In a hamlet 15 minutes from Angoulême, a vast 18th century residence
to be restored, and its garden of almost 4000 m2
to be restored, and its garden of almost 4000 m2
,
CHARENTE
poitou-charentes
FR
Location
In a winding landscape between fields, meadows and woodlands including an extensive forest not far away, the hunting ground of François I, the house is located in a hamlet near a village with all amenities 15 minutes north of Angoulême. The surrounding area is rich in vibrant rural estates and villages as well as remarkable churches dating back to the 12th century. The brightness typical of the region illuminates the dressed rubble and limestone, the materials in which most of the country's houses are built.
A shopping area is less than 10 minutes away and the train station in the centre of Angoulême puts the property within 1h50 of Paris by TGV. Easy to reach, it is also only 10 minutes from the N10 linking Bordeaux - Angoulême - and the N141 to Poitiers. This means that it is only a 4h30 drive to Paris.
Description
Behind the delicate floral motifs of the gateway lies a group of assorted buildings organised around a gravelled courtyard. In the 18th century, the house was owned by a wealthy bourgeois, richer than the local noblemen. The massive main building is a long, high structure with a wing at right angles to the north overlooking a huge forest in the distance to the east. The house offers about 450 m2 of floor space and also includes numerous outbuildings constructed in the typical local Charente style and, at the back, a well-tended garden of almost 4000 m2.
The main house
Mixing pointed rubble stone and plaster, all with tall rectangular small paned windows with white shutters - sometimes featuring transom windows, the facades rise over three levels. The building has a low-pitched gable roof clad with terracotta tiles. The typical Charente architectural style of the house is emphasised by the moulded surrounds of the entrances on the east and west sides. Their cornices serve as sills for the windows of the upper floor.
The ground floor
The massive wooden entrance door, carved with geometric motifs and topped with a tympanum, opens onto a room that has been converted into a kitchen and dining room. On the left, a richly carved fireplace, possibly from another dwelling, recalls the history of the place. It is decorated with two joined shields and a mantling helmet. The oak rafters underline the high ceiling. At the back follows a corridor with a staircase and, on the right, a room with inlaid wainscoting, parquet flooring, with adjacent shower room. Its inset fireplace, painted overmantel depicting a fruit basket surmounted by a garland of flowers, has a brick hearth, a mantel carved with floral motifs and an elaborate chimney plate representing an ancient military camp. A small door next to the staircase opens onto a passageway to the rear. There, on the right, is a long flight of steps leading to the cellar and the large corner room with its fireplace and Charente limestone warming plate. The floor is rammed earth or paved with stones arranged in the form of "cœurs de demoiselles” (hearts of damsels). The room at right angles features the same flooring, it has an entrance and an oak staircase with remarkable balusters.
The first floor
On the south side, the landing leads to four bedrooms, two of which have Louis XV fireplaces decorated with Italian-style paintings of rural landscapes. To the north, a wooden spiral staircase leads from the ground floor to a large corner room boasting a painted fireplace depicting Saint Hubert contemplating a stag. The other room in the east wing features parquet flooring, wallpaper, a view of the horizon and a fireplace with a tiled hearth. Like the mantle and surround, the painted overmantel is framed in marble.
The second floor
As in most Charente residences, small oblong windows in all four walls provide ample light. Renovation will make it possible to rediscover vast surfaces featuring oak beams.
The basement
The vaulted exposed stone cellars measure approximately 30 m2. With skylights, segmental arches and built into the outcropping rock, they are the ideal place to store and preserve wine.
The outbuildings
Like the main house, they are dressed rubble masonry with terracotta tile roofs. To the east, one garage sits to the left and another to the right of the entrance. A bakehouse occupies most of a small building also used for storage. In the corner, between the main building and the garage, is a small stone shed with a one-sided roof of local tiles. Its appearance is softened thanks to a chamfered corner. It houses the well and the boiler room. To the north-west, the property includes a barn of approx. 70 m2 in the continuation of the neighbour's barn.
Our opinion
Beneath the dust and plaster lies the old house, with its dressed stones, its luminous parquet floors, its finely decorated and colourful fireplaces. Under the soft light of the Charente, not far from the great forest where François I once hunted, the property oversees the horizon like an old watchtower burdened by age but with a centuries-old heritage.
While awaiting restoration, a new direction and a return to the youthful ardour of its first springs, there remains the possibility of living on site in a few rooms that are still in good condition.
360 000 €
Fees at the Vendor’s expense
Reference 245729
| Land registry surface area | 3694 m2 |
| Main building surface area | 450 m2 |
| Number of bedrooms | 5 |
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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.
