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Noble retreat dating from the 12th century in south Ardèche
Location
In the south of the French department of Ardèche, on the edge of the Cévennes Vivaroises’ foothills, near to the Ardèche gorges, between olive trees, vines and forests of pine, oak and chestnut trees, this noble castle stands on the slopes of a small, discrete valley, six km (4 miles) from a large town with all shops and amenities.
30 km (19 miles) from the main county towns.
Description
The castle is accessed by means of a country lane running alongside woods, vines and pastures, and going through a forest of tall fir trees.
The property, spanning 4.92 ha (12.16 acres) high up on the side of a hill, is bordered on its lowest level by a stream. The land predominantly comprises thickets and overgrown vines (2.5 ha / 6.2 acres), but could perhaps be recultivated.
The castle, built of large, regular-shaped blocks of Triassic sandstone, quarried on site, is set out on terraces created on the sun-exposed hillside, fed by a source which once provided the kitchen with running water but now flows into the swimming pool.
The origins of this castle or noble retreat date back to the 12th century, but its owners can only be traced back as far as the 14th century. It was built, then restored to repair the ravages caused by the armies throughout the long French-English war which saw the region crisscrossed by roads and soldiers; and reorganised a little later on to resist the combats engaged in by the Catholics and the Protestants within this Cévennes area; horizontal firing loops on the facades are a reminder of this, even though the rooms were opened up to the light, probably around the 15th century, with the addition of numerous windows of a similar style.
This quadrilateral castle, built on rock with a slight gradient, has one indented corner and a round tower in another; a square tower constructed within the carcass was later used as a dovecote.
The triangular-arched entrance gates open into a surprising courtyard which leads to the apartments; on the ground floor is a large vaulted cellar and on the right rooms awaiting a defined purpose.
From the courtyard, steps lead up to the first level that spans 151.81 m², including a 57 m² (613 sq ft) kitchen and a 37 m² (398 sq ft) lounge, both with wonderful, vast stone fireplaces (and a bread oven in the kitchen) and 2 bathrooms, including one with a vaulted ceiling delicately outlined with cornices; perhaps the former oratory.
Accessed via an indoor straight stairway or via another outside, the 2nd floor (139 m² / 1,496 sq ft) features a 71 m² (6,146 sq ft) lounge with its fireplace; a cleverly laid out, covered loggia or observation room dominates the countryside.
The third level above the main 70 m² (753 sq ft) living room awaits conversion; it is still possible to see the pipes on its walls which were used for heating silkworms during the winter as part of the castle was transformed into a silkworm nursery. The property is in a province where, as of the 17th century, mulberries were cultivated, and the raising of silk moths and the working of silk developed. Heated floors have been installed as well as double-glazing; all that remains is the choice of the system, boiler or heat pump.
Our opinion
Although some floors have not been given their final covering, the residence can be lived in straightaway (the total floor surface area being approx. 550 m² / 5,920 sq ft plus the courtyard and the loggia).
Having been neglected for a certain time, attention is required by the surroundings that once consisted of terraced gardens, accessed by steps, where the presence of sources would make it possible to water plants and to create ornamental ponds.
Its lofty, unoverlooked situation, the dimensions of the rooms and the building could make this property the perfect all-year round residence, with the light penetrating the rooms from several sides, enhanced by the golden colour of the omnipresent stone both inside and outside.
In the shelter of its thick walls that preserve coolness in the summer, and the warmth of the heating in the winter, with the gates of the courtyard locked, the castle once again becomes a secure, protective refuge.
It is worthy of historic listing.
1 050 000 €
Our fees are included in the stated sale price.
Reference 3001RS
| Land registry surface area | 4.92 ha (12.16 acres) |
| Main building surface area | 550m2 (5,916 sq ft) |
Regional representative
Régis Senseby +33 (0)6 80 59 47 42
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.
