Location
In the historic town of Nérac, capital of the Albret region, just a stone’s throw from the town of Agen with its airport (three daily return flights to Paris-Orly) and its future TGV train station (project confirmed for 2021), placing this town almost on the outskirts of the French capital, even if it is only for a week-end.
Former home to the Kings of Navarre, this town, although modernised, still has its original character and its features bearing witness to its past. Standing on both banks of the river Baïse, linked by the old bridge, the town comprises proud silhouettes of chateaux, mansion and half-timbered houses with their superb posterns, carriage gates and fountains. The lush undulating countryside forming its setting is dotted with attractive farms where the duck reigns: this is the land of foie-gras.
Description
A little background
In the 16th century, protestants as well as Reform sympathizers were banned from the French Court. Marguerite-de-Navarre, a renowned writer, a great politician and the highly influential sister of the powerful King of France, François 1st, chose to welcome them with open arms in her province. The Court of Nérac finished by becoming extremely influential and acquired such weight that it was not wise to remain at a distance. The great historic characters that succeeded one another have left their marks and the town’s cobbled streets still echo with the steps of such well-known personalities as Jeanne-d’Albret, Queen Margot, Henri IV and his minister Sully, Rabelais and Montaigne, who were later to be followed by Georges Sand, Baron Haussmann as well as President Fallières.
The mansion house
As with all old town houses, the various constructions are superposed or overlap one another. This is a particularly good example as the building is in the centre of the old Medieval town. Consequently, the blind wall that borders the alleyway to the rear of the house is none other than that of the old town hall, partially dating from the 14th century, which was abandoned following a fire at the beginning of the 17th century.
Town plans dating from the time of Henri IV show that there were gardens on the site of the house. They include the facade of a house opening on to what was called the “Allée-des-Quatre-Seigneurs” (avenue of the four lords) at the time, but it was set much further back than the current facade.
It is still possible to admire the exterior Medieval-style windows of this old residence set in the wall framework of the central stairway.
The self-contained flat
This house currently comprises a self-contained, 3-roomed flat running the length of the ground floor on the east side and opening on to a small private courtyard at the back.
The children's flat
At the end of the corridor, half-way up the main stairway, is a surprising library illuminated by wide, small-paned windows which provide copious amounts of character and light. Two walls covered with shelves, a very attractive Louis XVI wooden fireplace and astonishing panelled cupboards opening on the sides provide additional refinement to this elegant room overlooking the garden.
The children’s flat, adjoining the library, comprises an L-shaped living room, a shower room with a toilet and a bedroom exuding rustic charm and featuring a half-timbered wall.
The kitchen area planned in the living room has not yet been created but all the plumbing and electric wiring are already in place. This section is, therefore, in need of minor works in order to become functional.
Another access to this flat, via the stables, could make it completely self-contained with a view, for example, to renting it out.
The outbuildings
One half of the stables which opens on to the private alleyway is still in its original condition with its paving slabs and its four old horse loose boxes currently in use as a workshop. A wooden stairway provides access to the floor above the stables, to the children’s flat and to the vast attic in the main house.
Our opinion
The “Hôtel-des-Présidents” is worthy of royalty, the French Absolute Monarch was not mistaken. Its nonchalant elegance irrefutably exudes a haphazard charm. Particularly well located in the middle of the old town along the wide tree-lined avenues, it is astonishingly luminous. The wonderful Royal Garenne Park, classified as a historic site, is just a stone’s throw away as are the banks of the Baïse and its superb boat trips. Everything is close to hand, but the residence remains aloof, at a short distance from the lively sector with its shops and boutiques.
And furthermore, it offers numerous investment options: a flexible holiday home, a superb setting for a first-class hotel and catering activity or quite simply a haven for an entire family, noblesse oblige.
Ventes d'immeubles
À Paris et en Ile-de-France
Prix de vente au-delà de 600 000 euros 5% TTC*
Prix de vente de 400 000 à 600 000 euros 6% TTC*
Prix de vente de 200 000 À 400 000 euros 7% TTC*
Prix de vente jusqu'à 200 000 euros 9% TTC*
Honoraires à la charge du Vendeur
En Province
Prix de vente au-delà de 500 000 euros 6% TTC*
Prix de vente jusqu'à 500 000 euros 30 000 Euros TTC* (forfait)
Honoraires à la charge du Vendeur
Expertise
Avis de valeur argumenté : 1 800 Euros TTC*
Expertise à partir de 2 400 Euros TTC*
Les tarifs des expertises sont communiqués sur devis personnalisé établi sur la base d’un taux horaire moyen de 120 Euros TTC*
*TTC : TVA incluse au taux de 20 %
Reference 998654
Land registry surface area | 867 m2 |
Main building surface area | 420 m2 |
Outbuilding surface area | 80 m2 |
Regional representative
Lot-et-garonne
Armelle Chiberry du Vignau    +33 1 42 84 80 85
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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.