Location
In the Normandy-Maine Regional Nature Park, just 10 minutes from the famous spa town of Bagnoles-de-l'Orne. Not far from Andaine Forest and the “Etangs de l'Hermitage” lakes. This manor house stands in the midst of the countryside. A TER train line provides 2¼-hour links to Paris. The Normandy beaches and the “Côte Fleurie” (coast of flowers) are an hour away. All shops and amenities are within easy walking distance.
Description
The manor house
Built of stone in the Victorian style in 1890, this impressive manor house was constructed from stone and spans a surface area of approx. 400 m² over four levels, covered with a Mansard, slate roof. The facades feature five bays, topped with recessed dormers, the widely overhanging roofs of which are supported on small trusses and curved angle braces. Two central dormers are set one above the other in a tall, narrow pavilion roof. The main facade is flanked along its entire width by a Victorian-style, wrought iron veranda. Its framework is delicate and its apron walls decorated. It is topped with a terrace featuring a wrought baluster. The entrance to the garden level, taken up by a cellar, a boiler room and a hall area, is under the flight of steps leading to the porch.
Ground floor
A flight of stone steps, with wrought iron railings, goes up to a porch. The door opens into a vast entrance hall, the walls of which are lined with wainscoting. Coloured cement floor tiles form a rug. A carved, wooden stairway has wide steps. The hall provides access, on one side, to a contemporary kitchen, illuminated via a wide window, followed by a dining room. The ceiling, with is octagonal coffer, is adorned with floral motifs. A window overlooking the garden replaces a mirror above the marble fireplace. A door opens into the lounge, where the ceiling decoration with its cherub motifs is highly characteristic of the 19th century and can certainly hold its own against the French capital’s Haussmannian rooms. All the moulding is embellished with a gilt edge. A sculpted, inlaid mirror adorns the white marble fireplace. At the end of a corridor, a small music room looks out over the garden. The veranda, featuring a very British elegance, is steeped in light and can be reached from all the rooms. Its black and white floor tiles are laid in a star shape.
First floor
The four bedrooms are comfortable and refined. They all have an adjoining bath or shower or dressing room. Their decors are composed of fireplaces, cornices, ceiling roses and herringbone pattern parquet flooring. A vast, terrace balcony, which can be accessed from two of the bedrooms, dominates the Normandy countryside. Its latticework railings are made of wrought iron.
Second floor
All of these rooms, laid out under the rafters, are illuminated via roof dormers. One of these four bedrooms features outstanding Art Nouveau style decor. Large, interwoven plant motifs adorn the perimeters of the windows and the corner cupboards. A garland of bunches of grapes is harmoniously mixed with musical instruments on the cornice.
Group of buildings
These large farm buildings could accommodate several horses. An adjoining hay barn stands facing the pastures.
Guest house
This stone house has been divided into three flats, each comprising two bedrooms and a shower room. A vast living room and a kitchen complete these areas. The attic space is illuminated via roof dormers. Two wood-burning stoves provide heat and well-being. A spacious, traditional, long farmhouse, composed of brick with a hip, slate roof, adjoins the garden. A wide wooden terrace looks out over the countryside behind the house.
Our opinion
A carefreeness and progress are the characteristics of the “Belle Époque” when a wind of liberty blew through French society. Here, the exoticism of colonies mixed with English chic is expressed in full and it is immediately clear that meticulous attention was paid to its aesthetic quality throughout. Wrought roof dormers, the Victorian veranda as well as the wealth of internal ornamentation and the Art Nouveau style bedroom give this home its authenticity and unique character. Amidst the meadows, in an elegant atmosphere enhanced by the size of the spacious rooms, the hustle and bustle of the large town is but a distant memory. Reinvent all culinary pleasures and make the most of these premises for a weekend or longer in order to enjoy a taste of the French art of living during a delightful break.
960 000 €
Fees at the Vendor’s expense
Reference 672146
Land registry surface area | 4 ha 38 a 97 ca |
Main building surface area | 400 m2 |
Number of bedrooms | 8 |
Outbuilding surface area | 200 m2 |
including refurbished area | 200 m2 |
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.