An elegant 19th-century dwelling and its wooded grounds,
20 minutes from Dax and near beaches, in the Chalosse region
20 minutes from Dax and near beaches, in the Chalosse region
Montfort-en-Chalosse,
LANDES
aquitaine
40380
FR
Location
Only twenty minutes from Dax and its high-speed rail station, as well as 45 minutes from the nearest beaches, the family property, built in the 1800s, is nestled in a verdant setting within the greater Chalosse region, an agricultural area in the south of the Landes department featuring hillsides, pastures and farmland, whereas, two minutes away, a nearby village, famous for its thermal waters, belongs to Dax’s area of influence, the first French thermal hub, which contains services, shops and transportation infrastructures.
Inhabited year-round, the rural environment is scattered with dwellings connected by a network of small roads, while the Landes department’s beaches are accessible in less than one hour. In addition, the countryside provides an open landscape, quite different from the forests in the north of the department.
Description
Hidden towards the back of its wooded grounds, of approximately 1.5 hectares and accessible via a wide drive, this elegant three-storey dwelling features nearly 700 m² of inhabitable floor area. Meticulously maintained and partially renovated in 2012, it has preserved many of its original details: crown moulding, original doors, staircase, parquet, stone or terracotta tile floors, while the dwelling’s central and oldest section is composed of a square structure that dates from 1844 and was in all likelihood built over the foundations of a building from the late 17th century.
As for its three-storey façade, featuring light-colour plaster, it is topped with a gently sloping tile roof and is symmetrically cadenced by vertical rows of tall, rectangular, small-paned windows, whereas, in the middle, its wooden front door, surrounded by a moulded frame and topped with sculpted décor, acts as the façade’s main focal point. In addition, slightly protruding quoins and horizontal stringcourses structure the exterior, while two cypresses, planted to the right of the building, add to the enchanting views.
To the west, the “new pavilion”, built in 1863 and facing the Pyrenees, as was customary in the Second Empire, is topped with a long slate Mansard roof, whereas its two-storey façade, in light-colour plaster, is organised symmetrically into four vertical rows of rectangular windows, safeguarded by shutters. On the ground floor, two pairs of glass doors flank similar-size windows, while, upstairs, the windows are aligned with their lower counterparts. Lastly, a horizontal stringcourse marks the separation between the different levels, whereas a central decorative motif highlights the façade’s upper section.
As for its three-storey façade, featuring light-colour plaster, it is topped with a gently sloping tile roof and is symmetrically cadenced by vertical rows of tall, rectangular, small-paned windows, whereas, in the middle, its wooden front door, surrounded by a moulded frame and topped with sculpted décor, acts as the façade’s main focal point. In addition, slightly protruding quoins and horizontal stringcourses structure the exterior, while two cypresses, planted to the right of the building, add to the enchanting views.
To the west, the “new pavilion”, built in 1863 and facing the Pyrenees, as was customary in the Second Empire, is topped with a long slate Mansard roof, whereas its two-storey façade, in light-colour plaster, is organised symmetrically into four vertical rows of rectangular windows, safeguarded by shutters. On the ground floor, two pairs of glass doors flank similar-size windows, while, upstairs, the windows are aligned with their lower counterparts. Lastly, a horizontal stringcourse marks the separation between the different levels, whereas a central decorative motif highlights the façade’s upper section.
The Chateau
The large edifice is commonly known as the “chateau”, as is custom in the Landes department, even though it never belonged to a lordship.
The ground floor
The chateau is laid out around an immense entrance hall, which provides access to three living rooms: the largest, with a little less than 60 m² and featuring a fireplace, gives on to the patio and enjoys breath-taking views of the Pyrenees. Painted wooden double doors, topped with an arched fanlight with radiating spokes, separate the living room from the dining room, featuring a fireplace and facing south and west, while an initial kitchen boasts a stone fireplace, topped with a wooden beam, as well as doors painted green.
With original terracotta tile floors in the older part of the chateau and pale travertine-type stone tile floors for its more recent section, directly opposite, in the older part of the dwelling, there is a second fitted kitchen with a glass door in the back and a more linear layout, as well as a self-contained flat, located on one side of the dwelling.
The first floor
At the top of a wooden staircase, typical to the region, the sleeping quarters are divided into two separate sections: the first includes a small sitting room, two guest bedrooms and their shower rooms, as well as a large dual-aspect bedroom with its own private bathroom, wardrobe and study.
On the other side of the staircase, three bedrooms are accessible via a small central living room and share a bathroom and shower room, while lastly, at the end of the hallway, an immense dual-aspect bedroom is located next to a shower room. It should be noted that all of the bedrooms feature pine parquet floors and finely crafted wooden interior shutters.
The second floor
Located directly under the eaves and topped with impressive wooden rafters, a dormitory, of approximately 110 m² and ideal for family reunions, is located on the chateau’s eastern side, while a bathroom can be found in one corner. As for the other side of the landing, a library, of nearly 120 m², is also used as a painting studio.
The Wooded Grounds and Maze
With approximately 2.5 hectares and enchanting views of the Pyrenees, the grounds are planted with cedars, oaks, beeches, crepe myrtles, mimosas and other multi-century varieties, while a hedge maze, hydrangeas, oleanders and an orchard provide an elegant and whimsical touch to the whole.
In addition, to the southwest, a large stone patio provides access to a section of the grounds, shaded by tall trees, where a dining area was created under an arbour, whereas three carports and two garden sheds provide plenty of storage for the grounds’ equipment.
The Swimming Pool
Slightly set back and surrounded by a hedge, the 12 x 6-metre swimming pool blends in seamlessly with its environment.
Our opinion
This elegant dwelling, typical of the Landes department, stands out thanks to its overall balanced composition, a result of its intelligently remodelled 19th-century architecture, immaculate grounds and setting where nature reigns supreme. As for the chateau, it has not only kept its original layout, featuring ample proportions, original details and a fluid design, but also promises the comfort necessary for contemporary life, whereas the distant views of the Pyrenees, its sunny Italianate entrance hall and many tall trees endow the property with a welcome breath of fresh air.
In addition, the setting is naturally conducive for either a large family home, a museum focused on this region’s history and traditions, as well as accommodations for guests who value this area’s inherent authenticity, while, not far from both Dax and the ocean, the property blends the Chalosse region’s undeniable art de vivre with both discretion and accessibility.
Reference 174277
| Land registry surface area | 1 ha 57 a 55 ca |
| Main building floor area | 700 m² |
| Number of bedrooms | 7 |
French Energy Performance Diagnosis
Information on the risks to which this property is exposed is available on the website: www.georisques.gouv.fr
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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.
