A 17th century townhouse opposite Noyon cathedral,
1 hour 30 minutes from Paris
1 hour 30 minutes from Paris
Noyon,
OISE
picardy
60400
FR
Location
Located in the Oise department, Noyon has played a key role in the history of France. Charlemagne and Hugh Capet, respectively King of Neustria in 768 and King of the Franks in 987, were crowned in Noyon Cathedral. Hugh Capet was the founder of the Capetian dynasty, which ruled France without interruption until the accession to the throne of Philip VI of Valois in 1328, before the Bourbons took over with Henry IV, remaining in power until the French Revolution. John Calvin, the great protagonist of Protestantism in France, was also born in Noyon in 1509. More recently, however, it was the First World War that left its mark on the area, with the Germans occupying the town and, above all, their last offensive in March 1918: Operation Michael, which was a bitter failure and the beginning of the end for the German Empire. After the end of the war, Noyon was rebuilt with a view to recapturing the soul of the old town.
Today, the town boasts an exceptional quality of life, surrounded by countryside and with quick access to Paris by train in 1 hour 10 minutes or by car via the A1 in 1 hour 15 minutes. Noyon is 25 km from Compiègne, around 60 km from Amiens, almost 50 km from Saint-Quentin and 40 km from Soissons.
Description
Situated directly opposite the cathedral, this townhouse enjoys a radiant view of its Gothic facade, built with particularly luminous yellow-ivory limestone.
Its tri-partite portal and two spires with three tall, pointed arches lend the building its full magnificence. Only the parvis separates the impressive edifice from the property, which is in line with the 17th-century canons' houses. While the canons had lived on the site since the Middle Ages, a fire destroyed the medieval quarter in the 17th century, which was then rebuilt in a classical style. Today, this is a listed historic site.
At first glance, it is the rounded shape of the square that catches the eye, with the canons' houses surrounding the cathedral facade. The majestic appearance of the property is enhanced by the two entrance pillars topped by monumental stylised flame-vase finials. Once through the tall gateway, a courtyard of old cobblestones leads to the townhouse, which stands between courtyard and garden following the traditional layout. On the other side of the building, a paved terrace guarded by a wrought-iron balustrade overlooks a walled garden planted with fruit trees. The style of the townhouse is typical of homes of this era, featuring a tall silhouette, large openings arranged in bays, a deep-pitched roof clad with flat tiles, solid gables and a basement with a perron. The residence embodies the spirit of the 17th century, even though it was extended in the 19th century by a second building. This annexe is roofed in the Mansard style, built of jointed stone and brick, and has two wings with roof terraces, one of which is protected by a balustrade. The main courtyard, surrounded by flowerbeds and paved with old mossy cobblestones, leads straight to the stone approach stairs.
Its tri-partite portal and two spires with three tall, pointed arches lend the building its full magnificence. Only the parvis separates the impressive edifice from the property, which is in line with the 17th-century canons' houses. While the canons had lived on the site since the Middle Ages, a fire destroyed the medieval quarter in the 17th century, which was then rebuilt in a classical style. Today, this is a listed historic site.
At first glance, it is the rounded shape of the square that catches the eye, with the canons' houses surrounding the cathedral facade. The majestic appearance of the property is enhanced by the two entrance pillars topped by monumental stylised flame-vase finials. Once through the tall gateway, a courtyard of old cobblestones leads to the townhouse, which stands between courtyard and garden following the traditional layout. On the other side of the building, a paved terrace guarded by a wrought-iron balustrade overlooks a walled garden planted with fruit trees. The style of the townhouse is typical of homes of this era, featuring a tall silhouette, large openings arranged in bays, a deep-pitched roof clad with flat tiles, solid gables and a basement with a perron. The residence embodies the spirit of the 17th century, even though it was extended in the 19th century by a second building. This annexe is roofed in the Mansard style, built of jointed stone and brick, and has two wings with roof terraces, one of which is protected by a balustrade. The main courtyard, surrounded by flowerbeds and paved with old mossy cobblestones, leads straight to the stone approach stairs.
The townhouse
The ground floor
A painted, wooden double door topped by a transom window opens onto an entrance hall with a high ceiling and a stone floor tiled with black cabochons. At the far end, an impressive Louis XIII-style double quarter-turn staircase leads all the way up to the attic. A French window overlooking the garden opposite the entrance door illuminates the hall.
The reception rooms are situated on either side of the entrance hall. To the right is a comfortable sitting room with straight strip oak parquet flooring and a star-shaped inlay in the centre. An 18th-century fireplace with a grey marble surround sets the tone. Here, the walls are panelled with carved woodwork, either halfway up or right up to the ceiling. Above the fireplace, there is an overmantel mirror topped by a gilded feature depicting a trophy with musical instruments. The four openings, one of which is a French window, create a light and cosy atmosphere in the sitting room. There are also a study and a bedroom next to the sitting room.
To the left of the entrance hall, there is a dining room with a stone and cabochon floor and a 19th century brown marble fireplace. This room is also lit from either side by three windows. There is direct access to a fitted kitchen in the left wing, facilitating everyday life. Two pantries and a small staircase leading to an underground parking space complete the kitchen.
The upstairs
A vast central landing extends on either side of the staircase serving five bedrooms and two bathrooms. All the bedrooms have hardwood floors and overlook the cathedral, with the exception of one, which reveals a view of the garden. Each bedroom is cleverly illuminated by a series of windows.
The attic
An attic, fully convertible given the height of the roof structure, provides an opportunity to admire the quality of the timber and the talent of the 17th century carpenters.
The cellar
There are a large number of dressed stone cellars. Mysterious flights of steps lead to tunnels that are now closed off, but which must have once led to the cathedral.
The town garden
The garden lies to the rear of the townhouse. Lawned and planted with fruit trees and various shrubs, it is protected from any external noise by old stone and brick walls. No prying eyes can interfere with the pleasure of being out in the garden. Overlooking the garden, there is a tiled terrace, bordered by an ornate metal balustrade. It can be accessed via a flight of steps off-centre to the right.
Our opinion
A townhouse looking "straight into the eyes" of the impressive Noyon cathedral, situated in the most sought-after part of the town, right in the historic centre, a stone's throw from the town hall and the shops. The elegance of the canons' houses lined up around the cathedral enhances the distinctive character of the square as a whole and sets the tone for those about to enter. Its exceptional location in no way diminishes the comfort of the house and its garden. The simple layout of the interior spaces offering a functional flow between the rooms, ensures that the future inhabitants will have an easy day-to-day life. Over and above the historic dimension of its urban environment and architecture, the residence, with a setting of stone on the one side and of greenery on the other, represents the ideal compromise between city and country living, with the heart oscillating between the two.
600 000 €
Fees at the Vendor’s expense
Reference 525815
| Land registry surface area | 956 m2 |
| Main building surface area | 270 m2 |
| Number of bedrooms | 6 |
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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.
