A 15th-century chateau, its outbuildings and 42 hectares of grounds and pastures
in the Balcons du Dauphiné region, nestled between land and water at the gates of the Alps
in the Balcons du Dauphiné region, nestled between land and water at the gates of the Alps
Morestel,
ISERE
rhones-alps
38510
FR
Location
Located between Lyon, Chambéry and Grenoble, with the peaks of the Alps’ first mountain ranges in the background, the property is nestled within a landscape of hills and valleys, in proximity to sensitive natural spaces, protected natural reserves, medieval cities and distinctive villages. Surrounded by its vast, storybook-like estate, the chateau, at 350 metres in altitude, is completely concealed from view thanks to the property’s verdant foliage. In addition, the neighbouring towns provide access to essential daily commodities, while Chambéry and Grenoble are both about one hour away by car, Geneva can be reached in 1 hour and 50 minutes and the Lyon-Saint-Exupéry international airport is 40 minutes away.
Description
Hidden from view by hedges and a wide variety of trees common to the region, some of which were planted centuries ago, the property is accessible via a municipal road, followed by a gate that opens onto a shaded drive leading to the chateau, the walls of which give an impression of height and solidity anchoring it to the Dauphiné land. Most of the outbuildings are situated close to the main dwelling, while other buildings are scattered here and there throughout the estate, in addition to an ornamental lake, waterfall spillway and a mirror-like pond. Further on, symmetrically organised farm fields face the grounds and its more intimate spaces. It should be noted that the property also includes a drinking water easement for livestock that has not been used for decades.
The Chateau
Built in the 15th century by a noble Dauphiné family who occupied the premises until the 18th century, the chateau has only been inhabited by three other families ever since. Very well preserved over the years, it has undergone various modifications and restorations, and the Napoleonic land registry confirms that it was once larger in size. Its current owner has taken care of its regular upkeep, improving the dwelling while, at the same time, preserving its original aspect, flanked by three round towers, a hexagonal tower that dates from the 14th century and a bartizan. Cadenced by beautiful cross-windows, its outer walls have been re-rendered in roughcast with lime mortar joints, giving it an overall elegant and stately appearance.
To the south, a lower balcony/patio as well as a second-floor balcony provide welcome outdoor space as well as beautiful views of the grounds. The chateau has an impressive fish-scale tile roof, in good condition, which is highlighted atop the round towers with a glazed finish, while a crow-stepped gable is located on the chateau’s northern side. In addition, cornices supported by corbels form the capstones for the stopped ends of the walls, corbelled machicolations built in the 19th century provide a historical touch to some of the chateau’s exterior walls, while three gargoyles, taken from a church, also add a dash of authenticity. With approximately 700 m² of inhabitable floor area, the chateau has three storeys, in addition to the attic space, and includes three working fireplaces, single-glazed windows set within wooden window frames, a fuel-oil furnace, sheep’s wool insulation under the roof and an individual sewage system. Please note that this chateau is not listed or registered as a historical monument.
The garden-level floor
The entrance on the chateau’s southern side opens onto a spacious library with fine cabinetry, the ladder and windows of which underline its impressive floor-to-ceiling height. A flight of straight stone stairs with a Gothic Revival-style baluster provides upstairs access, while the focal point in this literary décor is the large ashlar stone fireplace in front of which a cosy reading area has been set up. Opposite, is an office bathed in light by a Gothic arched window and, in the back, behind a hidden door is a wine cellar. On the other side of the staircase, another door opens onto various cellars, a fitness room as well as an assortment of other rooms.
The first floor
This is accessible via a spiral stone staircase from the western entrance in the hexagonal tower and leads to a large entrance hall with a ribbed vaulted ceiling that provides a bird’s-eye view of the library. Following on from here is a fitted kitchen, decorated in warm colours with a central island separating its dining area, while the south-facing balcony/patio provides a space for al fresco dining. Towards the back, the brightly lit white living room is decorated with a magnificent inlaid wood floor pattern, which echoes the ceiling’s geometrical motif. Situated at a right angle to the living room, the dining room’s crimson walls contrast nicely with its exposed beam ceiling and the woodwork of its three cross-windows, while the natural light, filtered in by the windows’ mullions and transoms, is reflected by the tile floor and stone fireplace, and either intensifies or softens the room’s distinct scarlet walls depending on the time of day.
The second floor
The staircase continues up to the landing, which provides access to the chateau’s sleeping quarters. An initial spacious bedroom with a mitred herringbone hardwood floor is bathed in light from the south thanks to glass double doors that open onto a balcony with views of the grounds and pond. On one side of the room is a storage space, while, on the other, is a large bathroom, the blue patina walls of which are showcased by moulded and carved wood panelling. In addition, the ceiling, also wood-panelled, has been decorated with allegorical paintings, while a central bathroom island is located between the bathtub and the finely crafted wooden fireplace. Towards the back of the landing, two bedrooms, decorated in a classical style, have hardwood floors with either a Versailles parquet or mitred herringbone motif. The stretched wall fabrics display classically inspired patterns, while a shower room located in the tower is accessible from both bedrooms. The last bedroom, vast, luminous and facing west, stands out thanks to its remarkable inlaid wood floor and communicates with both a shower room and children’s bedroom.
The top floor
At the top of the staircase and to the right, there is a south-facing bedroom with its own shower room as well as another bedroom that gives onto a straight wooden staircase, which provides access to the attic space. To the left of the landing, a narrow wooden spiral staircase leads to a former office in the hexagonal tower, while, perpendicular to the landing, is a corridor that leads to the home theatre as well as two other rooms, one of which is in need of renovation. At the end of the corridor, two bedrooms once reserved for the chateau’s domestic staff, each with a shower room and lavatory, complete this level.
Flat #1
Comfortable and bright, with an inhabitable floor area of 114 m² distributed over three levels, this flat, which is currently under a rental lease, includes an open kitchen and dining room, a living room, four bedrooms including two built under the eaves, a shower room, a bathroom, two lavatories and a cellar. It also has double-glazed windows with PVC frames, fuel oil heating, an individual sewage system as well as a private garden of 250 m².
Flat #2
More rustic in appearance, with an inhabitable floor area of 82 m² over two levels, it has a kitchen with dining area, a living room, dining room, two bedrooms and a shower room. With single-glazed wood-framed windows, with the exception of the double-glazed PVC front door, it has wood-fired heating, an individual sewage system and is currently used as employee lodging.
The Outbuildings
The chateau’s former farm and its outbuildings extend over a floor area of approximately 900 m² and, in addition to the two flats of approximately 200 m², include immense garages, a shed, two storage buildings and a former stable, for a total floor area of approximately 260 m². Another building with nearly 440 m² is used as an agricultural storage building, workshop and garage for the farm equipment, while a portion of its roof is covered in solar panels. Other buildings are scattered throughout the estate: a wooden sheepfold with 250 m², an ancient stone 50-m² sheepfold in need of restoration, a 14th-century chapel and a summer kitchen.
The Grounds
Encircling the buildings with a well-maintained mature forest of approximately 22 hectares, the grounds also include an orchard, a grove of resinous trees and several unique and preserved “natural” spaces such as the banks of the large fish-stocked pond, almost 3.5 hectares in size, and the more secluded ornamental lake or waterfall spillway. In addition, a chapel is located on a small promontory and a path, traversing the woodland, leads to clearings and pastures.
The Farmland
Approximately 15 hectares of land and fields, which could be mechanised, are free from all occupation.
The Swimming Pool
With an infinity edge, the 12 x 7 metre swimming pool gives the illusion of directly flowing into the pond. Heated by an air/water heat pump, a specific installation ensures the pool’s water quality through a closed circuit recycling system, the parameters of which are monitored regularly. Lastly, the swimming pool is protected by a rigid cover, which safeguards the whole when not in use.
Our opinion
An exceptional setting less than one hour from Lyon, the Balcons du Dauphiné region is full of remarkable attractions with a variety of outdoor activities, emblematic sites and major itineraries like the ViaRhôna bicycle path that provides breath-taking views of the countryside. It is here, between sky, land and water, in the middle of verdant nature, that this chateau proudly stands, spared from the ravages of time and preserved by its successive owners. This extraordinary estate, which guarantees undeniable comfort for either a large family or guests, could be the ideal place for a number of large-scale and exciting projects thanks to its potential just waiting to be developed. Living here, means walking in the footsteps of its previous prestigious owners and carrying on the tradition of its multi-century history.
2 400 000 €
Fees at the Vendor’s expense
Reference 948684
| Land registry surface area | 42 ha 78 a 87 ca |
| Main building surface area | 700 m2 |
| Number of bedrooms | 9 |
| Outbuilding surface area | 900 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.
