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Location
In the heart of the south-west, midway between the Atlantic ocean and the Mediterranean sea, close to Agen, capital town of the Lot & Garonne.
In a wonderfully sunny climate, the Serres region dominates both of the river valleys surrounding it.
Some say that the resulting countryside with its fertile valleys alternating with the gentle slopes of the hills, punctuated with woods, vineyards and fruit trees, including the famous “pruniers d’ente” plum trees resembles Tuscany.
A land endowed with an amazing architectural heritage made up of medieval fortified towns and magnificent castles as well as 125 miles of the most picturesque navigable channels in France.
Agen is 4 hours from Paris by train (4 direct TGV trains per day), 1 hour from Paris by airplane and 1 hour from Bordeaux and Toulouse by motorway.
Although ideally situated to take advantage of the peace and quiet provided by the surrounding peaceful countryside, the property is only a few minutes away from a small village with all amenities.
Description
Set in just under 62 acres of woods and grasslands, including several trees over a hundred years old, this walled, fortified castle is perched on a rocky knoll dominating a small valley which has a stream running right the way through it.
The building was already classified as a “villa” in the 13th century: this designation was used for farms formerly protected by a wooden palisade against intrusion. Over the years, said farms became genuine fortresses with stone defences which offered more security.
The building is in the shape of a parallelogram with one of its sides following the contours of the rock. It was extended in the 15th century and fitted out with the best means of defence, thus becoming a true fortified castle: wide dry moats topped by a drawbridge which have unfortunately disappeared, keep, set of crenelles, loopholes, some of which are cross pattee in shape, gun-loops and machicolation on supporting corbels.
Further improvements were made over the following centuries, notably to the 5,328 sq ft courtyard encompassed by the walls as well as inside the buildings.
The building maintains its proud appearance to this day, even if the three identical levels are in dire need of restoration works, some more complex than others. There is a total of more than 7,535 sq ft of living space, including the attic space. The spacious rooms abound in beautiful period features: chapel with cross-ribbed vaults, mullioned windows, monumental fireplaces, spiral stairway, ornamental mouldings, an old 15th century wooden door studded with protruding head nails, a gallery with semi-circular arches supported by square pillars, dungeons, etc.
On the high lands, a large 1,184 sq ft terrace for enjoying the surroundings.
At the other end of the courtyard, elegantly laid out with the addition of an extremely beautiful stone well, the former sheepfold is now restored and converted to include home comforts. This could be used as nearby accommodation whilst works are carried out on the castle: more than 2,153 sq ft of living space spanning two stories, with two terraces, one of which is covered.
Outside the walls there is also: a building housing an old bread oven, a workshop and changing rooms; the remnants of a recently collapsed dovecote; a fenced-in swimming pool; several buildings used as service rooms or tool sheds.
NB: there is a possibility of restoring a 9-hole golf course, the license was still valid a short while ago. It is equipped with a driving range, a vast split-level putting green, a practice bunker, six ponds and a drainage system.
Our opinion
This magnificent building is a superb example of feudal architecture in the Agen area. It is, of course, marked by the ravages of time, but the changes in its construction and the beautiful period features incorporated in it, compel a well-thought out schedule of works that will delight history enthusiasts wanting to understand and reconstruct the “puzzle”.
The French Historic Monument classification board is not wrong to suggest that it become listed; a suggestion that only awaits an interested, future buyer’s agreement.
Price
1 200 000 €
Our fees are included in the stated sale price. Reference
1824IL
Representative
Ilan Libert
Telephone
06 20 69 38 46
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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