A 163 m² flat in a listed, 12th century castle, with a moat, parklands and outbuildings,
30 minutes from Avignon and Uzès, in the Provencal side of the Gard department
30 minutes from Avignon and Uzès, in the Provencal side of the Gard department
Uzès, GARD
languedoc-roussillon
30700
FR
Location
This plains castle stands on the outskirts of a village in the south-east of France, heavily marked by the Romans in the past and now by the vine-growing activity. Not far from the river Rhône, it is lost amongst its verdant surroundings. It is nevertheless easily reached via the main communication routes. Its unspoilt setting, free of contemporary nuisances guarantees absolute peace and quiet. Avignon (TGV train station) is 30 minutes away, whilst the many delights of the Provencal side of the French department of Gard are to be found locally (Uzès, Cèze Valley), extending northwards into the French department of Ardèche and westwards towards the Cévennes mountains.
Description
This castle is one of this region’s emblematic monuments on the edge of the river Rhône, with its landscapes marked by the growing of vines and the richness of its soil, watered by tributaries of the peaceful, neighbouring stream, which once made it possible to reach the river. Making clever use of its strategic position, its construction, on a site probably already occupied in the Carolingian era, dates back to the 12th century with a first dwelling flanked by a defensive tower. But it was in the 16th century that it was significantly developed and became an impressive building belonging to one of the largest families in the south of France and one of the rare examples in the south-east of France to have a defensive system composed of moats, still fed by a neighbouring stream. This castle still has a 12th century tower, featuring impressive arrow-loops, on the north-west corner. Two other towers (including a dovecote) flank the east and south-east corners of the three buildings spanning two levels above the ground floor. These buildings are laid out around a vast, main courtyard, closed on the south side by a high wall, featuring a monumental door, framed with vermiculated, rustic masonry surround. The castle’s old wall-walk has now been transformed into a promenade alongside the moats. A stone culvert has replaced the old drawbridge, the bases for the two piers of which still remain. Numerous one-hundred-year-old plane trees surround the castle beyond the moats. The sober exterior of the buildings featuring mullioned and several, later, segmental arched windows is hardly brought into question by the richly sculpted surrounds framing the doors in the central building and the chapel. Saved from ruin in 1978 and entirely listed as a French Historic Monument, this castle underwent major restoration works at the beginning of the 2000’s. Said works also led to the creation of several flats combining modern day home comforts, whilst totally respecting its heritage
The second floor flat in the west wing
A door in the central building, with a richly decorated surround, provides access from the main courtyard to a wide, two-flight, half-pace stairway going to the upper floors and the flats in the main building as well as the west wing.
This second floor, west-facing flat has a vast living room, with a very high ceiling featuring exposed joists. It gives access to the other rooms in the flat: three bedrooms, each with its own shower room and separate toilet, as well as a fully fitted kitchen. Two bedrooms are illuminated by windows looking down on to the moat on the west side, whilst the third has a view of the castle’s interior courtyard. Each has a vista resembling an oil painting: ordered stone to the east, the view taking in the east wing with the main courtyard and its lawn crest at its feet; romantic vegetation to the west, its decor comprising the foliage of the tall trees bordering the water-filled moat.
Old floors, laid with recuperated terracotta tiles, blend harmoniously with those laid with recent terracotta tiles. Small-paned windows and indoor shutters, reconstituted like-for-like, have been beautifully crafted such that their appearance resembles that of the 17th century.
The parklands, the communal areas and the swimming pool
The area surrounding the castle is totally unspoilt, set in the midst of the hectares of woods and meadows that used to constitute its parklands, of which the co-owned property still has the land immediately surrounding the castle. A second bridge spanning the moat, on the north-east side of the castle, leads to a section of the parklands housing a 20x10 m swimming pool, changing rooms, a bicycle shed and a wide sun terrace. Their upkeep is looked after by the co-owners’ management committee.
The car parking spaces
A carpark has been created out of sight of the castle, less than 50 m from the entrance. This flat has two car parking spaces allotted to it.
The outbuildings
It is also optionally possible to additionally purchase the buildings constituting the castle outbuildings, composed of old stables as well as several lean-tos and areas awaiting renovation spanning a total of approx. 1,000 m², for the sum of 20,000 euros (corresponding to the shares of the owning French SCI, non-trading property company) over and above the asking price.
Our opinion
This flat will appeal to history and heritage enthusiasts seeking a pied-à-terre or a main residence in an exceptional setting without having to bear all the costs. Everything has been done such that the pleasure of the eyes is completely satisfied right down to the smallest detail and that the tranquillity of the premises is not disturbed.
Time appears to stand still here away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The proximity of heritage meccas and cultural centres will also delight those keen on festivals, whilst the natural surroundings can but invite residents to explore this rich land on foot.
530 000 €
Fees at the Vendor’s expense
Reference 924647
| Land registry surface area | 12342 m2 |
| Main building surface area | 160.75 m2 |
| Number of bedrooms | 3 |
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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.
