15th century noble house in a medieval village in the French department of Charente
Location
In the centre of a historic village less than 30 minutes from Angoulême, from where the French TGV train takes just over two hours to get to Paris. The line is soon to be modified and the time reduced to 90 minutes.
The undulating countryside alternates pastures and forests. The climate is mild with few winter frosts. The village is lively with a farmers’ market, shops, schools and all amenities.
Description
This 15th century dwelling is set advantageously in the centre of the town’s historic district, very near to the market, the 13th century church and other buildings of historic interest.
The rectangular house spanning 200 m² (2,153 sq ft) of living space has an entrance door adorned with an ogee gable; other doors open on the south side into the garden. Most views are of the surrounding countryside.
This recently renovated house can be lived in straightaway. The works are of such a high standard that the house has been awarded the French “Fondation du Patrimoine” (Heritage Foundation) label; the only works now required are those for the possible creation of a fourth bedroom. Arriving via the narrow driveway, visitors are transported back into the past by the sight of the dwelling as very few modern day features are visible.
Once through the superb entrance door, a stairway leading to the upstairs bedrooms is on the left-hand side of the hall and a bathroom on the right-hand side.
An unusual, 17th century, wooden partition wall parallel to the entrance hides a storeroom.
Further back, the lounge is dominated by a 15th century, monumental fireplace.
The floors on the ground floor feature flagstones, terracotta tiles or parquet flooring.
The dining room with its more modest fireplace is easily able to seat eight or more guests for dinner.
From here, a second stairway leads up to three spacious bedrooms with high ceilings and exposed beams that feature traces of a painted chessboard decoration here and there. They have rustic wood floors and the south-facing windows with their 15th century window seats make them extremely luminous. A room illuminated by two windows is used as attic space. It is accessed by means of the stairway from the dining room and could easily become a fourth bedroom; its 40 m² (431 sq ft) would make it possible to introduce a bathroom.
Although the garden is not very big, it is extremely pleasant and has spots that are ideal for picnicking and a bench for sitting in the peace and quiet.
Our opinion
A historic house with numerous advantages that include its refined architecture, its successful renovation works that have enabled it to gain the French “Fondation du Patrimoine” label, its garden with views over the countryside and all the practical assets of a lively, but peaceful village; a superb site with an outstanding character, near to Angoulême and with an easy TGV train link to Paris.
400 000 €
Our fees are included in the stated sale price.
Reference 3216HL
| Land registry surface area | 1,142 m² (0.3 acres) |
| Main building surface area | 200 m² (2,153 sq ft) |
Regional representative
Henry Lewis +33 (0)6 98 29 14 57
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.
