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Location
In the centre of the historic town of Albi (44 miles from Toulouse on the A68 motorway), just a stone’s throw from the Cathedral and the Episcopal Palace, this mansion house dominates the river and has an unobstructed view over an outstanding urban setting.
This city with its antique origins essentially grew up through the trading of woad as of the 15th century. This sumptuous period has resulted in an extraordinary architectural richness.
Description
Built of the pink brick that governs construction in this area, the dwelling is a superb example of the visionary 18th century. Undergoing major change, the refined and spiritual society of this time expressed its art of living in a completely new and original manner. Therefore the styles used, free of the pomp used by the court of Louis XIV, bring their creations of an inventive and attractive movement to life.
Opening on to a large courtyard of honour (3,229 sq ft), facing the river, the wide L-shaped facade with its regularly laid out, large and numerous openings, is governed by the position of the main entrance.
Topped by a high volute overlooking the bays of the first floor and thus bringing the layout together around large double glazed doors by means of an engaged arch. Glazed doors were often used in the 18th century (Trianon, or closer, Merville, etc.), their role being two-fold. Firstly, to lighten the facade to a style which was more gracious than imposing and which encouraged an opening towards the outside world as opposed to protectionist isolation.
And more importantly, to let as much light as possible into the first main reception room, that of the entrance hall leading to the marble stairway.
With four newel posts leaving a large central well, governed by a wonderful French ceiling, it was at this time one of the major features in the dwelling. Not only a sign of wealth and prosperity, it also led up to the first floor reception rooms, creating a set of adjoining rooms with the large lounge, the landing and the dining room.
The large lounge and the dining room both feature outstanding fireplaces.
The first, in white marble, demonstrates a finely wrought rocaille-style decoration, full of different foliated scrolls, sometimes forming volutes, and ending in a shell. The basis of this decoration is to create order out of the abundance and wealth, thus banishing symmetry and encouraging natural curves.
The second is in the Louis XIV style installed in the Italian style (body jutting out). It is topped by a medallion trumeau resting on a narrow entablature which in turn governs a fireplace with a simple mantelpiece adorned with solid decorations of water lily leaves and a double shell.
The mansion house, with its total surface area of 8,934 sq ft, has also recently undergone restoration works to provide it with the most up-to-date of home comforts. And the old stables and storage areas have been redesigned to make a completely independent unit.
Our opinion
It is rare to find such elegance and nobility in a dwelling in a small, quiet provincial town, no matter how rich it is. Built in great numbers during the 18th century, mansion houses are few and far between in the provinces and rarely demonstrate such opulence. To the charm of its historic features and the serenity that they imply, this dwelling adds an extremely comfortable way of living. The conversion of the old stables and storage areas into an independent flat using a combination of old and modern features also means that any number of uses can be safely envisaged.
Exclusive sale
Price
Contact us
Our fees are included in the stated sale price. Reference
2120WK
Regional representative
Wilfried Kathemann
Telephone
06 11 13 73 05
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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