15th C. listed castle: a Renaissance gem in the Quercy region
Cahors, LOT midi-pyrenees 46000 FR

Location

In the south of the French department of Lot, an integral part of the Quercy Causses Regional Nature Park, a region that is the land of truffles, the limestone plateau of which is covered with superb lawns that encourage orchids, with green and pubescent oak forests and with green valleys with rivers running through. In an ideal position for taking advantage of one of the last “black triangles” of France where a night sky of a rare purity free of any light pollution can be observed. 5 hours from Paris, 1 hour from Toulouse and Brive-La-Gaillarde (airports, and railway stations), near to Cahors and Montauban. All amenities are less than 10 minutes away.

Description

The property stands on a plateau dominating a small valley and stretches over approx. 19 ha (47 acres). A very private estate, taking advantage of a predominantly wooded setting and high walls placed around the perimeter. Everything here is harmoniously laid out and immaculately kept: grasslands, vast truffle grounds and lawns, complete with some superb low dry, stone walls; trees and bushes of varying species; fountains and ornamental stones, etc. A driveway bordered by trimmed boxwood hedges and a limestone driveway lead to the different buildings, whereas other paths link up with the swimming pool, the spa and the sauna, or make it possible to wander around certain parts of the estate. Amongst the outbuildings: an outstanding 17th century, listed windmill, now restored; an old, converted, 15th century watchtower to provide guests with total independence; an impressive construction having sheltered stables as well as carriages in the 17th century, now devoted to function rooms (two adjoining rooms spanning more than 310 m² (3,337 sq ft); a lounge, a large, fully equipped, professional kitchen, bathroom and toilet facilities and a storeroom); a comfortable, completely restored, two-storey dwelling for accommodating friends or caretakers; another dwelling in the process of being restored, an old water mill, spanning three floors, two of which are on ground level.Standing on a hilltop, the castle proudly dominates its surroundings. Built in the 15th century on the site of an even older castle dating from the 13th century, the architecture of the property with its French MH classification bears witness to the first Renaissance period in the Quercy region. This two-storey (excluding attic space), rectangular building was constructed over lower sections containing a cellar and a vast vaulted room. It features a main courtyard that is completely enclosed by a protective perimeter wall as well as French formal gardens with a fountain and a wonderful esplanade positioned under the east facade on the edge of the wood. Elegant, double cross-bar, mullioned windows adorn the two main facades. Their upper part is surrounded by moulded elements that rest on sculpted bases. The power of the old lords is shown in their coat-of-arms featured in the sculpted, high relief corbelling. The central entrance is framed with pinnacles and adorned with prismatic moulding. The identically reproduced, carved, walnut wood door (the original being exhibited in the hall) give an illusion of perspective. After long years of works under the supervision of the Chief Architect from the French Historic Monument Association, the castle is now fully restored and continuously improved through its maintenance and renovation works. The inside spans approx. 615 m² (6,620 sq ft) of living space (excluding attic space), to which can be added approx. 255 m² (2,745 sq ft) in the lower sections. The rooms are spacious and bathed in the great quantities of light provided by its double aspect. The completed works bear witness to the great attention that has been given to authenticity, comfort and elegance. There is no lack of outstanding features: French ceilings, cross-rib vaults, old terracotta tiled floors, monumental stone fireplaces, moulded and sculpted embrasures, indoor shutters, a majestic twisted spiral stairway that is unique in France whereby the underneath of the steps features a geometric latticework chased into the stone, etc. Amongst the main rooms are a lounge, a dining room, a kitchen, a large state lounge (former courtroom), a reception room, a master bedroom with a shower room, an adjoining study and a safe as well as three other bedrooms and three bathrooms.

Our opinion

Set in the most beautiful of surroundings and steeped in peace and quiet, the castle that we have on offer is unanimously recognised as being one of the four or five most admirable castles from the Renaissance period in the Quercy region. But in this instance the quality of the outbuildings is also worthy of note. With its great historic and architectural wealth, this most rare of sites has benefited from the deeds and extreme enthusiasm of its owners in order to regain its elegance of yesteryear. Restoration works that are both intelligent and exemplary and worthy of admiration.

2 450 000 €
Fees at the Vendor’s expense


See the fee rates

Reference 805727

Land registry surface area 18 ha 93 a 65 ca
Main building surface area 615 m2
Number of bedrooms 7
Outbuilding surface area 970 m2
including refurbished area 737 m2

Consultant

Ilan Libert +33 1 42 84 80 85

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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.

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