Location

In lands with the contrasting scenery of the Lot and Célé valleys, where sheer cliffs blend in with wooded hills and green plains crisscrossed by a multitude of rivers and streams. This wonderful, unspoilt countryside is an integral part of the Quercy Causses Regional Nature Park. Approx. 75 miles from Toulouse, (international airport), not far from Cahors and Figeac. All amenities are less than 10 minutes away.
In the middle of a beautiful, old port village, the castle is built on a rocky shelf, forming a knoll between two narrow valleys. This outstanding dominant position makes a superb lookout over the surrounding countryside and the meandering river.

Description

The property is divided into two separate parts linked to one another by a stone walkway which arches over a narrow street. Thus, on several successive levels on one side, we find the entrance courtyard surrounded by the portico positioned to support the walkway, a 2-storey barn with a floor surface area of 700 sq ft, and the main stairway. To the rear of the barn is a second walled courtyard.
Having climbed the steps to the next level, the dwelling is surrounded by two wide terraces, one of which is semicircular with a fountain in its centre, and another smaller one. All three are bordered by a small stone wall which follows the contours of the perimeter wall; a former dovecote; the walkway deck continuing into a gravelled driveway partly straddled by a pergola; two rear courtyards; and the former “bakery” with its stone fireplace and oven. Lastly, the upper level, on the same level as the second floor of the castle, constitutes a vast additional terrace, enabling full advantage to be taken of the panoramic view.

Facing the buildings, on the other side of the walkway, a collection of French MH listed, terraced gardens, flanked by walls, one of which comprises two tall alcoves with light closets. One feature worthy of note is the superb wrought iron gates with Louis XVI motifs topped by a pediment bearing a crown and a coat-of-arms. A succession of stairways and terraces provide access to the upper part, site of a spurting source, sheltered by a small construction. Three ornamental pools built on different levels are fed by said source. The property limits are marked by the side of the wooded hill behind this upper part. The total surface area in the land registry is just over 6 acres.

Rebuilt in the 18th century from the vestiges of a building dating from the 13th century, the dwelling, with approx.6,458 sq ft of living space (excluding cellars, attic, and space under the rafters), spans four stories, including a mezzanine floor. The main dwelling has a Mansard roof composed of Roman tiles with flat tile roof breaks, and roof dormers with triangular stone pediments in line with the windows on the lower floors. The tower has a “lauze” stone slab roof.
The different rooms in the dwelling are laid out around the main seven flight, halfpace stairway with monolithic steps that provides access to all the floors.
The ground floor comprises a dining room, a large and small Louis XV style lounge, a study, all four opening on to the large terrace; a former fruit storeroom; a kitchen and scullery; a cellar carved out of the rock and a wine storehouse of approx. 646 sq ft. Outstanding features include a picture of mythological creatures topped by magnificent plasterwork decor; wainscoting; large fireplaces, some of which have moulded walnut wood mantelpieces; original diagonal parquet flooring with rare ornamentation; a monumental stone sink; a cantou fireplace; vaulted ceilings and floors paved with pebbles and stippled limestone floor tiles; and more.
The second level is a mezzanine floor, formerly the site of three attics once used for storing foodstuffs and now subdivided into several rooms. This continues into a vast room divided in the 1950’s into several toilets, shower rooms and bathroom and toilet facilities.
The third and fourth levels have exactly the same floor plan with a flat comprising a hallway, a living room, a bedroom, a study and a shower room set out in the tower; at the other end, two large adjoining rooms used as a living room and a bedroom. Amongst the features worthy of note are walnut wood, Louis XIV style raised panel wainscoting, French chestnut wood ceilings, plasterwork, period parquet flooring, terracotta floor tiles, fireplaces, a geminated window and a 14th century fresco).
The interior of the castle has French Historic Monument listing because of the quality and originality of its decorations.

Our opinion

Some places can fill us with special feelings that provoke a small characteristic thrill, signifying that the atmosphere is still full of history, feeding our imagination, and confirming that we are in the presence of something unusual. This is certainly the case here. This property is most atypical not only in its heritage and the elegance of its decorations, but also in its ever astonishing external layouts and it is difficult to remain impervious. Renovation and conversion works are, of course, necessary to give it back its glory of yesteryear, and to provide it with modern-day home comforts, but when faced with such potential, the game is worth the candle.

Price: 643 000 €
Our fees are included in the stated sale price.

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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.