An impressive 18th century chateau on almost 5 ha of land
in the Bresse region of Burgundy, to be saved
in the Bresse region of Burgundy, to be saved
Chalon-sur-Saône,
SAONE-ET-LOIRE
burgundy
71100
FR
Location
Not far from the motorway connecting the regional capitals, it takes 1h30 to drive to Lyon and 1h to Dijon. Geneva is 2 hours away. The property can also be reached in 30 minutes from Chalons-sur-Saône, Beaune or Louhans. The nearest shops are located 4 km from the village. The Bresse region of Burgundy includes plains and woodlands crossed by rivers and lakes, punctuated by a sparse rural habitat built of wood, brick or stone.
Description
The chateau is situated on the outskirts of a village of some 200 inhabitants, on the site of an earlier fortified house. It used to face two outbuildings, one of which still exists, all surrounding a vast square courtyard, bordered by an old moat, part of which has been restored. All the buildings face east/west.
The chateau
Certainly rebuilt during the second half of the 18th century, it follows the stylistic rules of its time. Entirely of brick with a stone foundation, it has a central section flanked by two symmetrical, slightly projecting wings. Between the ground and the first floor runs a stone stringcourse. Each of the three sections is topped by an imposing roof structure clad with flat tiles. There are seven triangular pediment dormers on the eastern side.
Probably abandoned after the French Revolution, it was used as a farmhouse until the end of the 20th century. Because of the tax on doors and windows in force until 1926, the openings on the unused first floor were filled in with brick and those on the ground floor were reduced in size.
The ground floor
This is accessed via a main doorway in the centre of the building, framed in dressed stone with an arched lintel, topped by a projecting voussoir. With a brick stringcourse at mid-height, this level has retained its original openings on the east facade, while they have been reduced in size on the western facade. It was inhabited, partitioned, and heavily altered during the 20th century, when modern materials were also employed. The building is dilapidated and unfit for habitation in its current state, and it would seem advisable to recreate the original, perfectly intelligible volumes.
The first floor
This is the piano nobile of the building. It is accessed in the centre of the building by a striking dogleg oak staircase with newel pendant and turned wooden balusters. This floor, although it has lost most of its original decorative elements, has remained in a rather untouched original state, without excessive modernisation. A corridor on the eastern side provides access to two large dual-aspect rooms of more than 55m², located in the central part of the building, on either side of the staircase. Two extensive rooms of more than 70 m² follow; they are located in the slightly protruding wings. All of these rooms have preserved beamed ceilings, some with traces of painted friezes, plaster fireplace overmantels and oak doors.
The attic
The main staircase rises up to the top floor. It provides access to a stunning three-volume roof structure, the height of which would allow for conversion into a living space. The chimney stacks and the flat-tile roofing would require imminent work.
The outbuilding
Recorded on the Napoleonic cadastral map at this location, it was rebuilt during the 20th century for agricultural use, of coursed rubble masonry and fibre cement sheets. Another Bresse style agricultural outbuilding stood next to the first one until a few years ago.
The grounds
A former courtyard surrounded by a moat protecting the chateau and its outbuildings, mentioned at the beginning of the 19th century, can still be clearly made out. The moat to the west was restored a few years ago. From here, the view extends to the surrounding woodlands and meadows. A right of way across the courtyard provides access to neighbouring fields and there is an electric pylon at the eastern end of the property. There are also three wells.
Our opinion
The harmony, symmetry and timeless volumes of the Age of Enlightenment are still present and will charm the discerning enthusiast. Frozen in time, the chateau has been patiently awaiting its adventurous, spirited or, according to the more rational minds, crazy saviour for several decades. With the help of expert craftsmen, it will be necessary to undertake a complete overhaul of the chateau's structural and finishing work without delay. With a resolutely contemporary as well as traditional approach, this will be an opportunity for the next occupants to meet the challenges of our century in terms of heritage preservation and thermal comfort, helped by the simple structure of the building. And what a joy it is to imagine the rays of the sun shining through the heart of the building once again!
650 000 €
Fees at the Vendor’s expense
Reference 464626
| Land registry surface area | 4 ha 96 a 41 ca |
| Main building surface area | 500 m2 |
| Number of bedrooms | 5 |
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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.
