An 18th century manor house and its 128-ha estate
in the bocage countryside of the Charente-Limousine area
in the bocage countryside of the Charente-Limousine area
Confolens, CHARENTE
poitou-charentes
16500
FR
Location
Pastoral and rural, the Charente-Limousine area designates a historical province where the borders of several regions meet. This property, set in the countryside, is reached via a little lane linked to a main road. On the heights, a row of fir trees runs alongside the outbuildings and the meadows to the gateway that opens into the manor courtyard. Extending all around, the continuous 128 hectares are currently leased.
Description
Laid out in an L-shape around the courtyard and dominating the landscape are the manor, the farmer’s house, the garages and the woodshed. Some old henhouses extend the gateway and a large, enclosed garden, planted with fruit trees, is to be found on the other side of the main building. The outbuildings, the hamlet and the stalls are spread out uphill.
The manor house
Dating from the 18th century, its facade features ten openings on the courtyard side and just as many on the garden side. Granite forms the surrounds framing said openings as well as the quoins. It is topped with a hip roof and its walls are rendered.
Ground floor
Three steps go up to the main door which opens into the manor’s entrance hall, housing the main stairway. On one side, a dining room is decorated with panelling dating from the 20th century. The floor is laid with parquet flooring and one of the walls features a fireplace, with a wooden mantel, topped with a painted trumeau depicting a gallant scene. A French window provides access to the garden. An adjoining kitchen is enhanced with a fireplace, a corner cupboard and a separate entrance. The floor is tiled. A lounge, on the other side of the entrance hall, is also lined with panelling dating from the last century and includes a marble fireplace as well as parquet flooring. All the rooms on the ground floor are through rooms and the ceilings have been measured at a height of 3.30 m. A guest toilet has been installed under the stairway.
First floor
This floor is reached via the manor’s main stairway. On one side, three bedrooms each have their own wash-hand basin. Two have a fireplace with a wooden mantel. All the floors are laid with nailed parquet flooring. Two bedrooms are laid out on the other side, one has a fireplace, with a wooden mantel, whilst the other has a marble fireplace. The first is enhanced with panelling, dating from the last century. Preceded by a dressing room, the bathroom communicates directly with one of the bedrooms. It is possible to reach the adjoining farmer’s house from this level, the ceilings of which have been measured at a height of 3.35 m.
Attic
On the second floor, the attic space can also be directly reached via the main stairway. This space has not yet been converted and could house additional rooms.
The farmer's house
An integral part of the main building, this house could be linked to the manor or be kept as a self-contained section.
Ground floor
The living room, dating from the 20th century, opens on to the garden. It is lined with panelling and wooden showcases as well as a marble fireplace. The entrance hall provides access to the stairway, a shower room and a guest toilet. A few steps make it possible to reach the kitchen, also fitted with a fireplace and a door leading out to the courtyard.
First floor
This level comprises three bedrooms, two adjoining and one independent. The landing also gives access to the first floor of the manor house.
The hamlet
This hamlet is composed of two small houses, two barns and a garage, all of which are built from regional stone. The first house comprises a ground floor with a back kitchen and an upstairs, with a bedroom and a study as well as a shower room and a toilet. The second house spans a ground floor, an upstairs that is not currently used and an adjoining area.
The outbuildings
Laid out around the courtyard, the outbuildings comprise a laundry room (the washing machine of which takes water from a well), a boiler room, two garages, a woodshed and old henhouses.
The garden
Enclosed and spanning a surface area of more than 2,600 m², this garden includes cherry, walnut and pear trees as well as raspberry canes, all planted around a well.
The woods
Several small woods are dotted throughout the 128-ha estate. Planted predominantly with oak trees, they span a total surface area of 10 hectares.
The land
All the land is currently leased. 65 hectares are on a 25-year lease that expires in March 2027, the remainder of the land is on an 18-year lease that expires in 2025. The stalls are made freely available without a lease. Springs have been tapped on all the plots, making their irrigation possible.
Our opinion
From woods to meadows, from valleys to lakes, the Charente-Limousine area is composed of secret and peaceful bocage countryside, once witness to great historic sagas. Having belonged to the same family since its origins, the site discloses an entire section of local history. From the manor house to the outbuildings, time here appears to be standing still, covering panelling and elegant period fireplaces with a touching patina. The quantity of land could meet the requirements of a local production in tune with its time. From spring roses to autumn fruit, it is a garden of possibility, that can be lived in all year round.
Reference 788131
| Land registry surface area | 128 ha 54 a 62 ca |
| Main building surface area | 400 m2 |
| Number of bedrooms | 5 |
| Outbuilding surface area | 500 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.
