18 km from the gates of Paris, a Louis XIII «brick and stone» chateau
in the heart of 60 hectares of gardens, park and woodlands
Yerres, ESSONNE ile-de-france 91330 FR

Location

Less than 20 km from the Porte de Bercy, easily reached without passing a single traffic light, the chateau and its parklands form an enclave in a 450 ha national forest, the peak of which is 117 m high. Within its view lies the chateau de Grosbois, a training centre for racehorses owned by the “Société d'encouragement à l'élevage du cheval français”. Grosbois stages a series of concerts throughout the year and is home to Europe's largest trotting museum. The complex covers 400 hectares.
The town of Yerres offers interesting cultural facilities, including a theatre, as well as the house of the painter Caillebotte, its park and its restaurant. This is the location of the Yerres river valley, a source of inspiration for the artist. The RER (regional express train) connects to Paris in 25 minutes.

Description

Due east, the entrance to the property faces the sunrise, down a straight 2 km driveway that inevitably draws the eye towards the chateau.
In 1389-1390, the estate was mentioned for the first time as a plot of land cleared for a religious community. Around 1581, the farm was fortified, and yet the construction of the present chateau began as soon as 1617. The patron, a prominent administrator of the French kingdom in the 17th century, was a lover of court ballets, a penchant that was taken up by the Marshal of Saxony during his construction work in the mid-18th century.
Facing east, framed by two square lodges, the large gate crowned with floral scrolls opens onto the formal "Allée d'Honneur” (alley of honour), lined with lawned beds. Two parallel foliage belts, formerly bridle paths, lead to the heart of the estate. The French formal gardens, designed in the classical style, have left their discreet mark to the north. At the front, the majestic gardens provide a vanishing point perspective as you pass through the gates: everything leads to the chateau. The aristocracy was both a generator and a follower of fashions: reflecting the intellectual struggles of the 19th century, the romantic style replaced the classical. Thus, to the west, the French formal design of the grounds was transformed into an English-style landscaped park with a pond and irregular groves over a stretch of about 800 m. Finally, to the south, a rectangular grass parterre is dotted with trees along its sides, and a dressed stone barn stands in the north-east corner.
Once past the two animal sculptures bordering the Allée d'Honneur, the gates with their forged scrollwork over the fixed bridge above the moat open onto the paved “Cour d'Honneur” (courtyard of honour). Dating back to the 17th century, the chateau comprises a U-shaped main edifice on three levels built around the forecourt, with two lower wings on either side. "Of brick and stone", it features striking colours typical of the Louis XIII period. Its large bays let the light shine through from one side to the other, from the rising sun on the French-style Allée d’Honneur to the setting sun on the romantic English-style park.
Surrounding the earth platform, the moat with its 16th century scarps and counterscarps, which can be crossed by three fixed bridges - at the front, at the back and to the north, in the direction of the outbuildings - is bordered by the traditional false palisades. They are fed by a stream which subsequently runs underneath the park. There is no doubt that their preservation played a significant symbolic role for the cultured aristocracy of the time. The moat is a reminder of the inherent military function of the nobility, but also of their sophisticated mind. Today in part filled with water, the moat played in medieval and early modern literature the role of a border between the real and the fairy world. A grotto decorated with shells and “rustiques” (rusticware inspired by Bernard Palissy) accessed by a double flight of stairs at right angles, was built in 1635 in the southern moat, below the Cour d’Honneur.
To the immediate north of the chateau, on the other side of the moat, the outbuildings are H-shaped, with lodges - formerly a cheese dairy and chapel - abutting the corners of the chateau. The fixed bridge leads from the Cour d'Honneur to the centre of the complex of outbuildings. They are laid out around a gravel courtyard. To the east is the former caretaker's cottage.
Combined, the chateau and the outbuildings offer roughly 2,860 m² of floor space including 42 bedrooms. Some 15 additional rooms could also be fitted out. Finally, the 60 hectares are enclosed by walls 3 m high, with 10 gates and 5 sunken fences or ha-ha.

The Louis XIII chateau

Thirty rooms behind brick and stone walls under a hipped slate roof. These typical elements, which set the colourful tone of the Louis XIII style, are arranged here in a U-shape, over three levels and a basement, with a floor area of approximately 1,360 m². Built in the 17th century, the brick walls feature symmetrical rows of windows crowned with sculpted heads, surrounded by floral motifs and rusticated stone frames. Wrought iron guardrails protect the tall large- or small-paned French windows. Light blue wooden frames set the tone. The corner quoins match the stringcourses marking the floors, as well as the crenellated frieze beneath the gutter.
The rear facade, overlooking the English landscaped park to the west, echoes the arrangement of the front with the addition of two further balconies. A minor detail distinguishes the rear facade from the main frontage: here, 18th century classical-style alterations were carried out, straightening the stringcourses and flattening the Louis XIII rusticated frames. On this side, access is via a fixed bridge transformed into a vast perron. A funnel-shaped flight of steps with wrought iron railings leads to a terrace overlooking the moat, which precedes the former restaurant.
The two lower rectangular wings on the south and north sides are of the same style as the main building. The single-storey wings are topped by terraces with pear-shaped balusters.
The hipped slate roof, with its crests linking the finials, features a series of dormer windows with sculpted white stone pediments, as well as eight brick chimney stacks. A clock with its preserved mechanism adorns the centre of the roof. The roofs of the chateau and the outbuildings, as well as the roof terraces of the wings have been regularly maintained.
The threshold of the central entrance is topped by a balcony with pear-shaped balusters, itself supported by two double columns with "modern Ionic" capitals framing the door to the grand reception hall.


The ground floor
Access to the chateau is not through the gallery, but via another perron, to the right of the Cour d'Honneur. 18th century style stone and slate cabochon flooring with walls covered in fabric matching the double curtains set the tone in a hallway of approximately 45 m². This leads directly to the rooms designed to welcome visitors: the cloakroom, 3 toilets and 4 washbasins in the basement, the secondary stairs to the upper floors and the basement, as well as the main stone staircase with its 18th century wrought iron scrollwork and cabochon landings.
Continuing to the left, the stately dining room and the grand gallery, also known as the "Galery of Trophies", come into view. The semi-dome dining room of roughly 50 m² boasts 19th century decors on false-marble painted wood, with fluted pilasters and richly sculpted Corinthian capitals supporting a cornice with ornamental mouldings. Between two windows with their thick double curtains, a grey marble basin rests on a stone console. The herringbone oak floor is lit by a rich electric candle chandelier with pendants. The small adjoining china room with French windows provides access to the conservatory running alongside the U-shaped external wall of the main building. It connects with a modest scullery kitchen fitted with numerous upper and lower storage cupboards and overlooking the park. A service staircase leads to the large kitchen in the basement and to a room on the split-level. The latter, having been used as a small dining room, features a Comblanchien stone and brown cabochon floor and walls covered with printed fabric. The second room, the stately "Gallery of Trophies", originally contained the main staircase for the entire chateau in the 17th century. During the works undertaken by the Maréchal de Saxe, it was moved near the hallway to adopt a more 18th century style. Instead, the room was transformed into a dual-aspect ballroom of approximately 140 m², holding up to 300 people at a standing reception or seating 120 for dinner. It is accessed from the Cour d'Honneur to the east or from the park to the west. In the 19th century, the floor with cabochons from the previous century was enhanced with neoclassical decorations and mouldings: fluted stucco pilasters with capitals supporting a large cornice with garlands, wreaths of flowers and foliage. Four stucco motifs with hunting attributes frame the two access doors, perfectly complementing the scene. On the cross walls facing each other: on one side, the door leading to the dining room, flanked by two glass doors with gilded lattice work and topped with the symbols of war; on the other, the door has been replaced by a marble console crowned by a large stucco marble ornament and two additional symbols of war. Continuing south, there are two drawing rooms of about 50 m², each with Versailles parquet floors. The first, the so called "Green Salon", features walls covered in silky Empire-style fabric and 19th-century wood carvings above its six doors. The second, the “White Oppenordt Salon”, displays a rare, almost intact 18th century ensemble. Its woodwork painted white with golden Louis XV motifs is softened by blue double curtains with yellow lining. A white marble Louis XV fireplace is topped by a large ornamental mirror framed by a pair of 18th century brackets. The approximate surface area of the ground floor, including the wings, is 550 m².
The first floor
Two staircases, one to the north and one to the south, lead to a corridor on the courtyard side which serves seven bedrooms, four of which with en-suite bathrooms. The 17th century painted ceiling of one of these rooms, the "Louis XIII room", has been relatively well preserved. Its beams, painted with coloured and floral motifs on a dark background, contrast with and yet perfectly match the yellow and gold hangings covering the walls. The floors are herringbone parquet. The first floor is heated by electric storage heaters. It covers about 340 m² and is in need of restoration.
The second floor
The second floor is similar to the first floor, and comprises seven bedrooms, some with their 18th century wood-panelled alcoves, a linen room, and a bathroom.
The basement
The vaulted basement, extending under the entire chateau and under the wings, covers a total surface area of approximately 460 m² and contains the kitchens, the larder, the cold rooms, the wine cellars, the vegetable cellar, other storage rooms and finally three recent boiler rooms, one for each part of the chateau.

North wing

The two extensions comprise a series of rooms with parquet floors, they follow on from one another. To the north, a French window overlooking the Cour d'Honneur illuminates the library with its five shelving units and its 19th century white marble fireplace. Next follows the study, with its walls covered in green fabric and its grey marble fireplace, accompanied by its 19th century bathroom with marble washstand, bathtub and Louis XV style brown marble fireplace. A balance between the interior furnishings and the number of windows in each room is achieved so that all rooms exude an atmosphere of comfort. A flight of stairs leads to the basement kitchens, to a small bedroom with a 19th century black marble fireplace and a storage room with cupboards, and to the outdoors, towards the chapel.

South wing

This is the master suite. The sequence of rooms starts with the anteroom featuring an Empire-style decor and providing access to a secondary staircase leading to a split-level room with cupboard, to the first floor and to the basement. Then follows a cloakroom with elegant en-suite facilities, adorned with faux marble decorations and five sculpted panels featuring putti, birds and swans. This is followed by an Empire style boudoir with a marble fireplace with mantel columns and the master bedroom. This bedroom with a Louis XVI finish features a stone fireplace and an elegant en-suite bathroom, which used to have a fireplace. It has a double washbasin on a grey marble top and an alcove bathtub. As in the north wing, there is a staircase at the end of the ground floor. It leads to the basement as well as to the split-level offering a storage room with cupboards and a closet.

The outbuildings

These cover a surface area of roughly 1,500 m².


The group of buildings
The outbuildings, dating from the same period as the original chateau and set around a gravel courtyard, are H-shaped. The drawbridge from the chateau leads right into their centre. Two buildings - the chapel and the former cheese dairy - are located at the corners of the chateau. The facades are rendered in white, the corner quoins of dressed stone. The frames of the small-paned French windows and the stringcourses are brick. The hipped slate roofs with broached eaves feature wall dormers with brick and stone pediments. They respond to the lower stringcourse marking the attic with half-height walls. Ridge finials crown the entire roof. On the ground floor, there is a series of seminar and reception rooms with tiled floors and exposed beams and notably an indoor swimming pool. Patinated straight stairs in a timber-framed well lead to the first floor comprising twelve bedrooms completing those of the chateau.
The adjoining chapel of approx. 35 m² is similar in style to the outbuildings. Particular attention has been given to the entrance: Two pilasters support a canopy, which is topped by a cross and the inscription "DEO. OPT. ET. MAX.”. The wooden double-leaf glazed access door is enhanced by a semi-circular transom.
The caretaker’s accommodation
This three-storey building with a surface area of some 515 m² has been converted into several flats for the staff. The hip mansard roof with curved roof dormers crowns the facades, which are rendered in a neutral colour and feature simple windows with rusticated frames. The corner quoins match the frames. The secretary's flat with its bathroom and independent oil-fired central heating is located on the first floor. The caretaker's house is extended by garages, formerly workshops, stables, stalls and boxes, covering approximately 620 m², and can shelter about ten cars. This is also where the remote controls for the outdoor intercom system and for the entrance gate to the chateau are located.
The outbuilding
Three other buildings complete the property: the gardener's quarters with their barn near to the farm on the northern side; the two square lodges flanking the main entrance on the east side which echo the brick and stone layout of the chateau; a 19th century dressed stone barn to the south of the Cour d'Honneur, opposite the outbuildings, with its hip dormer windows set in a slate gable roof.

The gardens and the park

Stretching across more than 59 hectares (according to the land register), they form an extension of the chateau. To the east, an awe-inspiring French garden offers a large open perspective over approximately 2.5 km, introducing the estate to visitors. On either side of this green carpet, the paths of the 18th-century French formal park can still be seen, embellished with lines of plane, lime and chestnut trees. To the south, a lawned parterre is bordered by oak groves. To the north, between the outbuildings and the former farmhouse of the chateau, a vegetable plot spans approx. 2.33 ha, embellished with topiary box, orchard, pond, etc. To the west, facing the setting sun, chestnut trees, oaks, birches, locust trees, other deciduous and coniferous trees adorn the English landscaped parklands over a span of more than 800 m. Two groves of exotic trees added in 1899 are still present today. A long draining channel with a walkway runs along the park. The national forest surrounds the 60 ha on three sides and used to be part of the chateau estate. The parklands are currently being restored and all the paths have been redone.

Our opinion

Over the centuries, the estate seems to have turned into a metaphor for time, both fleeting and unchanging. From one side to the other, the eye follows the path of the sun, each and every day. This is a journey through the centuries, from the classical to the romantic, from the fortified farmhouse of the 16th century to the interior decor of the 19th century, including the Louis XIII style and the remodelling of the Maréchal de Saxe. The last witness to the passage of time is the only circular shape in a main facade made up of straight lines, the clock in the centre of its dormer windows.
With its 60-hectare park and its listed chateau, the property previously housed a renowned hotel and restaurant, as well as seminar and event facilities. However, some parts of the property are now in need of restoration.

Exclusive sale

7 875 000 €
Fees at the Vendor’s expense


See the fee rates

Reference 308878

Land registry surface area 59 ha
Main building surface area 1350 m2
Number of bedrooms +20
Outbuilding surface area 1500 m2

Representative

Paul-Louis Beaumatin +33 1 42 84 80 85

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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.

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