Location
To the north-east of the capital, in a countryside combining woodlands and fields, the village extends over a small plateau bordered by the valleys of the Ailette and Ardon rivers. Well-known towns such as Reims and Soissons are located in this region. Laon, with its shops and train station connecting to Paris in 1h30 is about 15 minutes away. The A26 motorway and N2 junctions are nearby. Close to the Chemin des Dames, (the ladies' path) which brings to mind, on a more joyous note, the route taken by Louis XV's daughters on their frequent visits to the chateau of La Bove, the neighbouring village with its local shops is less than 2 km away.
Description
The chateau
Built on the foundations of a mid-19th century chateau, it benefited, like many others, from the 1920 post-war Reconstruction. The architect Paul Müller, who designed many buildings in the region, used modern construction techniques. The chateau is built of reinforced concrete and stone from the nearby Colligis quarry. Two octagonal turrets stand at the corners of the main facade, which abounds in architectural details.
The stone cladding features an irregular pattern with different sizes and hollow joints that create an elaborate geometrical design. The turrets and window frames are of uniform stone. The cornice under the roof is distinctive in its height and in the variation of vertical striations; flutings which can also be found above the semi-circular windows of the turrets. The slate roofs, which protrude above the facade, have three large dormers with broken hips and finials. The turrets feature pepperpot roofs. A flight of steps leads to a terrace that runs along the facade. The entrance door, framed by two columns, is topped by a balcony, where a French door flanked by two tall windows opens into the master bedroom. The wrought iron railings, as well as the grilles protecting the turret windows, are Art Deco-inspired. The rear facade has a slightly protruding central avant-corps which houses the grand staircase. It features high openings with stained glass windows and is topped by a gable roof. An annex abuts one side of the edifice.
The ground floor
The double entrance door is arched and glazed. It opens into a large hallway divided in two by small bevelled glass doors. The floor is laid with large square black and white flagstones surrounded by a warm-coloured geometric frieze. In the second part, the arched ceilings are enhanced by a gadrooned cornice. Opposite the entrance door, the grand three-quarter turn staircase with its wooden railing abuts the wall. It is illuminated by the two-storey high stained glass windows by the master glass artist Louis Barillet. Geometric shapes and deep colours define this work of art. The first hallway leads to the sitting room and the dining room. These two reception rooms share a similar decor. The flooring is straight strip oak parquet. The atmosphere here is very much inspired by the 18th century with the walls covered with high antique-style stucco panelling. A tall opening separates each room from its turret. All the windows are arched, including a very large triple leaf French window that opens onto the terrace. The ceilings are similar in style to those in the entrance hall. The marble fireplace in the living room is richly sculpted with floral motifs, ribbons and acanthus leaves. The wooden fireplace in the dining room, also richly carved, is unusual in that it is taller than it is wide. From these two rooms, two doors open out, one to a small, more simply decorated drawing room, the other to a passageway that leads to the kitchen, scullery and the staircase to the vaulted cellar. On this level, the lavatory is hidden under the stairs.
The first floor
The staircase, lit all the way up by the stained glass windows, leads to the upper floor with its 6 bedrooms. A large landing serves four of them, as well as a corridor. The latter leads to the last two bedrooms: each with its own bathroom, one of which is housed in a turret and has a French window opening onto a small balcony. Of the four bedrooms accessed from the landing, three have their own shower or bathroom. The master bedroom is lit by the triple French window which opens onto the large central balcony. At present, one of the bedrooms on the main facade side is used as an office. On this level, the flooring is straight strip parquet. The spaciousness of the rooms certainly adds to the quality of life.
The second floor
The rooms on this floor feature sloping ceilings and straight strip parquet. The landing serves on one side four bedrooms, two of which are connected, a bathroom and a toilet. To the other side are three bedrooms, one of which has water fixtures, a shower room with toilet, as well as a separate lavatory.
The outbuildings
To the left of the chateau, a coursed rubble masonry and dressed stone house with a tiled gable roof is currently used as a workshop and for storage. On the other side, a former kennel has been converted into a storage area and a summer dining room with a large open space overlooking a lawn enclosed by a low stone wall.
At the back of the park, an old barn is hidden behind tall trees. At right angles, a building comprises two dwellings, one of which requires renovation.
Our opinion
Built in the 1920's, the chateau is one of the many testimonies of this very particular period that was the Reconstruction: "a movement, born in the Champagne of a new-found peace, adopted and adapted by everyone". This is where geometry, elevation, rigour and restraint of the Art Deco style all come to the fore. This attention to the simple arrangement of spaces is also found indoors with a functional circulation between the rooms. The refinement and the richness of the overall decor establish a link with the rich historical past of this part of France.
950 000 €
Fees at the Vendor’s expense
Reference 643834
Land registry surface area | 1 ha 49 a 59 ca |
Main building surface area | 510 m2 |
Number of bedrooms | 13 |
Outbuilding surface area | 480 m2 |
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.