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17th & 19th century castle
in the Lacaune mountains
Location
This castle is situated in the French department of Tarn in the heart of the Lacaune mountains at an altitude of 2,625 ft, in unspoilt countryside on the Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park borders, on the outskirts of a small, peaceful hamlet.
Predominantly planted with beech trees, the forests in this region give the landscape its special appearance, a combination of countryside and foothills.
28 miles from Castres and Castres-Mazamet airport.
78 miles from Carcassonne and its airport (Ryan Air flights).
Description
Large entrance gates lead into the courtyard opening on to the property. Its 9.4 acres, predominantly composed of woods peppered with clearings, are crisscrossed with bridle paths.
A 2,153 sq ft, stone outbuilding, on the north side facing the castle, awaits total restoration.
Built in the 17th century by an important local family whose links to the royal family are revealed in the coats-of-arms above certain doors, the castle (total floor surface area of 7,750 sq ft) as it stands today predominantly reflects the style of the 19th century, although demonstrating numerous features from an older structure (watch turret, tower with corbelling, etc.).
Long used as a pleasure property in the depths of the countryside, the property demonstrates all the characteristics of this function which were highly sought-after at the end of the 19th century. Hence, the large windows give a certain proximity to nature, the entrances and reception rooms are not so grand, the landscaped parklands blend in with the woods and the rooms are smaller. As regards this last point however, prestige and rank took the upper hand as far as the bedroom designated as that of “His Grace” is concerned. Positioned in a square tower built for the occasion, this room was to provide holiday accommodation for, first a bishop, and then a cardinal in the family.
The southern entrance is topped by heraldry representing the family coat-of-arms. It gives access to a corridor leading, on the one hand, to the dining room (terracotta flagstones), governed by a trumeau fireplace built of Charentes’ stone and, on the other hand, to a gallery (currently the lounge) in the centre of which stands a 19th century, black marble fireplace.
This last room adjoins the first and gives access to a conservatory, a room that marks the fineness of the art of living at the end of the 19th century. In the same vein, a bow window was installed during this era; this extremely fashionable feature was a luxury symbol of the proximity of the interior and exterior areas.
On this floor, in addition to the kitchen (Charentes rustic fireplace) and the back kitchen, there is also a bedroom (with bathroom and toilet) which takes up the lower part of the aforementioned tower.
Two stairways lead upstairs (2,583 sq ft), opening on to wide landings. The south-facing bedrooms are all then accessed by means of the north corridor.
The atmosphere radiating from all of these rooms, with the exception of the aforementioned “His Grace’s bedroom”, leaves no doubt as to the function of this residence, which was clearly pleasure. The rooms are small, the materials are simply used despite their nobility, and the colours inspire peace and the softness that is exuded by the light in this area.
The first floor has been completely renovated; the second floor (of an equal surface area) awaits restoration.
Our opinion
Although a classic example of a 19th century summer residence, this property is not lacking in historic features. This retreat exudes serenity, and an ever transcending softness throughout its outstanding surroundings. Perfectly habitable, the castle has been restored by its current owners such that new owners could add their own personal touches to the decoration and layout in numerous ways.
Moreover, the space, the rooms, the layout and the setting would be ideally suited to a bed & breakfast activity.
742 000 €
Our fees are included in the stated sale price.
Reference 574832
| Land registry surface area | 3ha 80a / 9.390 acres |
| Main building surface area | 550 m² / 5,918 sqft |
| Outbuilding surface area | 200 m² / 2,152 sqft |
Regional representative
Ilan Libert +33 (0)6 20 69 38 46
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.
