Location
The third largest town in the Orne is situated 188 km from Paris via the N12 and 15 minutes from Falaise. The property stands in a lively street in the Saint-Germain district, close to the listed church of the same name and a stone's throw from the Château des Ducs (Dukes' Castle), which was once the residence of Eleanor of Aquitaine. All the shops and public services are within walking distance, as is the SNCF railway station, which links to the capital in 1 hour 45 minutes. Crossed by the River Orne and land of horses with many stud farms, this tourist region is home to some of the most emblematic sites of Norman heritage.
Description
The mansion
This mansion owes its name to Charles Alexandre du Bois de Belhôtel, who bought it in 1760. The large wooden porch is surrounded by limestone blocks and supported by two buttresses on the courtyard side. A staircase in one of the wings, set at right angles to the building, leads to the flats. The lime-rendered coursed rubble masonry walls feature corner quoins. A carved cornice enhances the upper part of the building just below the slate roof. Two arched dormers with columns and raised pediments protrude from the roof. A chimera not unlike a gargoyle juts out from one of the dormer windows. The frames of the windows on the courtyard side form an irregular in-and-out bond. The street facade has large small-paned windows.
The flats
The ground floor flat faces the tree-lined courtyard and the blue house. It is lit by a large picture window overlooking the street. Located on the first and second floors, they two other dwellings are accessed from the two courtyards by winding stairs with wide flagstone steps. The inner wall is of sandstone masonry. A small shed has been fitted under the staircase. The 79 m² flats have the same layout, they comprise two bedrooms on the courtyard side, a bathroom or shower room, a kitchen and a living room with a fireplace on the street side. The exposed beams enhance the high ceilings. A door in the corridor on the second floor conceals open stairs leading to the attic lit by shed dormers. A small room on the landing adjoins this flat.
The blue house
A comprehensive renovation will need to be carried out to restore its original character. The ground floor of the house comprises a living room with a fireplace, a kitchen and a toilet. A bedroom and a shower room are located on the first floor Built of stone and sheltered from view, it has a gable roof with terracotta tiles. A quaint and cosy gravel courtyard with trees separates the blue house from the right wing.
Our opinion
In the historic centre of the town, a secret and elegant address, a property with promising prospects. This 17th century mansion has withstood the passing of time, without losing any of its charm. Between the street and the courtyard, the flats on the upper floors are spacious and bright. Contemporary fixtures providing modern comfort would fit perfectly. Warm and cosy, ideal for a family or a professional activity, the "blue house" will need to be completely renovated to regain its former glory. All the museums, theatres and other cultural venues are within easy reach on foot or by bike.
Reference 898446
Land registry surface area | 254 m2 |
Main building surface area | 250 m2 |
Number of bedrooms | 4 |
Number of lots | 1 |
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.