A listed medieval castle awaiting comprehensive renovation
in the Drôme department, 2 hrs 30 mins from Paris
in the Drôme department, 2 hrs 30 mins from Paris
Chabrillan,
DROME
rhones-alps
26400
FR
Location
In south-eastern France, between the Vercors massif and sunny Provence, the ruins of a feudal edifice stand on a rocky outcrop in a rural village of Gallo-Roman origin, which grew from the 11th century onwards at the foot of its castle. Although the village suffered damage during the Wars of Religion and the French Revolution, it has preserved many of its medieval elements, such as the 14th-century ramparts and the listed 11th and 12th-century Romanesque church, as well as well-restored cobbled streets and narrow alleyways. Thanks to its prominent position, the site boasts a breathtaking view over the Vivarais and the Vercors as far as the Saoû mountain range.
It is close to major rail links, with the nearest TGV station only 30 minutes away.
Description
Situated at the top of a small hill, this building featuring impressive volumes and a considerable height overlooks the old village. All that remains of the original motte-and-bailey castle is a stone keep, built in the 13th century on the north side, and two towers marking the boundary of the castle grounds. The scene of many rivalries, it was successively damaged by various wars and during the French Revolution, when it was used as a stone quarry. Burnt down and then destroyed, it was nevertheless inhabited until the mid-17th century. The lower rooms, which are currently inaccessible, also need to be restored.
This monumental structure, a clever combination of defensive round and square towers, was built of dressed stone from the 10th century onwards and lies now in ruins.
Various stages of construction, repair and extension can be traced in the disparate composition of its walls, some of which have now collapsed.
The castle, which stands on a plot of land of around 2,000 m², is accessed via a forecourt. Close to the village, there are also two spinneys covering roughly 2 hectares.
This monumental structure, a clever combination of defensive round and square towers, was built of dressed stone from the 10th century onwards and lies now in ruins.
Various stages of construction, repair and extension can be traced in the disparate composition of its walls, some of which have now collapsed.
The castle, which stands on a plot of land of around 2,000 m², is accessed via a forecourt. Close to the village, there are also two spinneys covering roughly 2 hectares.
Our opinion
The remains of a castle captivate the imagination, providing a fascinating perspective of history and the passage of time. With its age-old stones, the foundations of this impressive building are extremely promising. The village, which has remained unspoilt and authentic, adds to the character and the potential of this monument, which was damaged by the turbulent centuries it experienced, just 2 hours 30 minutes from the capital. Several restoration and consolidation campaigns have already been carried out to preserve the original structure. Lovers of old stone will undoubtedly know how to come up with the ideal master plan for a historic site boasting a noble architecture commanding a pleasantly varied landscape, between the foothills of the Alps and the Provence valley.
190 000 €
Fees at the Vendor’s expense
Reference 226305
| Land registry surface area | 2175 m2 |
| Main building surface area | 300.00 m2 |
Share
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.
