A former convent and its walled park
on the Causse Noir limestone plateau in Aveyron
on the Causse Noir limestone plateau in Aveyron
Millau,
AVEYRON
midi-pyrenees
12100
FR
Location
In the heart of the Grands Causses Regional Nature Park, with its houses roofed with slate tiles supported by magnificent limestone vaults, Veyreau bears all the hallmarks of a Causse village. In springtime, aspiring or experienced botanists will be able to appreciate the richness of the Causse's flora, which was extolled in the 19th century by the entomologist Jean-Henri Fabre. All year round, hiking, horse riding and mountain biking bring the surrounding area to life. Quiet but not isolated, 30 minutes from Millau, the property is 10 km from the nearest shops. Rodez and its airport are 1h30 away, whilst the Mediterranean Sea can be reached in 2 hours.
Description
On the edge of the village, the dry-stone perimeter wall defines the boundary line of the property. Two stone pillars mark the entrance where a walnut tree watches over the ornamental garden situated slightly above. Set in the centre of grounds extending over 1.5 ha, the old convent with its impressive south-facing facade comes into view on the right. The dovecote and the gable with its cross are reminders of the fact that the convent was built in 1826 and that it has witnessed many religious and cultural emotions during its existence. Outbuildings to the north serve as a boiler house and woodshed. Further on, an old swimming pool in need of restoration can be made out, as well as a typical porch providing access to the meadow. Pines, cysts, limestone... everything evokes the genuine Causse plateau. In addition to the property, a vast plot of land of more than 7 hectares would provide space for breeding animals.
The convent
Built of exposed local stone, spanning four levels and roofed with traditional flagstone, its facades are punctuated with numerous windows framed in dressed stone. The windows are plain, those on the ground floor have wooden shutters.
The entire convent requires restoration.
The ground floor
A large door opens onto a flagstone entrance hall. To the right, a large living room overlooks the garden. A kitchen is situated in the northern section with a door to the grounds and the outbuildings. To the left are a separate dining room and a mezzanine, whilst a small drawing room takes up the gable. The floors are terracotta-tiled and the window frames and shutters are of wood. A staircase with large wooden planks connects to the chapel on the mezzanine floor, before leading to the upper floors.
The first floor
This level is divided into 6 bedrooms and a bathroom, all of which have rough wooden floors.
The second floor
This features a large stone-vaulted auditorium and 3 further bedrooms.
The third floor
A simple flight of stairs leads to the observatory, the dovecote and a bedroom with a bathroom. A gallery overlooks the auditorium.
The garden
Enclosed by walls, it includes a terrace to the south and an old vegetable plot rising above the vast plenum of the building, shaded by a wisteria. To the east, an old swimming pool awaiting renovation adjoins the flagstone covered arch marking the entrance to the pastures. To the north, the outbuildings provide storage space for wood, and further on, the ruins of a former stone gateway await renovation.
Our opinion
Where rocks, Causse landscapes and centuries-old sacred or profane lyrics meet, the convent and its small hamlet of outbuildings are awaiting an ambitious renovation project that would enhance the history of the site. The majestic Causse limestone plateau, the invigorating climate and the authentic inhabitants will meet and exceed the expectations of those who dare to discover this property.
Reference 875475
| Land registry surface area | 8 ha 88 a 24 ca |
| Main building surface area | 500 m2 |
| Number of bedrooms | 9 |
| Outbuilding surface area | 50 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.
