A former 16th-century presbytery, with outbuildings and nearly two
hectares of meadows, on the outskirts of the Ecouves Forest, in Normandy
hectares of meadows, on the outskirts of the Ecouves Forest, in Normandy
Argentan,
ORNE
lower-normandy
61200
FR
Location
In the southern part of the Normandy region and the Orne department, the property is surrounded by the Ecouves public woodland, the largest forest in the area, while, only two kilometres away, the Chateau of Carrouges, a former stronghold whose origins date back to the 14th century, is a testament to this region’s historic riches.
In addition, the nearby “Ornamental Farm” botanical garden is one of the most breath-taking of its kind in France, whereas the wooded countryside around Carrouges alternates between forests, meadows and pastures, in a region where horses play an important role in everyday life.
As for the Argentan train station, 20 minutes away, it provides rail service to Paris in one hour and 45 minutes, while essential shops for daily life are accessible in just three minutes and the business district of La Défense is only two hours and 40 minutes away via automobile.
Description
The presbytery is accessible via a long drive lined with hawthorns, while, on either side, pastures surrounded by split-rail fences extend all the way to the property’s borders. To the south, the three-storey, 16th-century presbytery, placed perpendicular to its outbuildings, features an extension, which contains a kitchen as well as a former bread oven that still exists today, whereas its slate hipped roof is punctuated by a number of skylights.
As for the granite edifice, it features a symmetrical façade, cadenced by many windows that highlight its verticality, as well as protruding stone corbels above the ground floor, while a flight of steps provides access to the immense front door, which is flanked by carved ashlar stone columns and topped with a glazed lintel safeguarded by finely crafted ironwork. In addition, a large swath of lawn extends in front of the dwelling all the way to a low wall, whereas a cast-iron hand pump, located next to a staircase that leads to the raised vegetable garden, stands atop a stone pedestal.
Lastly, the physic garden communicates with the back of the dwelling via a stone archway extended by a low wall, while apple and cherry trees from the adjacent orchard provide abundant fruit come spring and fall.
As for the granite edifice, it features a symmetrical façade, cadenced by many windows that highlight its verticality, as well as protruding stone corbels above the ground floor, while a flight of steps provides access to the immense front door, which is flanked by carved ashlar stone columns and topped with a glazed lintel safeguarded by finely crafted ironwork. In addition, a large swath of lawn extends in front of the dwelling all the way to a low wall, whereas a cast-iron hand pump, located next to a staircase that leads to the raised vegetable garden, stands atop a stone pedestal.
Lastly, the physic garden communicates with the back of the dwelling via a stone archway extended by a low wall, while apple and cherry trees from the adjacent orchard provide abundant fruit come spring and fall.
The Presbytery
The ground floor
The double-door entrance opens on to a spiral staircase that ascends to the two upper levels. With a flagstone floor, the entryway provides access, on one side, to a living room and an adjacent lavatory, whose hexagonal floor tiles are cadenced by black or terracotta cabochons, whereas visible ceiling beams and dual-aspect light can be found throughout this level. As for the kitchen and utility room, they are located in the extension, while the bread oven is accessible via a door set within a granite fireplace.
The first floor
A sunny landing provides access to two bedrooms with granite fireplaces and lavatories, accessible via doorways surrounded by a geometrical design of carved granite blocks, while the entire floor has been restored with original terracotta floor tiles and visible ceiling beams.
The attic
The landing communicates with a bedroom, a bathroom with a whirlpool bathtub and a space waiting to be converted. With white earthenware floor tiles throughout, a library has been created under the eaves, whereas a wardrobe has been integrated into the bedroom’s back wall.
The Barn/Workshop and its Cellar
Built out of pointed rubble stone and topped with a slate gable roof, its wooden framework is visible, while the edifice, directly opposite the dwelling, is located in front of a wide courtyard with enough room to accommodate several vehicles. As for the building, it could be used for a number of different purposes, such as accommodations or horse-related installations, whereas a half-moon brick window provides light for a cellar and the workshop, accessible via a wooden door.
The Meadows and Stables
Extending over nearly two hectares, this part of the property, located on either side of the lane leading to the dwelling, faces the Ecouves Forest, while the stables, large enough to accommodate two horses, provide direct access to the pastures via a wide wooden door.
Our opinion
This former presbytery, whose proportions, materials and layout have retained a large amount of their inherent charm, has been meticulously restored and combines the simplicity of granite with many original details as well as unobstructed views of the surrounding pastures.
As for its sizeable outbuildings, they provide a wide range of possibilities in terms of usage, while the pastures and stables naturally extend this property’s rural vocation to the forest’s edge. Within immediate proximity to the Ecouves Forest and the Chateau of Carrouges, this property associates architectural heritage with space and a stunning living environment, in one of the Orne’s most charming areas.
370 000 €
Fees at the Vendor’s expense
Reference 134779
| Land registry surface area | 2 ha 38 a 15 ca |
| Main building floor area | 183 m² |
| Number of bedrooms | 4 |
| Outbuildings floor area | 200 m² |
French Energy Performance Diagnosis
Information on the risks to which this property is exposed is available on the website: www.georisques.gouv.fr
Share
- Argentan -
- Lower Normandy -
- Normandy -
- Orne
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.
