11th - 15th century farm set on an 86 acre estate
Location
94 miles from Toulouse, 44 miles from Albi, and 22 miles from Millau.
Just a few minutes from a small town with all amenities and close to the A75.
On the edge of the Grands Causses National Park, the estate is in the heart of an unspoilt setting and lush, undulating countryside.
Description
This continuous estate extends over more than 86 acres, approx. 49 acres of which are useful farmland and 20 acres are woods. A fish-filled stream runs through the estate which is, notably, used for irrigating an orchard containing thirty five fruit trees.
The architecture is typical of that in the rural parts of the French department of Aveyron. The buildings are all set around a vast courtyard, closed by large entrance gates.
This architectural unit, bearing the date of 1056, was founded in the 11th century and would appear to have been originally assigned a religious function. It was, however, redesigned in the 15th and 16th centuries. We are faced, here, with a most surprising building which features aspects that are generally marks of the functionality of rich farms in the region but which also has various ornamental traces of the Renaissance-style throughout its era. In addition, the wide facade of the main building contains single and cross-bar mullioned windows, the decorative richness of which indicates the good taste and the prosperity of the owners at this time.
The architectural reading of the site is, however, far from exhausted and the red sandstone construction briefly reveals numerous traces and changes in construction which are still to be deciphered.
The recent restoration of the main building (approx. 4,844 sq ft) has preserved a large number of interior features. In addition to the floors made of large flagstones or wide floorboards, certain stairways, stone sinks and some of the woodwork have maintained or been returned to their place.
The huge kitchen is the key area in the dwelling. It contains a monumental fireplace within which is the “four potager” which was used for keeping soups and other previously prepared dishes at the correct temperature. The internal layout bears traces of the architectural changes to the residence, resulting in corridors and split-level floors, and alternating large and small areas.
The courtyard, in the centre of which grows an olive tree over a hundred years old, leads to approx. 9,687 sq ft of miscellaneous outbuildings which have, even today, retained their main uses and, therefore, their authenticity.
The barn is representative of the region’s pastoral architecture. Supported by large buttresses, it is divided into a sheepfold section containing large 16th century pillars, and a barn section which is vaulted throughout.
Our opinion
A haven of peace in the heart of a varied and outstanding landscape. This unit is more than just a farm as it bears rare witness to rural architecture during the Renaissance period. Combining the modesty of the buildings with the richness of the decorations, this building with traces of each era of its history is not lacking in authenticity. Restoration works, partly carried out, will enable the new owners to take their turn in devoting themselves to the development of the property, whilst envisaging their choice in home or use.
Price: 875 000 €
Our fees are included in the stated sale price.
Reference 2021WK
| Land registry surface area | 35ha / 86.485 acres |
| Main building surface area | 450 m² / 4,842 sqft |
| Outbuilding surface area | 960 m² / 10,330 sqft |
Regional representative
Wilfried Kathemann +33 (0)6 11 13 73 05
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.
