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Castles / chateaux


Neo-renaissance style castle
in typical Normandy countryside

Location

53 miles from Paris and 12.5 miles from Rouen and its station for reaching Paris in less than 90 minutes.
On the outskirts of a village of 1,500 inhabitants, in the heart of a heritage-rich region, this estate, together with its large neighbouring residences, is set in unspoilt countryside, full of irregular-shaped fields separated by hedges and ditches.

Description

Set in more than 106 continuous acres, 47 of which are woods with a peaceful stream that goes under two bridges meandering through the bottom of the property.
According to legend, during the summer of 275, St George, leading an army of 6,000 thirsty men, is said to have struck the ground with his sword, making water gush out from the source that feeds this stream which continues to separate the estate from the neighbouring village.
Dominating part of its lands, the castle adorned with its polygonal towers, its corbelling, and its high finials is representative of the neo-renaissance style governing the criteria of equilibrium and historicism from the middle of the 19th century. Comfort and luminosity, the key features of the art of living in this era, are not, however, neglected.
Built over cellars, the floor surface area of the castle alone spans close to 8,072 sq ft. The different rooms and reception rooms are laid out around a vast entrance hall and its main oak stairway.
The ornamental and decorative inventory is predominantly in line with the bias of the external architecture. The reception rooms feature floor-to-ceiling, natural wood panelling, tall wooden or marble fireplaces framed with twisted columns, finished with celery and gable motifs. This is in complete contrast to the “white lounge” that unquestionably demonstrates a Louis XVI style and opens on to the large atrium and the parklands.
Accessed via the main stairway, the first floor comprises two suites, each with two rooms and an independent bathroom as well as a bedroom which is also accompanied by a bathroom.
The second floor which was assigned to staff accommodation can only be accessed via the one set of back stairs. The back entrance was on the garden level and led into the kitchens with their large “range” and their dumb waiters which are still in existence. It also led to the back stairs, going up to every floor, thus accessing the entire house. Said floor now comprises three bedrooms and two bathrooms on one side and a three-roomed flat with bathroom on the other.
The property also has numerous, vast outbuildings including notably a 19th century building of approx. 6,707 sq ft that previously housed the foremen from the neighbouring textile mill; a large 17th century farm of approx. 6,103 sq ft, part of the original estate; an interesting, recently restored dovecote, bearing the date 1661; the stables of approx. 8,072 sq ft, built in the 19th century, are a good example of the architectural design of service quarters in this era; and a large 2,519 sq ft barn.

Our opinion

A vast property, ideally situated in a charming little valley in remarkably unspoilt, undulating countryside, although not very far from the large town centres.
The castle with its captivating atmosphere brings to mind the splendour and way of life of such a residence in the 19th century. It bears significant witness to the architectural genius of an era full of the nostalgia of past centuries, always searching for the ideal castle and the imaginary world surrounding it. It exudes the calm and elegance that governed high society in the 19th century. Signs of a prosperous origin reign throughout the house both “upstairs” (the world of the masters) and “downstairs” (that of the domestic staff). The castle is not, however, lacking in the requirements of the modern day conception of comfort.
As regards the numerous outbuildings, they are well constructed and could make a commercial business a realistic possibility.

Price: 1 990 000 €
Our fees are included in the stated sale price.

Reference 1957MM

Land registry surface area 43ha / 106.253 acres
Main building surface area 1 100 m² / 11,836 sqft
Outbuilding surface area 2 200 m² / 23,672 sqft

Regional representative

Marie Merien +33 (0)6 08 80 21 01

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.