A 12th century castle, remodelled in the 19th century, with 25 ha
in the heart of the Loir Valley countryside, north of Tours
in the heart of the Loir Valley countryside, north of Tours
Tours,
SARTHE
center-val-de-loire
37000
FR
Location
200 km from Paris; 50 km north of Tours and south of Le-Mans. Near to a motorway interchange, an aerodrome and two TGV train stations (45 minutes) with excellent links taking less than an hour to Paris, going direct to Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle in 1¾ hours and taking less than 3 hours to Lyon, 4½ hours to Marseille, 2½ hours to Lille-Europe train station for London and 1½ hours to Nantes. All the Loir Valley tourist attractions are nearby. Le-Mans and its old Plantagenet town. 40 km from Le-Mans’ 24-hour racing circuit, the Porsche-Experience-Centre driving school and the International Le-Mans-Karting go-cart track. 40 km from the Golf-du-Circuit, set in the middle of the circuit along the mythical Hunaudières straight. Less than 10 km from a little town with all amenities.
Description
This estate is in a wild, wooded setting, with a view over the surrounding countryside. It is reached via two driveways, one reserved for visitors and the other for tradespeople. The first is a long avenue, with woods and meadows on either side. It is barred halfway along by gates, flanked by tall pillars, and is dotted with old streetlamps, lighting the way to the entrance courtyard in front of the castle, with the keep looking on. It precedes the old chapel, the top section of which is now converted into a bedroom, followed by a house that could be used as a caretaker’s cottage and, lastly, the castle. Driveways lead from the entrance courtyard to the rear where there are carparks and meadows, delimited by hedges. A pathway gives access to the south-facing, swimming pool area, surrounded by safety fencing and partially enclosed by old walls. A driveway goes down on the west side to the outbuildings, comprising an annexe house and its small outbuildings, a 350 m² building, with an area given over to physical well-being on the ground floor, a barn and its workshop, a building housing five horse loose boxes and a tack room, and another building that could take cars, although it is currently fitted with six horse loose boxes. Meadows beyond the outbuildings could accommodate horses. Woods border the property.
The castle
This L-shaped castle is laid out over four levels, each spanning a surface area of 250 m². The facade, facing the entrance courtyard, features a central, hexagonal, entrance and stairway tower, two round, corner towers and turrets with corbelling. A central projection on the rear facade features three bays. They top the balcony that gives outside access to the large lounge. It is flanked by two square towers, to which are adjoined two round corner towers. Their neo-gothic decor, comprising imitation machicolation and battlements, is concentrated on the dormer pediments and the doors, the first being made of moulded stone and enhanced with coats-of-arms. The roofs, covered with slate, were all redone in the winter of 2020-2021.
The base level
The foundations of these premises date back to the 12th century. A lower, partially vaulted level which can be reached from the outside, comprises kitchens, storerooms, a fruitstore and a staff changing room. Cellars, a linen room and a boiler room complete this level. It also has a double-entry lift that goes up to the first floor.
The ground floor
The main stairway is installed in a vestibule. On one side is a lavatory whilst, on the other, double doors open into the large reception lounge with a bar, which is also equipped for screenings (integrated into the coffered ceilings). It provides access to four adjoining rooms. A vast dining room is followed in one of the towers by a small lounge and a space for a toilet. A pantry and kitchens. A back stairway goes up to the attic space. Decorative features include marble or stone fireplaces, trumeaux, panelling and decorative staffs. Floors are laid with tiles or herringbone pattern parquet flooring. Ceilings feature moulding or cross-ribbed vaults.
The first floor
This level is reached via the monumental stairway. A landing provides access to seven bedrooms, six bathrooms, separate lavatories and a storeroom.
The second floor
The second floor is taken up by six bedrooms, two shower room and miscellaneous rooms.
The old chapel
This building has been modified and deconsecrated. The ground floor could be used as accommodation for a caretaker. The upstairs, under its vault, has been converted into a suite with a bathroom and lavatory.
The dovecote
This is the first building that visitors see as they arrive. Robust, it comprises 800 dove-holes.
The large outbuilding dubbed “L’Auberge” (The Inn)
This rectangular building spans a surface area of 350 m² over two levels. On the ground floor there is a gym featuring state-of-the-art equipment, a sauna and a shower. The rest of the area is currently converted into a series of large rooms and, on the first floor, into dormitories and sanitary facilities. The rest of the area is currently divided into a series of large rooms and, on the first floor, into dormitories and sanitary facilities. The other outbuildings delimit the courtyard, located behind the inn. The roofs on all of the outbuildings are new, recently redone with slate.
The barn and the workshop
A rectangular, wooden building, it is topped with a slate roof. The open lower section is used as for storing hay. The workshop is closed.
The second house
This house, concealed behind a high wall, forms a courtyard with small outbuildings. Recently renovated, it comprises a living room with a kitchen, two bedrooms, a study and a bathroom. It would be possible to convert the attic space. It is bordered by a large, covered terrace.
The buildings in use as stables
One is laid out with a tack room and five loose boxes able to accommodate large ponies. The other, constructed from breezeblock, is big enough to take six horses or it could also be converted for vintage cars.
The grounds
300 hectares of forest border these premises with open pathways. The landscaped parklands, spanning approx. 5 hectares include meadows, tree-lined pathways, strewn with bulbs, and copses. They are planted with various species of tall trees such as Lebanon cedar, sequoia, hornbeam, oak and many others. Their lower section is closed by a meadow. At the back, in the heart of the 25 ha property, is the swimming pool area protected by old walls, surrounded by greenery. Within this area, there is the possibility of building a 400m² spa (recorded in the urban planning register PLUI). The car park at the entrance to the property is hidden behind groves of trees. The grounds comprise mainly pastures and one hectare of woodland.
The filtration system for the 6x10 m swimming pool was changed in 2020 and safety fencing was added. A 34-metre deep well is used for watering purposes.
Our opinion
The elegance of the buildings is worthy of note. These premises were once used as a children’s holiday camp and could accommodate visitors as all the required facilities are still operational. The current owners have undertaken major works to rehabilitate the surroundings, seeking to give this property back all of its splendour of yesteryear. The ground and first floors of the castle have also undergone a facelift and now feature modern-day reception rooms and bedrooms. Both the second floor and the 350 m² building abound in potential. The conversion of thirty bedrooms could be envisaged. These premises would be equally suited to a private project as to the development of a business activity.
2 640 000 €
Fees at the Vendor’s expense
Reference 102770
| Land registry surface area | 25 ha 65 a 7 ca |
| Main building surface area | 1000 m2 |
| Number of bedrooms | 14 |
| Outbuilding surface area | 1000 m2 |
| including refurbished area | 130 m2 |
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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.
