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Medieval dwelling with its 13th century keep and its ramparts in the Poitou region
Location
340 km (213 miles) from Paris, of which 305 (191) are on motorway, 35 km (22 miles) from Châtellerault station and the French TGV train which reaches Paris in 80 minutes. 30 km (19 miles) from Poitiers and its airport with daily flights to London. In the Poitou-Charentes region, in the heart of undulating countryside with meadows and grasslands dotted with thick oak and chestnut woods. A peaceful setting although relatively near to towns, appreciated as much for their architecture as their facilities. There are numerous art and gastronomy festivals in the area during the summer.
Description
Surrounded by a wood featuring oak and boxwood trees, the tall walls of the keep rise above this cloak of greenery. A deep, dry moat protects the perimeter wall to the south and east. The military aspect is highlighted by more than a hundred loopholes. Approx. 1.5 ha (3.7 acres) of land surround the stone perimeter wall, with the biggest section being to the south.
This north-south facing dwelling was built in one go at the beginning of the 16th century. The building, a rectangular structure with its main openings overlooking the courtyard on the north side, spans two floors with a potential for 280 m² (3,014 sq ft) of living space. The ground floor is divided into three large rooms, one of which includes a monumental fireplace with a mantelpiece featuring moulding. The floors are covered with terracotta tiles and some wonderful stone flagstones. A straight stone stairway leads up to the first floor, divided into two rooms, including one of 70 m² (753 sq ft). The second room, more modest in size, can be accessed via an 18th century wooden stairway. There is a round tower in the south-west corner that also spans two floors.
The keep, separated from the dwelling and the chapel is centred along one side of the perimeter wall. Authorised by Louis XI, it was built between 1482 and 1499. It is square in shape with a round stairway tower projecting on the north-east side. This is the only possible entrance. The ground floor has a vaulted room, the first, second and third floors await discovery. The only features visible from the outside are a few mullioned windows in a good state of repair and a fireplace, still well attached to its wall.
The chapel is illuminated via straight, arched openings placed at the four cardinal points. They are framed with ogival arches on the outside, their concave shape adding extra light. The south wall features a semi-circular bell tower.
Our opinion
It is very rare to find buildings that have not been totally destroyed or ill-advisedly transformed over the ages. The moderate surface area of the buildings, the authenticity of the property and its outstanding detailed features are good assets for a superb, coherent renovation project. These stones full of purity and poetry are patiently waiting for the person who will breathe life back into them with the possibility of a full rehabilitation that is not lacking in ambition or the more reasonable option of restricting the works to the restoration of the dwelling and the “crystallisation” of the keep.
180 000 €
Our fees are included in the stated sale price.
Reference 3136HL
| Land registry surface area | 1.5 ha (3.7 acres) |
| Main building surface area | 280 m² (3,014 sq ft) |
Regional representative
Henry Lewis +33 (0)6 98 29 14 57
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.
