An elegant manor house with nearly 300 m² and
grounds of more than 3,000 m², facing the sea, in Douarnenez
grounds of more than 3,000 m², facing the sea, in Douarnenez
Douarnenez,
FINISTERE
brittany
29100
FR
Location
On the coast of Brittany, less than 25 kilometres from Quimper, Douarnenez is known as the city with three ports. Heavily influenced by the golden age of sardine fishing in the 19th century, today the city is sought out for its natural environment and sailing. Perched up in the heights and shielded from the sea winds thanks to a verdant setting, the property is surrounded by the former manors of by-gone ship-owners and industrialists, while all shops and services are nearby and the train in Quimper provides service to Paris in four hours.
Description
Three hundred metres from the beach, the dwelling is located on immense landscaped grounds surrounded by stone walls, while, past the columns of its ornate gate, two curved lanes lead visitors towards the dwelling’s front steps. Built in 1901 out of plaster-coated rubble and ashlar stone, it features three inhabitable floors over a basement level. Somewhere between a seaside villa and a traditional countryside manor, the dwelling combines both Neo-Gothic and eclectic styles, typical of the Belle Epoque period, whereas its rectangular structure, crowned with a steep slate roof, is extended by two raised central pavilions, topped with pediments and spired roofs.
With rounded pedimented dormer windows punctuating its rooftops, the manor’s main façade stands out thanks to its tall pavilion, while its southern side is flanked by a larger turret and two immense chimneys are located on each of its gable ends. Featuring symmetrical rows of windows that not only showcase the dwelling’s orderly composition, but also lend it a regal appearance, its light-colour plaster-coated exteriors contrast nicely with its decorative elements, such as its foundations, window/door surrounds, horizontal stringcourses and moulding in dark ashlar stone.
With rounded pedimented dormer windows punctuating its rooftops, the manor’s main façade stands out thanks to its tall pavilion, while its southern side is flanked by a larger turret and two immense chimneys are located on each of its gable ends. Featuring symmetrical rows of windows that not only showcase the dwelling’s orderly composition, but also lend it a regal appearance, its light-colour plaster-coated exteriors contrast nicely with its decorative elements, such as its foundations, window/door surrounds, horizontal stringcourses and moulding in dark ashlar stone.
The Dwelling
After a short flight of four wide steps that precedes its front porch, the dwelling’s main entrance is located within the central bay of its seaside-facing exterior. As for its secondary entrance, located on the other side and preceded by a patio, it communicates directly with the kitchen, while a service door provides access to the basement.
The base level
Extending on from the lane that leads to the garage, a wide service door in the house’s eastern gable end, provides access to an inconspicuous door located in the main stairwell, which opens on to a straight wooden staircase that descends to a furnace room, a laundry room and a storage area, followed by a cellar.
The garden-level floor
Glazed double doors, decorated with ironwork and topped with a fanlight, open on to a wide tiled entrance hall that provides access to two living areas to the east and west, which both enjoy abundant sunlight thanks to their dual-aspect windows and views of the sea. Accessible via glass double doors, these two rooms can be combined to create a vast space with hardwood floors, while the drawing room features a fireplace, as well as wooden wainscoting. From this room’s southern side, the kitchen is directly accessible, while, on the other side of the entrance hall, the dining room also includes a door, to the south, which communicates with a study.
In addition, the entrance hall gives on to a corridor – with a stairwell – that provides access to the kitchen, study, a lavatory as well as the lower level.
The first floor
A landing followed by by an immense hallway provides access to a suite with a private bathroom and lavatory, a bedroom with a washbasin and sea views, as well as a shower room and a lavatory, while, following on from here, are two more bedrooms, also with enchanting views.
The second floor
A landing provides access to four bedrooms with sloping ceilings, three of which have views of the sea, as well as a shower room with a lavatory and an attic.
The Outbuildings
The garage
With a floor area of approximately 50 m², a storage space has been created on its mezzanine level.
The bakehouse
This eye-catching amenity is fully functional.
The storehouse
Adjoining the garage’s eastern wall and built out of wood, it features a floor area of approximately 25 m².
The garden shed
Abutting the property’s western border, this open edifice contains a floor area of approximately 20 m².
The Grounds
Sloping gently from south to north and entirely enclosed, the grounds are completely sheltered from view and shielded from the sea's winds thanks to their tall trees and layout specific to manor houses on the Brittany coast. Surrounded by hedges and structured with flowerbeds, swaths of lawn and raised vegetable beds, the grounds evoke the tradition of formal gardens, which blend the cultivation of vegetables with ornamental plants.
In contrast, pathways wind their way through groves of shrubs in order to reach a more unbridled landscaped composition, inherited from English-style gardens, the latter highlighting the variation in the grounds’ different levels and the breadth of perspectives between the buildings, vegetation and coastal panorama. Lastly, to the north, a statue on a pedestal looks out towards the bay to the south, while, extending on from the manor’s garden level, a wide patio is bordered by a charming ornamental pond.
Our opinion
Perched up in the heights of Douarnenez, facing the vastness of the Iroise Sea, this large manor house and its verdant English-style garden features balanced proportions, orderly exteriors, as well as landscaped grounds, which give the property the feel of either a seaside villa or a Brittany manor house, depending on one’s preference. As for its interior spaces and amenities, they are in excellent condition, having been renovated and carefully maintained, while, easily accessible from both the beach and nearby schools on foot, this property would be perfect for a large family or a second home, in any season.
1 100 000 €
Fees at the Vendor’s expense
Reference 612362
| Land registry surface area | 3089 m² |
| Main building floor area | 300 m² |
| Number of bedrooms | 7 |
| Outbuildings floor area | 95 m² |
French Energy Performance Diagnosis
Information on the risks to which this property is exposed is available on the website: www.georisques.gouv.fr
Share
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.
