A 16th-century private mansion and terraced gardens
in a small town full of character in the Auvergne
in a small town full of character in the Auvergne
Montaigut-le-Blanc,
PUY-DE-DOME
auvergne
63320
FR
Location
In the Auvergne, in a hilltop village with the "Small town full of character" label, served by a network of narrow alleyways and staircases that climb between the stone houses with their colourful shutters, overlooking the village of Montaigut-le-Blanc, renowned for its medieval and wine-growing heritage. The private mansion is located at the foot of Montaigut castle, within walking distance of Champeix, known as the City of Gardens, a lively town with a Friday farmers' market and numerous shops selling local produce. Issoire, whose train station provides links to Paris and Lyon, is 20 minutes away via the A75, and Clermont-Ferrand is 30 minutes away. Hiking trails, ski slopes, the Sancy massif and the Chaîne des Puys are all nearby.
Description
Built of rubble stone, the dwelling comprises three buildings laid out in a U-shape around an inner courtyard. The single-pitch roofs, covered in weathered canal tiles, form a discreet line in the landscape. A tower houses a stone spiral staircase leading to the upper floors and the courtyard, which is closed off on the street side by a wooden gate. Around the property, terraced gardens are laid out at different heights, revealing a new perspective at each level. An outbuilding occupies the upper esplanade. Originally, a larger building stood at street level, flanked by a corner turret, of which only the base remains today. It may have served as a dwelling for the guards of the neighbouring castle, recalling the defensive history of the site and the Montaigut family. From the windows, you can see the banks of the Couze Chambon, the straight, colourful façades of the houses, the red-tiled roofs and the maze of gardens.
The main dwelling
Over the centuries, the building has retained its architectural homogeneity. Its layout is typical of the period in which it was built: a ground floor devoted to utility rooms, organised around a spiral staircase leading to the upper floors.
The cellars
There are two vaulted cellars, accessible from both inside and outside the building.
The house in ruins
Situated on the tree-lined heights of the property, the second house, partly in ruins, awaits restoration that could return it to its role as an annex or guest house.
Our opinion
Built at the foot of Montaigut castle, the private mansion seems to extend the memory of the site on a more intimate scale, that of a manageable-sized dwelling that has been converted over the centuries, without losing its original harmony. The cross vaults, old fireplaces, wooden and stone staircases, granite floors and French ceilings create a harmonious, authentic setting. The property, which is revealed through a series of landings, terraces and passageways, boasts a host of views over the village, the Couze Chambon valley and the cascading gardens. Each level discovers a new atmosphere, at times oriented towards the life of the house, at other times open to the outside, in the heart of the vegetation. The overall impression is one of softness and solidity. The presence of an outbuilding that can be reinvented is a further promise for those wishing to extend the history of the site.
Reference 886439
| Land registry surface area | 889 m² |
| Main building floor area | 230 m² |
| Number of bedrooms | 5 |
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.
