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Location
In the south of the French department of Lot, not far from Cahors, a town of art and history, and major stopover along the route to Saint-Jacques-de-Compostella.
A region with gently undulating countryside where the hills of downy oaks and the boxwood, hazel tree and juniper undergrowth, contrast with the barer areas where we can glimpse the white limestone, symbolic of this part of the Quercy region.
The variety of the region’s natural environment and its geographic situation has led to the development of a wealth of varied plant and wildlife with strong Mediterranean influences. All this is in addition to the historic and architectural heritage that includes the Valentré bridge classified as a World Heritage site by Unesco, the Saint-Etienne cathedral, numerous medieval villages such as Montmezat, Castelnau-Montratier and Lauzerte as well as the vestiges of the Gallo-Romans, the mills, the Roman churches and numerous castles.
53 miles from Agen (TGV train station) and less than 63 miles from Toulouse (international airport).
Description
In the centre of a peaceful hamlet, perched on a rocky knoll, with origins dating back to the 15th century. A single tower bears witness to the previous existence of what was once the seat of a large regional bastion.
Topped with a hexagonal roof, this circular tower is now annexed to the former presbytery built in the 17th century as an observer post. Its impressive aspect proudly dominates the surrounding area.
Hugging the slope cut out by the relief, the dwelling, topped by a bell tower with its pyramid-shaped roof, comprises two main buildings set at right angles to one another, three of the four floors of which are on the garden and the entrance driveway levels.
The white limestone building is characteristic of the local architecture. The hipped roofs with their low-pitched Roman tiled roofs, under which it is possible to see the overhanging Roman-tiled cornice, give the property an almost southern appearance. The inside is extremely luminous due to the numerous windows in the facades. Features include mullioned and checkrail windows, roof dormers, loopholes, arrow-loops and archways.
The buildings have been rigorously renovated to include home comforts with the assistance of a well-known architect. Approx. 3,767 sq ft of living space is divided into spacious rooms with a refined style, tastefully uniting the old with the new, highlighting the quality of the materials used and certain respectfully preserved, period features such as Auberoche flagstones, terracotta floor tiles, chestnut wood flooring with oak wood inserts, white lime walls, exposed woodwork and beams, period wooden, nail-studded doors, indoor shutters, recesses, stone sinks, a cantou fireplace, a metal structure spiral stairway with wooden treads, and more.
The main rooms include a dining / living room that opens on to a gallery leading to a large terrace, a fitted kitchen and a library both open on to the garden, a ladies sitting room and five spacious bedrooms with as many bathrooms, four of which are adjoining. One of the bedrooms currently set out as a study, has its own terrace, whilst another has its own dressing room.
On a lower level, three cellars and a wonderful orangerie encircled by arches complete the property.
On the outside, dense vegetation surrounds the residence creating a genuine protective setting. Three quarters of an acre of terraced land, accessed by narrow, limestone-covered paths and two stone stairways, is largely given over to boxwood, most of which is very old.
The water-free gardens comprising varied flower beds, and ornamental stones enhance the surroundings, whereas the vegetable garden seems to want to bear witness to the quality of the land in the area and its natural benefits.
Our opinion
In the heart of countryside highly representative of the south Quercy region, and a peaceful, still authentic hamlet that is anxious to stay that way. The residence is, without doubt, symbolic of this with its impressive appearance, wonderful architectural features and dominant position, making it possible to take full advantage of the surrounding countryside.
Inside, the carefully restored, spacious rooms lend themselves to numerous layout possibilities and will satisfy those looking for properties bearing witness to the past with modern-day comforts.
Price
1 260 000 €
Our fees are included in the stated sale price. Reference
1963IL
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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