A surprising, little, 17th century dwelling
in the midst of the wild Léguer Valley in west Brittany
in the midst of the wild Léguer Valley in west Brittany
Belle-Isle-en-Terre, COTES-D'ARMOR
brittany
22810
FR
Location
The Léguer Valley, in the west of the French department of Côtes-d'Armor, between the Pink Granite Coast and the Arrée mountains, was awarded the French “Wild River Site” distinction in 2017. Classed as a “first category river for migratory fish”, it is a favourite spot for fly fishing. Particularly unspoilt, it will delight all nature-lovers, both locals and passing visitors. This verdant setting is where this unusual house was constructed. Less than 20 minutes from the TGV train stations in Guingamp or Plouaret in the Trégor region. All daily shops and amenities are to be found less than 10 minutes away. It is also 15 minutes from a local curiosity that will delight swimmers: “Trégrom beach” on the river, where grass has replaced the sand and trees the sun umbrellas. As pastoral as it comes, it is a wonderful stopover halfway between the sea and the property.
Description
This house stands on the outskirts of a small hamlet, set back from all communication routes and comprising four houses. A peaceful and unspoilt, family neighbourhood, its surrounding areas are immaculately kept. Approaching the buildings, visitors are immediately struck by the architecture. The house borders a little road, used but by the hamlet’s residents. A grassy entrance on the corner of a gable provides access to a narrow passageway running between the house and an old shed, leading out the back to a little terrace adjoining the house. Said terrace looks out over the garden, providing a view of the surrounding meadows, fields, woods and bocage countryside.
The house
This rectangular house, spanning two levels, is topped with a gable, slate roof. The facade is adorned with a semi-circular arched door. Constructed from granite quarry blocks, it notably features three hanging roof dormers and dressed stone surrounds framing the openings. The architecture of this dwelling is unusual, given its size, bestowing it with a certain nobility and making it look almost like a small castle.
Ground floor
This house can be entered either via the main door, which opens out on to the little road, or via a wooden, glazed door at the back of the building, which opens on to a terrace with a garden on a slightly lower level. A comfortable living room is embellished with a very tall granite fireplace, the mantel of which is composed of impressively large blocks of dressed stone. Its sculpted corbels are enhanced with a wooden pediment. A coal or wood-burning stove, connected to the flue, heats the entire house. The exposed beams and stone walls, together with the wooden stairway, make this living room warm, welcoming and authentic. A functional kitchen and a bathroom have a minimum of fixtures and fittings.
First floor
The stairway goes up to a landing that provides access to three bedrooms, their sloping ceilings lined with panelling. Two of these bedrooms have cupboards built-in to the wall.
The annexe building
A second adjoining building has been built in alignment with the main house. It features the same architectural codes: granite quarry block walls, a gable slate roof, a semi-circular arched door and openings with dressed stone surrounds. This habitable section does not currently communicate with the main dwelling, but this could be envisaged.
Ground floor
The main door opens on to two areas spanning more or less the same floor space. An impressive steel fire-screen fixed to the floor acts as protection and provides a touch of originality to the fireplace. A concrete screed forms the floor and the walls are bare. A wooden stairway goes upstairs. Creative and functional conversion works will make it possible to take full advantage of this ground floor.
First floor
The wooden stairway goes up to a vast room under the rafters, with a very high ridge. The walls are lime-rendered. The roofing framework under battens is exposed. The authenticity has been preserved. Light floods in through two skylights, illuminating this spacious area.
Our opinion
This is a wonderful place for relaxing, spending time and taking advantage of the natural surroundings. It also includes private, welcoming and functional areas that are easy to maintain. The possibility of linking the house and the annexe building by creating a door between the two would bring the continuous living space to a total floor surface area of more than 140 m². Once a few insulation and decoration works have been carried out, this character house, an ideal holiday home or main residence, would enable its residents to recharge their batteries. Brittany and its sought-after havens can be reached in all directions, whether the sea, the old, unusual mountains, the lush valleys or the character towns. This little property is firmly anchored in the old duchy.
135 000 €
Fees at the Vendor’s expense
Reference 894129
| Land registry surface area | 450 m2 |
| Main building surface area | 140 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.
