A Renaissance dwelling, listed as a Historical Monument,
with a garden and medieval cellars, 75 minutes west of Paris, in Gallardon
Gallardon, EURE-ET-LOIR center-val-de-loire 28320 FR

Location

In the Eure-et-Loir department and the greater Centre-Val de Loire region, the property is located in Gallardon, on the outskirts of the Beauce natural region and the Eure River valley, where the Voise, Ocre and Rémarde Rivers meet, while the town still preserves vestiges of its rich medieval past. Perched up in the heights is the ruins of its chateau as well as Saint Peter and Saint Paul’s church, whereas the small town is laid out around a historical centre, which includes local shops and services as well as schools, from nursery all the way to lower secondary.
As for the dwelling, it is only a few steps away from the church and shops, whereas, by car, Chartres and Rambouillet are accessible in 30 minutes. In addition, southwest Paris, 75 minutes away, can be reached via the A10 and A13 motorways as well as the N10 A road, while the Epernon TER train station, only 13 minutes away, makes it possible to reach Paris’s Montparnasse station in 45 minutes.

Description

Known as the “Fiefdom of the Marmosets”, built above three levels of vaulted medieval cellars and nestled between the street and the garden, the dwelling’s carved timber-framed façade represents a stunning testament to the decorative whimsy and technical craftsmanship of woodworking artisans in the early 16th century, while portraits of such notable figures as François I and Claude de France, as well as their respective emblems, the salamander and the swan, support the hypothesis of a link with the artisans who worked on the ornamentation of the pavilions erected on the historic occasion of the Field of the Cloth of Gold.
As for its interior, it features rooms articulated around a central spiral staircase, whereas visible ceiling beams, timber framing, original terracotta floor tiles, parquet and colourful diamond-patterned stained-glass windows create a stunning décor, which has been faithfully restored over the centuries.
With four storeys, the dwelling, of approximately 400 m², includes an immense living area, a large library and a game room, four bedrooms, including one located in the extra attic space and two studies, while several significant renovation projects were conducted over the past couple of decades under the supervision of Bâtiments de France architects.
Lastly, in the back, a walled garden, of approximately 400 m² and facing south towards Gallardon’s rooftops as well as the valley, extends the living areas to the outdoors, whereas, facing the property, a separate garage, of nearly 65 m², is large enough to accommodate two vehicles.

The Dwelling

Constructed over medieval foundations along one of the town’s main streets, it has preserved vestiges of its former uses: for many years the ground floor was divided into two shops, as evidenced by the wide windows that flank either side of its many entrances, while its two-storey timber-framed façade, topped with a roof punctuated by dormers with triangular pediments, features regular bays whose posts, wall plates and corbels have been decorated with many different figures, mythical creatures as well as royal emblems.
As for the rear of the dwelling, its masonry exterior, in all likelihood older than the main façade, is cadenced by windows overlooking the garden, whereas the flat tile roof boasts many skylights.


The ground floor
Traversed by an immense hallway that connects the street to the garden, it provides access to the main rooms on this floor, while, shortly after the entrance, a spiral wooden staircase with terracotta tile steps ascends to the upper floors.
On one side of the hallway is a dual-aspect living area with a large and colourful diamond-pattern stained-glass window facing the street as well as windows overlooking the garden, which provide ample natural light, whereas its timber framing and high ceiling endow this room with an unexpected feeling of space.
As for the other side of the hallway, that is where the kitchen and an immense bathroom are located, while a second staircase directly links the kitchen to one of the bedrooms on the first floor.
The first floor
Featuring a stunning circular layout around the central staircase, this floor includes two bedrooms, two studies, a wardrobe, a bathroom and lavatory, while its décor is made up of visible ceiling beams, timber framing, stained glass windows and terracotta tile or parquet floors.
In addition, a large bedroom, facing the garden, boasts two tall stained-glass windows, providing unobstructed views, whereas, on the dwelling’s street side, a study, located in a corner of the house, stands out thanks to its its breath-taking coffered ceiling.
As for the second dual-aspect bedroom, it faces both the garden and the street and is directly accessible from the kitchen, via the service staircase, while a second study can also be found on this level.
The second floor
The second floor includes a bedroom, a shower room with sauna as well as a large library and a game room. Flooded in light thanks to two skylights on its garden-facing side and a stained-glass dormer overlooking the street, it enjoys views of the valley, while, in keeping with the first floor’s décor, timber framing and original terracotta floor tiles echo its visible structural elements.
As for the dual-aspect bedroom, placed in a corner of the dwelling, it features a stained-glass dormer and window facing the street, whereas the shower room comes with a skylight as well as a stained-glass window and a corridor leads to the staircase that ascends to the dwelling’s top floor.
The third floor
Created in the extra attic space, it is divided into two immense spaces, topped with wooden rafters, while the first, accessible via a staircase, is illuminated by two skylights and two oculi, one of which has been fitted with a stained-glass window depicting a dragon. As for the second room, also bathed in light by skylights, it features a mezzanine created under the roof ridge, whereas the entire level provides a number of possibilities for further expansion.
The basement
Vaulted, they are spread out over three levels, connected to one another via a stone staircase. In addition, a well once contributed to the dwelling’s autonomy, while the spaces, in all likelihood, were used for storing merchandise or fuel for the shops, which were once located on the ground floor.

The Garden

Facing south, it is sheltered from view behind the dwelling and features a small greenhouse, garden shed and an ancient stone well.

The Garage

Facing the dwelling and accessible via an automated door, it is large enough to park two vehicles side by side and features an electric recharging station as well as storage rooms.

Our opinion

Listed as a national Historical Monument as of 1887, the Fiefdom of the Marmosets has been the subject of many studies and publications since the 19th century, while its carved façade was most notably included in the architect César Daly’s work “Motifs historiques d’architecture et de sculpture d’ornement” (Historical Motifs in Architecture and Ornamental Sculpture), published in 1869, as one of the most extraordinary examples of the French Renaissance.
Behind this testament to art from the early 16th century, is an authentic family dwelling, meticulously maintained and restored over the past several decades, whereas its current condition makes it possible to acquire an edifice whose inherent charm remains intact and perpetuate the history of a dwelling, which is one of the most remarkable in the region.

Exclusive sale

850 000 €
Fees at the Vendor’s expense


See the fee rates

Reference 475131

Land registry surface area 513 m²
Main building floor area 400 m²
Number of bedrooms 5
Outbuildings floor area 63 m²

French Energy Performance Diagnosis


Information on the risks to which this property is exposed is available on the website: www.georisques.gouv.fr

Consultant

Boris Winter +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.