surrounded by 70 hectares of woods and grounds, in the Béarn region
Location
Not far from the Spanish border and the historical region of Béarn, the property is located in a town surrounded by the Pyrenees’ foothills. At an altitude of approximately 320 metres, the estate, featuring some 70 hectares planted with centenary oaks, is easily accessible from Pau, the latter of which boasts a train station, an airport as well as close proximity to the motorway.
Description
As for the different edifices, scattered all over the estate, the latter of which was once a hydrotherapy resort, they specifically include three hotels, a large building reserved for thermal treatments, two chalets, a water-mill, a casino, a consecrated chapel as well as a commandery.
The First Hotel
Dating from the 19th century, this building, whose general condition will require significant renovations, features four storeys, including one under the eaves, while the ground floor contains a reception area, three offices, a sitting room as well as a bar. With primarily carpeted floors and walls upholstered in wallpaper, the first and second floors each contain five bedrooms.
The Second Hotel
This L-shaped, two-storey building, whose overall dilapidated condition will need large-scale renovations, was also constructed in the 19th century, while its ground floor features two dining rooms, a lavatory, professional kitchens, supply cupboards, as well as boiler rooms. On the first floor, a corridor provides access to 12 bedrooms, each with their own shower room, whereas the second floor features 6 more bedrooms.
The Residential Hotel
Constructed in the 19th century, this building underwent a complete renovation in 1971 and, out of all the edifices, its accommodations require the least amount of renovations.
With three storeys, including one under the eaves, it is topped with a slate roof, which is, in turn, supported by a wooden framework, while its windows are safeguarded by wooden shutters. With 28 flats, which were all originally furnished, this building’s ground floor, accessible from its western side, features an entrance hall with a wooden staircase and a lift, a living/dining room as well as four studio flats.
As for the first and second floors, they each contain eight flats, while the common areas feature tile floors and the bedrooms are primarily carpeted.
The Commandery
Forming a complex made up of a central structure flanked by two wings and several annexes, in all likelihood dating from the 17th century, today these buildings have completely fallen into disuse and will require heavy-duty renovations.
As for the edifices, they feature a ground floor, a partial upstairs level and stone walls, while their wooden frameworks and tile roofs have considerably deteriorated.
The "Marguerite" Chalet
Constructed in 1994, it includes seven furnished flats spread out over two floors. As for the garden level, it includes a studio flat with a small private garden, a utility room, as well as a boiler room, while, on the ground floor, a narrow corridor provides access to a studio flat as well as a two-room flat. With the same layout for both the first and second storeys, the chalet, featuring terracotta tile floors, is topped with wooden rafters and a slate roof, whereas its structural works, common areas and accommodations, in good overall condition, have been well maintained.
The Waterfall Mill
Built on the banks of a stream, it was restored in 1967. Three studio flats are located on the ground floor, two others can be found underneath the eaves, while a wooden framework supports its slate roof.
The Hot Springs Hotel
Made up of two adjacent buildings, the first was used as staff accommodations, while the second, with two floors and, today, completely fallen into disuse, will require a complete renovation.
The Casino
This building, constructed in the 19th century, has, today, fallen into disrepair, but once stood out thanks to its curvilinear façade and immense patio facing the river. Initially built with two storeys, its current dilapidated structural condition will require extensive renovations.
The Thermal Baths
Constructed in the 18th century, before being renovated in 1969 and enlarged in 1986, this edifice was fully dedicated to thermal activities, medicalized treatments and thermal therapies.
The Chapel
Consecrated and dating from 1902, this religious building is a product of rural Béarn architecture and illustrates the ancient links between religion, hospitality and thermal treatments in the Pyrenees.
The Workshop and Laundry
These two buildings, once used for bottling, were converted into a workshop and a laundry as part of the property’s former thermal activity.
Our opinion
From a landscape perspective, the property enjoys a remarkable setting, alternating between verdant hills, panoramic vistas of the Pyrenees and rich biodiversity, while its natural springs and former thermal facilities lend this site a truly unique identity.
As for its natural and historical heritage, it represents a solid foundation on which to develop exciting activities related to wellness and ecotourism once the existing buildings have been renovated, whereas, economically speaking, the property also provides significant development opportunities, thanks to its many edifices, which when combined with innovative projects, would make it possible to create a sustainable and eco-friendly activity here on this stunning property at the foot of the Pyrenees.
Reference 645387
| Land registry surface area | 70 ha |
| Number of bedrooms | +20 |
| including refurbished area | 6000 m² |
| Elevator | 2 |
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.