several metres (yards) thick, and harbours some wonderful features: superposed, “suspended” monumental fireplaces, stone corbels adorned with escutcheons, door frameworks forming a troughing angle, latrines that are still intact, loopholes, gunloops, dungeons, flamboyant richly decorated entrance door, mullioned and checkrail windows, etc.
Our opinion
There is no doubt that this is a genuine regional symbol, a wonderful, small, “romantic” example of our architectural heritage such as we rarely find in ruins nowadays, and even more rarely find preserved and richly decorated. This pleasure to behold would be an incredible challenge for enthusiasts, enamoured with stone and history, to which we would be proud to have modestly contributed.
Exclusive sale
Price: Contact us
Our fees are included in the stated sale price.
Reference 2479IL
| Land registry surface area | 00ha 98a 24ca / 2,43 acres |
Regional representative
Ilan Libert +33 (0)6 20 69 38 46
NB: The above information is not only the result of our visit to the property; it is also based on information provided by the current owner. It is by no means comprehensive or strictly accurate especially where surface areas and construction dates are concerned. We cannot, therefore, be held liable for any misrepresentation.
