A 113m² apartment in the old farmhouse of a medieval chateau listed as a
historical monument with over two hectares of grounds between Lyon and Geneva
historical monument with over two hectares of grounds between Lyon and Geneva
Bourg-en-Bresse,
AIN
rhones-alps
01000
FR
Location
The apartment lies in eastern France, near the hills of the beautiful Jura area and the spectacular mountains of the Alps. It is located inside a medieval chateau in a village in France’s Ain department, between the Bugey vineyards and the countless lakes of the Dombes area. The River Ain flows through this village, where lush mountains meet lake-dotted plateaux. The village is known for fishing and its large medieval stone bridge. It offers shops and amenities. There is a train station two minutes away. From there, you can get to Lyon in 20 minutes and Geneva in 1 hour and 30 minutes by rail. From the city of Lyon, the former capital of Roman Gaul, high-speed trains take you to Paris or Marseille in two hours. Since the Middle Ages, different roads have crossed in this village. It is well connected to transport networks, offering quick access to the A40 and A42 motorways, which take you to northern and southern Europe respectively.
Description
The chateau looks down at the village and river from an estate supported with thick stone buttresses. The edifice, built at the southern end of France’s beautiful Revermont natural area, towers like a sentry. Once you have gone through the entrance gate to the grounds, a vast car park stretches in front of you. And on the right, there is a tree-lined driveway. This drive leads to old outbuildings that stand around a court: there is a farmhouse, a barn, and a former building for nuns that has been turned into accommodation – the latter’s architecture is a token of the place’s authenticity. South of their rendered elevations and barrel roof tiles, the chateau and its grounds come into view. There are vast lawns and shady footpaths. The chateau faces east and stands out for its large size with four floors. A gravelled space redeveloped in the 16th century lies in front of it. The edifice’s impressive rendered elevations are punctuated with many tall windows that herald a bright interior. A hipped roof of flat local tiles crowns the building. A huge square tower adjoins one end. At the end of the 15th century, this tower housed the tomb of Philibert II the Handsome, Duke of Savoy, and the chapel of Margaret of Austria, his wife, daughter of Emperor Maximilian I. The staircase here now bears Margaret’s name. The tower, made of exposed dressed stone, has Renaissance-style architecture. The positions of its stone-mullioned cross windows, capped with arched or triangular pediments bearing coats of arms, follow the course of the stone staircase that the tower houses. The site, the chateau and the outbuildings have been listed as historical monuments since 2004. The apartment lies in an old farmhouse that was built at the same time as the chateau, opposite the communal court, and was later turned into accommodation in 2004. It is a long single-storey building with rendered elevations that are punctuated with many windows and doors. A vast outdoor space for children to play in and the splendid grounds, which cover over two hectares around the chateau, form a precious asset for this property and herald convivial moments with friends and family. The communal reading room in the chateau and a barbecue space make the whole estate feel like a friendly hamlet.
The apartment
The apartment lies in an old farmhouse. Two sides of the dwelling adjoin other sections. You enter the apartment from the vast court. An outdoor space dotted with flowers lies in front of the entrance door, which leads straight into a spacious lounge with a floor of terracotta tiles. This room’s exposed beams and ceiling height up to the roof ridge underline the building’s historical character. On one side, a staircase with a wrought-iron balustrade leads up to a mezzanine that has been turned into a reading area. At a lower level, there is a modern fitted kitchen, which also has a floor of terracotta tiles. The first bedroom has a floor of terracotta tiles too. It lies beside the lounge, which is bathed in natural light from its glazed doors that lead out onto the terrace and court. You reach the second bedroom via a corridor with wood strip flooring that connects to a shower room and a separate lavatory. This second bedroom is three steps up. It has a storage space, wood strip flooring and a balcony that offers a panoramic view taking in the village belltower, the river and wooded hills. Lastly, a third bedroom can be reached beyond a stone door surround. This bedroom is adorned with an old, imposing fireplace of dressed stone and a floor of terracotta tiles. It offers the same sweeping view of the natural surroundings as the second bedroom.
The communal areas
The chapel was renovated in the 19th century. It is paved with terracotta tiles and large white stone slabs. Its stained-glass windows fill its interior with countless colours. Its walls are adorned with red diamond shapes with flowers. At the top of the tower, there is a shared terrace where you can admire a sweeping view of the surroundings. A vast car park free of charge covers over 1,000m² on the site. The site’s entrance gate is fitted with an entry code system and an intercom for security. There is also a cellar and a bicycle shelter available for the inhabitants. And there is a communal reading space on the chateau's first floor.
The grounds
The grounds cover over two hectares. They are dotted with many age-old trees and fruit trees that include apple trees, pear trees, cherry trees and walnut trees, as well as pines and cypresses. Different flowers add colour to these grounds. Two ponds that are around seven metres in diameter are home to a variety of carps and goldfish. Barbecues can be enjoyed in a garden space.
A little local history
In 1476, Louise of Savoy was born in this village. Four years later, so was her brother, Philibert II the Handsome. Louise of Savoy was the mother of King Francis I of France, who spent time in the chateau in 1546. Philibert II the Handsome was the husband of Margaret of Austria, daughter of Emperor Maximilian I. When her husband died prematurely and accidentally, Margaret decided to build the Royal Monastery of Brou, a masterpiece of Flamboyant Gothic architecture, a few kilometres away. The private chapel of the counts of Savoy was located inside the chateau. The section housing the grand staircase – the ‘Tour Marguerite’ (‘Margaret Tower’) – was listed as a historical monument on 22 February 1927.
Practical information
A specific French tax system applies to this property as a protected historical monument. Certain expenses on the protected parts (including renovation work, loan interest, property tax and insurance) are tax deductible, within up to 50% of taxable income. These expenses are deductible from property income.
Our opinion
This charming apartment seems to float above the beautiful landscape of France’s Jura area, nestled in the old farmhouse of a chateau from the 15th and 16th centuries that subtly blends Renaissance decor with medieval architecture. Its noble materials, including dressed stone and terracotta, and the sheen of its timber beams underline the authentic character of this delightful dwelling. The spaces could be redesigned and extended. A sense of calm reigns both inside this comfortable, inviting home and throughout the grounds, where a unique atmosphere makes this enchanting age-old estate stand out. This place is a true haven, far from bustle. Everything about it has long been conducive to tranquillity, including its chapel. Indeed, time stands still here.
Reference 639326
| Land registry surface area | 2 ha 3 a 72 ca |
| Number of rooms | 4 |
| Ceiling height | 4.65 |
| Reception area | 35.4 m2 |
| Number of bedrooms | 3 |
| Possible number of bedrooms | 3 |
| Surface Parking 1 | 1000 m2 |
| Cellar | |
| Surface Terrace | 100 m2 |
| ? | |
| Balcony |
| Number of lots | 29 |
| Annual average amount of the proportionate share of expenses | 1804 € |
Aucune procédure en cours menée sur le fondement des articles 29-1 A et 29-1 de la loi n°65-557 du 10 juillet 1965 et de l’article L.615-6 du CCH
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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.
