Early 20th century manor with parklands and lake approx. 90 minutes from Paris in Picardy
Location
In a land of picturesque, wooded hills, interspersed with narrow valleys where charming stone villages have grown up in the shelter of the hillsides.
Churches, washhouses, vine grower’s homes and other buildings still bear witness to a distant past.
Land deeply marked by history, the area around Laon is a land of diversification, endowed with a particularly rich natural, historic and architectural heritage.
Situated just a few minutes to the south of the historic capital of the French department of Aisne, near to the N2, approx. 90 minutes from Paris, 80 minutes from Roissy-CDG, and less than 40 minutes from Reims.
A little way out of the village, the property consists of a tranquil residence, at the entrance to vast parklands.
The site is peaceful, the setting rural.
Description
Set back and sheltered from a small shady square, the entrance gates, flanked by two solid stone pillars, open on to a driveway bordered by tall trees, which then widens to reveal an original building dating from the beginning of the 20th century.
Built on the foundations of a former castle from the Louis XIV era, dating most probably from 1700, it was predominantly destroyed in 1914, although several vestiges remain. The residence of this former Seigneury was occupied by the viscount from the neighbouring fiefdom who was succeeded by the families of local merchants and leading members of the community.
This elegant local stone manor house with its tiled roof, stands with one side facing the entrance gates, at the end of the entrance driveway, and with the other facing its parklands, slightly dominating a vast stretch of lawn with trees on either side, which gently slopes down to a vast lake, in front of a large wood. Its architecture brings to mind certain middle-class residences, or large, luxurious homes, bearing witness to a distinct style, with a certain symmetry to the facade, the only difference being a building that is lower and more spread out.
To the right of the property’s entrance, a source feeds a small waterfall, and an ornamental pool surrounded by rocks and greenery, sheltered by trees.
Behind, in the ground, is the entrance to a cellar, and perhaps even a mysterious underground passageway.
And opposite, on the other side, a small stream, after having passed under the driveway, peacefully flows at its own pace towards the lake, in the middle of a countryside shaded by a variety of species, and following the boundaries of the property goes around the house.
In the middle of a small clearing, stands a small stone pavilion with a hip roof in use as storage space, a garage, a workshop and a garden shed.
Further away, where the narrow stream, winding through the trees, joins the lake, a small iron and wood walkway makes it possible to reach the other side of the stream, to go around it and to reach the wood at the end of the property.
At the end of the lake, a small dyke and control valve regulate the level of the water, and the flow of the stream which disappears into the wood.
Opposite, a wooded island, on the edge of the stretch of water, is accessed by means of a narrow and rudimentary wooden bridge.
On the side, stretches a large orchard, and beyond the lawn bordered with several broadleaved trees, the manor house can be seen from a different angle.
A veranda, a greenhouse and a garage complete the outbuildings.
Our opinion
A character building, with sober architecture it is true, but one whose originality lies in its interior design which makes it a warm, comfortable residence, ideally sized for a family as well as being quite cosy and very pleasant to live in.
An unspoilt setting that adds a great deal to the property, making it one that leaves no-one indifferent or insensitive, quite the opposite, as it exudes a feeling of well-being, and a notion of quality of life that is currently much sought after.
Numerous features of the parklands give this place not only a great beauty but also a wonderful simplicity.
Certainly one of the most beautiful and most pastoral properties in the region.
A large family home in an exceptional setting, very near to a historic town.
Not forgetting hunting, fishing and wide-open space enthusiasts.
Price : Contact us
Our fees are included in the stated sale price.
Reference 3137BVM
| Land registry surface area | 10 ha (24 acres) |
| Main building surface area | 410 m² (4,409 sq ft) |
| Outbuilding surface area | 45m² (484 sq ft) |
Regional representative
Bruno Van Montagu +33 (0)6 43 61 86 27
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.
