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18th century residence on the first foothills of the Cevennes Mountains
Location
In the French department of Gard, less than 50 km (31 miles) from Nîmes, at the foot of the Cevennes Mountains, near to Anduze, junction of the deep Cevennes Valleys, in this heavily protestant region which was then severely suppressed as is proved by the stone corset of the Vauban Fort in Alès and the Constance Tower in Aigues-Mortes.
Description
After having passed by two meadows that could be used as paddocks on the left (a small section of the property is in the constructible zone), on the right is a large copse of bamboo surrounding a retention pond and an enormous plane tree, the driveway leads to gates bearing coats-of-arms topped by a marquis’ crown.
The property, centre of a former vineyard, is still surrounded by 20 ha (49.4 acres), with hills, trees and a variety of vegetation; a hill covered in tall pine trees, torrential streams after the rains, retention ponds, a bamboo grove, grasslands, a large evergreen oak forest, and views over the surrounding countryside.
Nearer to the house, the grounds are terraced with somewhat neglected gardens and rose gardens where the babbling of fountains with their water lilies provides the hot summer months with the pleasant impression of coolness.
Built on the hillside in the 18th century on a large terrace supported by high walls, the building, more a bastide than a chateau, appears to be on its defensive like a bastion advancing through the landscape.
Due to the varying ground levels, the top floor of the wide end of this T-shaped building, overlooking the hill, is on a level with the ground. The long bar of this “T” is the main dwelling; and the short bar has the former outbuildings, currently undergoing renovation works that are well advanced.
Raised and preceded by several steps, the facade of the house is bordered by a terrace with terracotta balusters under the enigmatic eye of mascarons that adorn the window keystones.
The heavy entrance door opens into a vestibule containing the stairway, the Louis XVI wrought iron hand rail of which stands out against the white walls.
To the left of the entrance, the first 34 m² (366 sq ft) lounge communicates with its 33 m² (355 sq ft) twin situated on the south facade; next to this on the same facade are the dining room, then a living room and a small kitchen accessed via several steps. The two lounges on opposite sides are in the corners of the building and are therefore illuminated by windows on each facade. Lastly, on the left of the entrance and communicating with the living room is a small vaulted lounge with plain whitened walls, thus providing a Spanish touch.
Upstairs are 6 bedrooms including one of 46 m² (495 sq ft) with a wooden ceiling, painted with foliated scrolls along the beams and Versailles parquet flooring. There is also a bathroom, a toilet and a 36 m² (387 sq ft) room in use as a library which, because of the varying ground levels, is on a level with a garden terrace.
Throughout the residence, there are the original or added waxed wood wainscoting, marble, wood or stone fireplaces and old doors. The outside window frames are new and the windows double-glazed. The central heating is gas-fired. However, some of the ground floor rooms do not have heating because of their marquetry furniture.
Behind the former library is the part of the house undergoing renovation. It comprises two flats on two levels spanning a total of 360 m² (3,875 sq ft) with stone double mullioned windows and a robust oak wood roofing framework.
The entire building has a superb roof peppered with green, varnished tiles.
The outbuildings
Near to the entrance gates is a shelter for cars (a former vaulted wine storehouse), covered by a terrace, and 2 loose boxes. Opposite are a sheepfold and a vast barn and, as in certain romantic landscapes, the ruins of a traditional Mas house on a ridge.
Our opinion
Completely unoverlooked without being isolated, this leisure property backing on to the Cevennes Mountains together with the presence of water, combines landscapes and viewpoints, idleness and contemplation. This could be the home of a writer, or a garden enthusiast, or a lover of walking or horse riding, or, as in the past, a family summer home.
Although the house can be lived in straightaway, its interiors are in need of some attention in places, and the effect of the somewhat Baroque decoration, added by the former owners, in certain rooms needs toning down.
1 465 000 €
Our fees are included in the stated sale price.
Reference 3307RS
| Land registry surface area | 20 ha (49.4 acres) |
| Main building surface area | 410 m² (4,951 sq ft) |
| Outbuilding surface area | 200 m² (2415 sq ft) |
Regional representative
Régis Senseby +33 (0)6 80 59 47 42
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.
