Location

In the south-westernmost point of the Saumur region, of which the “good” city of Saumur, much-loved by King René, was the capital.
Paris is 330 km (206 miles) away, 300 (188) of which are via the A10 and A11 motorways, Angers and its TGV train station (Paris in 90 minutes) are thirty or so kilometres (19 miles) away.
In a countryside that pleasantly combines small irregular-shaped fields with forests and vineyards including the famous “Coteaux du Layon” which are the nearest.
Shops with essential items, doctor and primary school 5 km (3 miles) away, secondary school 4 km (2.5 miles) away, sixth form college and all amenities 20 km (12.5 miles) away; there are universities in Angers.

Description

This 145 hectare (358 acre) estate, bordered by a fine river, has two small country lanes running through it:
. 26 continuous ha (64 acres) of parklands, orchards and grasslands (10 ha / 24.7 acres of which are rented) around the buildings,
. 2 ha of water: one large lake, two small ones and an ornamental pool,
. 22 ha (54 acres) of woods (oaks, pines, chestnut trees, etc.),
. 95 ha (235 acres) of rented grass and farmlands.
In the parklands: an ornamental pool, two small lakes, a vast walled, octagonal-shaped vegetable garden / orchard and a swimming pool.
The castle
This rectangular, 17th century building was widely redesigned in the 18th century with the creation of large, symmetrical windows in the south-west facade.
The 19th century also left its mark on the building but this time on its north-east façade with the addition in its centre of a Directoire-style pediment with a return featuring an oculus.
On each side, a stairway leads to the ground floor. That on the north-east facade opens on to a vast gallery which provides access to three interconnecting reception rooms (205 m² / 2,206 sq ft) adjoining a study and lastly a large room.
An elegant wooden stairway with a wonderful wrought iron banister leads upstairs to eleven bedrooms, three bathrooms and two shower rooms.
There are numerous period features both inside and out.

The outbuildings
. 16th century tower situated near to the castle: floor surface area of 40 m² (430 sq ft) on 3 levels, illuminated by mullioned and stone transomed windows. Restoration works are required to renovate period features: freestone fireplace, terra-cotta floor ties, etc.
. A group of service quarters form a superb rectangular courtyard:
traditional farmhouse also dating from the 16th century: approx. 300 m² (3,229 sq ft), new roof;
superb 16th century barn: approx. 100 m² (1,076 sq ft) topped by an attic with the same floor surface area. The other side of the courtyard is bordered by the rear of two 19th century buildings: that of the former stables and the 75 m² (807 sq ft) caretakers’ cottage (to be renovated inside) extended by the former dovecote and a small worker’s cottage.

Guest house: 19th century, rubble stone and brick construction, topped by a slate roof. Approx. 250 m² (2,691 sq ft) recently renovated, divided into two sections that could be reunited: two lounges with fireplace, two dining rooms, two kitchens; four bedrooms, two bathrooms and two shower rooms.

Several other buildings: former sheep pen, kennel, farm sheds as well as a superb open barn (100 m² / 1,076 sq ft).
Possible option: a farm and its outbuildings, lease for 105 ha (259 acres) of land, equipment and the livestock as well as the “DPU” single payment rights and “droits DPMTVA” rights to the suckling cow maintenance bonus which amount to €25,000 per year. Asking price: €265,000.

Our opinion

A self-contained property. The 145 ha (358 acre) estate is varied: parklands as well as grasslands, woods and “water” make this a pleasant place for hiking and small game hunting.
A good-sized castle in which the decoration works are still to be carried out, thus leaving free rein to the future owners.
The buildings are very different both from an architectural and use point of view making it possible to envisage a business.

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.