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Location
The Pyrénées-Atlantiques is a French department that benefits not only from a mild, temperate climate but also from a wide diversity of the most beautiful scenery.
On the borders of Gascony and the Landes, this Vic-Bilh region with its hills and valleys featuring Jurançon and Pacherenc vineyards, is full of typical traditional houses.
19 miles from Pau, (airport with several daily flights to Paris and Lyon as well as north Europe).
94 miles from Biarritz.
9.5 miles from a town with 4,000 inhabitants.
Description
The property was rebuilt in the second half of the 17th century by a local Seigneur using the older foundations from the 16th century as the fireplace in the old kitchen dating from this period demonstrates. It remained in the hands of the same family as of the 19th century until it was acquired by the current owners. It is shown on the Cassini map which was drawn up in the 18th century on behalf of Louis XV and was the first geometric map to cover the whole of the French kingdom.
It is set on the outskirts of the village in a triangular plot of land of just under 7 acres (6.625).
The buildings are all grouped into a U-shape: the L-shaped manor house is set at right angles to its adjoining annexes. The steep-sided, gabled, flat-tiled roof with its uneven slopes has dormer windows on the south side, whereas the annexe buildings have half-round Roman tiles under which it is possible to see the overhanging brick cornice.
The property is not listed but an inventory has been taken by the Ministry of Culture because of its numerous character features. It is also included in a book on regional architecture published by said Ministry.
The manor house (approx. 6,996 sq ft): This impressive, south facing, main facade is covered with beige/ochre rendering and bordered by a trimmed boxwood hedge. It has seven sets of windows arranged asymmetrically around the arched entrance door. A French window on the east side leads directly from the kitchen into the garden.
The entrance opens on to an outstanding wooden dogleg stairway with polygonal balusters. It gives access to the south-facing reception rooms. The large lounge contains an impressive wooden fireplace and a magnificent 18th century dresser cupboard, the small lounge has floor-to-ceiling panelling whereas the dining room features an 18th century-style Orientalist mural painted thirty or so years ago above the wainscoting.
The outbuildings: Set at right angles to the main building, they comprise a main building (floor surface area of approx. 2,799 sq ft) with arched openings on the ground floor and rectangular openings upstairs. It has half-round Roman roof tiles, and is edged with an elegant overhanging cornice. This extends into the former pigsty followed by a covered courtyard with a wonderful roofing framework. And finally the former orangerie which was once used as a small stables.
Our opinion
The typical building architecture, the beautiful, immaculately-kept landscaped parklands, the numerous period features both inside and outside, and the sensible layout of the outbuildings make this property a particularly pleasant place to live, a place that is steeped in total peace and quiet. Currently a large family home, it could also become a holiday haven in a region that does not want for charm.
Price
1 284 000 €
Our fees are included in the stated sale price. Reference
1969LA
Representative
Laurence Avizanda
Telephone
06 22 12 25 85
contact
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.
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