Location

Thirty or so minutes from the towns of Brive-la-Gaillarde and Périgueux (airport, French SNCF train station, A20 and A89 motorways) sixty minutes from Bergerac and Limoges, and 105 minutes from Bordeaux. At the tourist crossroads of the Quercy, Périgord and Limousin regions, just a stone’s throw from the Vézère valley, included in the World Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO for its numerous prehistoric relics. In a wooded, undulating region, criss-crossed with clear water rivers. Its peaceful scenery encourages the exploration of the outstanding surrounding historic heritage: Arnac Pompadour, Coussac-Bonneval, Ségur-le-Château, St Robert, Excideuil, Hautefort, Jumilhac, Terrasson-Lavilledieu, etc. The wonders of the Black Périgord are also nearby as Sarlat, its capital, is only forty or so kilometres (25 miles) away.

Description

The property is on the outskirts of a village situated on the top of a hill. Set in the peace and quiet, it has lands of approx. 11 hectares (27 acres), comprising grasslands and woods that embrace the hilly countryside which, in the past, helped protect the site. An outstanding garden, featuring amongst other things an apple orchard, an arbour, elegant trimmed box trees and an ornamental pool, is laid out behind the building.
The property comprises several buildings used as houses and for farming purposes, set out in a horseshoe shape around a large inner courtyard which has an ornamental pool, once a watering hole, in the middle. In addition to the castle, there is also: a guest house that awaits renovation on the inside; an impressive barn including a cow shed, stables, a workshop, a hay loft and a wood shed; wine storehouses with a wine press and old vats; and a former pigsty. A little further away, a magnificent, French MH listed, octagonal, Seigneurial dovecote stands on columns, has with a slate roof and is topped with an elegant bell-turret.
This most unusual castle has an impressive circular tower to which is adjoined a second, semi-engaged tower, housing a spiral stairway. The towers span four and five floors, including an attic floor, awaiting conversion, which has a wonderful, chestnut wood roofing framework with circular horizontal pieces. The slate on the conical roofs comes from Allassac. Currently with French MH classification, they would have been built by the English in the 15th century during the One Hundred Years’ War for defence purposes.
Furthermore, it is still possible to see the bartizans fitted with arrow loops and machiolation.
The inside, brimming with period features, is well maintained: monumental fireplaces, French ceilings, stone and terracotta floor tiles, parquet flooring, wainscoting, etc. The former guard room is now the lounge; there are two superb master bedrooms, two bathrooms, two dressing rooms, a small telephone room and a toilet.
On either side of the two towers stands a dwelling built as a one-storey building in the 18th century.
This enlarged the original abode, taking the total living area to 360 m² (3,875 sq ft), excluding attic space and cellars. The double aspect rooms are pleasant and luminous: vast dining room complete with an impressive stone fireplace, kitchen and back kitchen, linen room, lounge, corridor and five bedrooms including two with en suite bathrooms. Designed by a famous architect, the decoration is not recent but has kept its elegance and exudes a pleasant, warm atmosphere.

Our opinion

A property ideally situated on the borders of three beautiful regions much appreciated for their tremendous historic heritage as well as the beauty of the scenery. The village provides a feeling of security to those who fear isolation, whilst the land ensures precious space that is equally protective. A seductive residence with unusual architecture, magnificent decorative features and significant development possibilities.

Price: Contact us
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.