A 15th & 17th century manor house, with outbuildings and wooded parklands,
in the Indre Valley near to the river Loire, 25 km from Tours
in the Indre Valley near to the river Loire, 25 km from Tours
Azay-le-Rideau, INDRE-ET-LOIRE
center-val-de-loire
37190
FR
Location
To the east of the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Park, where the rivers Indre and Loire meet. In the midst of a land of rustic landscapes where nature still takes pride of place. A land of unique places in natural settings living peacefully in tune with the rivers and the seasons. An invitation to explore the delights of this somewhat secret region. Between well-known chateaux and age-old heritage. Once a land of inspiration for a good number of writers. The little-known, but nevertheless appreciated birthplace of many vintages. In tranquil, verdant surroundings, crossed by rivers and streams. Not far from a little lively town. Less than 30 minutes from Tours.
Description
Constructed in the 15th century, the original house was restored notably during the 17th century and then, later, in the last quarter of the 19th century. Between the 15th and 17th centuries, this former fiefdom belonged to members of several great French families, such as the Valois and Crécy families. Most were lords, equerries or knights. At the beginning of the 20th century, the manor house was purchased by an American artist, a sculptor to be precise, who lived here until the end of his days. Internationally renowned, he specialised in clay bust portraits. He was commissioned by an impressive number of personalities. One of his sons continued to live on the premises for some twenty years. On his invitation, another equally well-known American sculptor discovered the estate and the region, both therefore gaining additional fame. This sculptor contributed to the conversion of the old house. He consequently transformed the vast barn into his artist’s studio, whilst preserving its roofing framework and its monumental fireplace. Several years ago, an inscription in memory of this sculptor was put up at the entrance to the property, as a reminder of his presence. It is intended to make passing tourists aware of the wealth of this cultural heritage. This small section of the area in an equally small part of the Indre Valley has inspired and marked several great artists working in a variety of fields. This property set in a dominant position on a hillside, is in an enviable location courtesy of its unobstructed view over the natural surroundings. It extends over more than two hectares, more or less equally divided between the woods, essentially composed of species such as alder, ash, poplar and willow, the parklands and the garden.
The manor house
This manor house is reached via a little road. Partially concealed behind a high, exposed, old stone wall surrounding the property, this manor house stands in the midst of the fields and vines of this wonderful area with the same name as this hamlet. This very authentic home is typical of the region and its rural architecture. From the 15th century, there notably remains an outstanding corner tower, topped with a candlesnuffer roof. In the first half of the 18th century, a house was added. Nowadays, the manor house forms a U-shape and both of its wings are extended, one by the guest house, its roof covered with flat tiles, and the other by a holiday accommodation rental unit, with a slate roof, and outbuildings. The manor house spans two levels under attic space. It is topped with an elegant hip roof, covered with slate and enhanced with roof dormers. Its main facade is aligned with a series of large, small-paned windows. An impressive flight of stone steps in the centre of this facade goes up to the front door of the manor house. At one end, a garage; at the other, the round tower. The interior of the perimeter formed by these various buildings is taken up by a landscaped courtyard. Beyond, in front of the manor house and on one of its sides, wooded gardens, enhanced with alleyways, shrubs and hedges, lead to the troglodyte caves, followed by a swimming pool and its pool-house.
Ground floor
The vestibule, with black and white floor tiles laid in a chessboard pattern and exposed beams, is laid out in the main building of the manor house and provides access, on one side, to a large lounge, with a stone fireplace and strip pattern parquet flooring. This lounge is extended by a study, fitted with a toilet. On the other side, a lounge, with strip pattern parquet flooring, is decorated with a stone fireplace and wainscoting. Both lounges have ceilings featuring exposed beams. Double glazed doors open off the vestibule into a long gallery providing access to a bedroom, decorated with a black marble fireplace and exposed ceiling beams, with a bathroom and a dressing room; a completely glazed area, with a stone floor, overlooking the interior courtyard; a kitchen, with terracotta floor tiles and exposed ceiling beams, as well as its back kitchen. In one of the wings of the manor house, a corridor provides access to two bedrooms, with their bathroom, and a linen room. In the other wing: a large hall area housing a wooden stairway; a utility room and a shower room with a toilet. This hall area also leads directly to the garden, to the swimming pool and to a large dining room, with strip pattern parquet flooring. Decorated with a monumental freestone and brick fireplace, this room looks widely out over the interior courtyard.
First floor
A landing provides access to a vast, bright study. An exposed stone wall and a high ceiling, enhanced with the exposed roofing framework, give this room great character.
The holiday accommodation rental unit
Extending the west wing of the manor house, this holiday accommodation rental unit comprises an entrance lounge, a kitchen and a hall area, with a toilet, on the ground floor, whilst a landing provides access to two bedrooms with two bathrooms on the first floor. Total floor surface area 125 m².
The guest house
Extending the east wing of the manor house, this guest house comprises an entrance lounge, a hall area leading to a kitchen, a toilet and a bathroom on the ground floor and a shower room as well as three bedrooms on the first floor. Total floor surface area 140 m².
The outbuildings
The old sculptor’s studio (160 m²) extends the guest house whilst the boiler room and the woodshed extend the holiday accommodation rental unit. A garage is on the garden level of the main building. Troglodyte caves are to be found in one section of the garden.
Our opinion
A remarkable place and a most pleasant setting. In a particularly pastoral part of the country, an original, spacious house which is an invitation to peace and quiet. This is a real chance to escape into the countryside and all of its riches with amenities which, nevertheless, remain close by. Far from bustling towns and their inconveniences, but with easy access to the different means of transport.
This property would enable future owners to possibly realise a project. Most certainly that of a privileged holiday home as well, no doubt, as a cultural activity by opening the house to the general public. In memory of the artist that lived and created there.
A somewhat unusual place, of a reasonable size. Just 30 minutes from Tours.
1 250 000 €
Fees at the Vendor’s expense
Reference 621154
| Land registry surface area | 2 ha 29 a 18 ca |
| Main building surface area | 384 m2 |
| Number of bedrooms | 9 |
| Outbuilding surface area | 425 m2 |
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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.
