Castles / chateaux
Redesigned Cistercian Abbey between the French departments of Drôme and Isère
Location
The estate is situated at the foot of the Vercors mountains, between Grenoble and Valence (40 km / 25 miles), close to the ski areas and very close to the A49 motorway link and a TGV train station (links to Paris/South of France/Geneva).
Perched on a vantage point looking over the peaceful surroundings below the Royans region, this former convent overlooks the valley of Isère and its outstanding history-filled villages.
Description
This estate, once a royal Cistercian abbey with foundations dating back as far as the beginning of the 14th century, was built after the transfer of the “Dauphiné” to the Kingdom of France. Spared by the French Revolution, the property kept its abbey architecture down through the centuries until after the second world war, whereupon it was converted into a leisure centre.
In a pastoral setting, perfumed by the local odours, an access drive leads to the entrance gates of this property and its cluster of buildings.
The castle: this robust impressive building is flanked by two towers, symbols of its rich historical past. It stands in 1.5 ha (3.7 acres) of land with an additional 5.5 ha (13.6 acres) on a lower level, thus guaranteeing total peace and quiet.
This building with its four stories (approx. 210 m² / 2,260 sq ft each) is of sound construction and well-kept.
Its interior layout has been converted to suit its hotel & catering activity. The main stairway forms the centre of the building and provides access to each of floors where there are large rooms of approx. 125 m² (1,345 sq ft) used for organising seminars, adjoining guest accommodation areas and private flats for the current owners. On the ground floor, a professional kitchen ensures the smooth running of the hotel & catering business which can be sizeable if all 11 of the sound, sober and practical bedrooms on the top floor are occupied.
In the parklands below the castle, a double guest house spanning approx. 100 m² (1,076 sq ft) can accommodate two lots of up to six people. This totally independent, classic building is cleverly laid out and out of sight of the main dwelling. A little further away, a pleasant swimming pool with a wonderful view over the valley, dominates the parklands and the sports grounds.
Working outbuildings (workshops, storage areas, etc.) complete the general layout of the estate.
Our opinion
Despite the significant interior modifications which have led this former convent away from its initial function, this property has some major assets for those wanting to take advantage of this unspoilt, sought-after region of the Vercors Park with its pleasant climate and fast-expanding tourist trade. The possibility of continuing the already well-developed hotel & catering business would appear obvious. Close to 1,000 m² of living space steeped in an interesting historical past, an unspoilt setting, a building well suited to the business, the main criteria are there to encourage would-be buyers.
Price: Contact us
Our fees are included in the stated sale price.
Reference 2437TB
| Land registry surface area | 6ha 11a 85ca |
Regional representative
Thierry Besse +33 (0)6 19 67 16 80
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.
