A 17th century manor house reflected in its mirror lake
in more than 9 hectares, near the Emerald Coast
in more than 9 hectares, near the Emerald Coast
Saint-Cast-le-Guildo, COTES-D'ARMOR
brittany
22380
FR
Location
This property, equidistant from the sought-after towns of Dinard, Dinan and Erquy, neighbours the Emerald Coast, the coast of Penthièvre and the banks of the river Rance. The Bay of Arguenon and the seaside resort of Saint-Cast-Le-Guildo, which has no less than seven beaches with a multitude of views, are 20 minutes away. This manor house is near to all amenities in the town of Plancoët, where Chateaubriand spent his early childhood.
Description
A low stone wall and a wayside cross symbolise the entrance to this property, reached via a country lane. This residence nestles in an enchanting, wooded ecosystem. Its buildings come gradually into view through the vegetation. On one side a retention pond is bordered by some lovely tall trees. A tennis court and vast outbuildings follow on one after the other along a lane which comes to an end in front of a very high porchway, the other side of which reveals a rare sight: a grassy courtyard featuring an old apple mill in its centre with, beyond, an unobstructed vista over a 5,000 m² lake, surrounded by woods. The buildings are laid out in such a way that the owners of the manor house are the only ones able to view this landscape. A dovecote rises up, giving relief to this harmonious property. A pathway, leaving from the manor house, goes all around the lake, leading to a waterfall and walks through the woods.
The manor house
In the 13th century, this site was already home to a manor house, built on rock in the hollow of a valley. It was reconstructed in the 17th century, when it comprised a main, south-facing building, looking out over a lake, fed naturally by many springs, a dovecote and a mill. At the beginning of the 19th century, an east wing was constructed, linking the dovecote to the main section of the manor house. This was followed by a house on the west side and outbuildings to the north. All the buildings are hidden by a covered porchway which, when the gates are closed, conceals the courtyard facing the water. Therefore, the manor house, topped with a gable, slate roof, is now laid out in front of the lake in a U-shape, spanning more than 1,000 m² of living space over two and three levels. Its walls are built of granite stone blocks, with dressed stone used for the surrounds framing the openings and the quoins. It comprises five self-contained accommodation units, fully rehabilitated in an authentic manner using quality materials.
Entrance porch
The main entrance in the south-facing courtyard, looking out over the lake, is reached via a covered porchway, closed by monumental wooden gates, featuring a pedestrian door. On one side, a 2-storey shed could be rehabilitated. It communicates above the porchway with a vast, 90 m² outbuilding that also spans two levels.
Ground floor
Four large reception rooms, one of which spans almost 80 m², extend over a floor surface area of approx. 500 m². Each of the five self-contained accommodation units also has a kitchen and two bedrooms on this level. Most are through rooms. The floors are predominantly covered with traditional terracotta tiles. Residents can, as they will, make use of five monumental fireplaces, all in good working order, one of which is still enhanced with a coat-of-arms, from a marriage 300 years ago.
First floor
This level can be reached either via a mezzanine dominating a lounge, with a cathedral ceiling, or via a period wooden stairway. Thirteen bedrooms, four shower rooms, a bathroom, four toilets and a sewing room are spread throughout the five self-contained accommodation units. Ceiling beams are exposed and floors covered with parquet flooring, whilst bath and shower rooms are adorned with terracotta floor tiles and ceramic tiles.
Second floor
The oldest building, in the centre of the U-shaped building, has a second floor, divided into two separate accommodation units. It comprises a total of five bedrooms, two shower rooms and two toilets. In the 19th century section linking the dovecote to the porchway, bedrooms under the rafters reached via ladders, just like treehouses, resemble secret rooms and appeal greatly to the younger generation.
The outbuildings
The rear of the manor house reveals an old, 100 m² stable, spanning two levels, and a tall, 225 m² farm shed, in an excellent state of repair. There is also a large 90 m² games room, where enthusiasts of table tennis, table football and other turbulent, indoor games, can have the time of their life, whatever the weather. Also with sports in mind, this is followed at a short distance by a football pitch as well as a tennis court and a basketball pitch. A small henhouse, for children and omelettes, is on a lower level.
The parklands
A lake, in its pastoral setting, flows via a succession of little waterfalls, there where the mill once was, into a long, wooded valley. With more than seven hectares, residents can stroll endlessly through these wild surroundings. A monolithic, granite water well, to the west of the manor house, appears frozen in time just as a centuries-old oak tree would be.
Our opinion
The uniqueness of this retreat, uniting water, stone and wood, makes this concealed setting a freshwater pearl just a short distance from the salty sea spray. In-depth renovation works, carried out in the late 20th century using first-class, noble materials, keep these premises between the past and the present. The current owners, members of the same family since the 17th century through marriages and inheritance, have taken meticulous care of this residence and have willingly shared these exceptional premises with passing guests. Every season reveals its finery and offers the possibility of taking peaceful strolls. The tranquillity, the natural surroundings, the space and the play areas make this property a haven of peace near to Brittany’s sought-after coasts. It will appeal not only to a large family, but also to those seeking to run a function activity.
Reference 679918
| Land registry surface area | 9 ha 65 a 99 ca |
| Main building surface area | 1068 m2 |
| Number of bedrooms | +20 |
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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.
