A charming Alsatian dwelling, its
outbuilding and garden, near Strasbourg
outbuilding and garden, near Strasbourg
Limersheim,
BAS-RHIN
alsace
67150
FR
Location
On the Alsace plain and in the Bas-Rhin department, approximately twenty minutes from Strasbourg, the dwelling is located in the traditional town of Limersheim with its “clustered village” layout organised around a circular road lined with half-timbered dwellings. As for shops and services, they are located in a neighbouring village, ten minutes away by car, while, via the regional train, which departs from the town’s train station, Strasbourg is only 15 minutes away.
Description
From the street, the dwelling’s lateral timber-framed gable end is visible, the latter of which is cadenced by a series of small eaves on each of its three floors, while its half timbering has been arranged into diamond-shaped patterns superimposed with Saint Andrew crosses, which, according to ancestral beliefs, guaranteed the prosperity and fertility of its occupants.
In addition, its wall plates and moulded wooded cornices are a testament to this former farmstead’s wealth, whose property and outbuildings were once much larger than they are today, whereas the property is accessible via a small wooden pedestrian door and gate that both open on to the courtyard, which is, in turn, extended by the garden.
As for the dwelling’s half-timbered main façade, it communicates with the courtyard-garden, facing southwest, while the outbuilding is located in its extension, which also gives on to the garden.
In addition, its wall plates and moulded wooded cornices are a testament to this former farmstead’s wealth, whose property and outbuildings were once much larger than they are today, whereas the property is accessible via a small wooden pedestrian door and gate that both open on to the courtyard, which is, in turn, extended by the garden.
As for the dwelling’s half-timbered main façade, it communicates with the courtyard-garden, facing southwest, while the outbuilding is located in its extension, which also gives on to the garden.
The Dwelling
This edifice represents one of the largest and best-preserved dwellings in the village. On its street side, a corner post displays a polychrome carved cartouche with the name of its builders and year of construction: “LORENTZ KEFER * MARIA FRANCISCA SCHNEE 1813”, while oak was used for its half-timbered exteriors, traditionally filled with cob and covered in lime plaster. Topped with an original interlocking terracotta tile roof, the dwelling is accessible via its double set of central front steps, protected by a porch roof festooned in wisteria.
The ground floor
The original wooden front door, carved with an interlaced pilaster, which is, in turn, crowned with a Corinthian capital and flanked on either side by diamond-shaped panels decorated with foliage and floral motifs, gives on to the foyer where the original, carved wooden staircase, featuring a fretwork balustrade designed, is located.
Facing the street, a living room boasts wood panelled walls, adorned with square and rectangular panels, a tall ceiling with similar wood panelling painted with stencilled designs, as well as an earthenware stove.
As for the dining room, it is open towards the kitchen, with its terrazzo floor, the separation of which is indicated by openwork half timbering, whereas, to the right of the entrance, a sitting room precedes a bedroom, which comes with its own private shower room.
The upstairs
At the top of the staircase, a central hallway provides access to two bedrooms on one side, and, on the other, two more bedrooms, as well as a central room, which has been designed to eventually accommodate a second shower room. Several rooms have preserved their original wide-plank pine floors, as well as their original doors and wood panelling, while a second, enclosed wooden staircase, ascending to the attic, has been decorated with rare stencilled patterns, such as a soldier and a cannon supported by its large wooden wheels, evidence that this dwelling was once occupied by Napoleonic troops.
The attic
This level features an immense open space, which provides a number of possibilities for conversion.
The basement
A partial cellar is accessible from both inside and outside the dwelling.
The Outbuilding
Extending on from the dwelling and giving on to the garden, its two half-timbered storeys are protected from the elements thanks to wide projecting eaves, while this building will require a complete renovation.
The Garden
The former courtyard has been converted into a garden, whose vegetation helps shelter the property from the neighbouring buildings.
Our opinion
This property, which combines the peace and quiet of a charming village with the energy of the nearby European capital of Strasbourg, has preserved its many original details, while updating itself in the meantime with modern standards of comfort. Despite its modest size, the garden offers a small and sheltered retreat, while the outbuilding provides the potential for additional spaces, but could also be simply restored to ensure its continued use as a storage shed.
As for the dwelling, exceptional thanks to its authenticity and requiring a light makeover, it will enable its future occupants to start enjoying the premises immediately and appreciating the precious moments inherent to this property, one that has been shaped by its multi-century history.
Reference 678532
| Land registry surface area | 435 m² |
| Main building floor area | 208 m² |
| Number of bedrooms | 5 |
| Outbuildings floor area | 80 m² |
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.
