A 1500 m² Renaissance château, partially listed as a historic monument and converted
into a hotel, outbuildings and garden in a medieval village in the Lyon countryside
Lyon, AIN rhones-alps 69000 FR

Location

At the gateway to the Jura and the Alps, in a village on the banks of the River Ain, at the meeting point between green mountains, plateaux and lakes, with a rich historical and religious heritage and plenty of opportunities for hiking, walking and water sports. Community life here is vibrant, with local markets, festivals and cultural and sporting events, and practical, with local shops, schools and health services. The nearby A42 motorway enables you to reach Lyon in under 30 minutes, from where the TGV train takes you to Paris and Marseille in 2 hours. A train station 6 km away has regular services to Lyon and Bourg-en-Bresse. Lyon and Geneva international airports are 30 min and 90 minutes' drive away respectively.

Description

You can see the château at the end of a country road, between the village church and the primary school. Circular towers, topped with conical tiled roofs typical of French seigneurial architecture, frame a parapet walk. The complex runs around a courtyard bordered by fine lines of trees and a stone perimeter wall. The main building, which is rectangular in shape and three storeys high, is topped with a French-style dark slate roof dotted with ornate dormer windows. The white stone façade has tall mullioned windows. A central staircase, flanked by balusters, leads to a huge door in fitting with the grand building. In the immediate vicinity there are a courtyard and outbuildings, with stone walls and brown tiled roofs, once used as farm buildings. The enclosed parkland, covering some 3,000 m², stretches out behind the château, alternating between formal gardens and wilder copses of trees. The fortress has undergone a complete renovation over the last decade.

A little history

The château was once a fortified house built by the Lords of Coligny. It comprises a variety of architectural styles due to its transformation over the centuries. In 1585, the medieval house evolved into a Renaissance-style residence, with the addition of mullioned windows and a gallery, and the connection of the old and new parts of the buildings. After several changes of occupant, it was acquired by the family of André Balme, the King's secretary in 1680, which retained ownership until the French Revolution. In the 19th century, it became private property once again and then a textile workshop, before being divided up in a sale in 1854. In 1953, part of the building was converted into an antiques shop. It was listed as a Historic Monument in 1984. In 2014, a heritage enthusiast bought it and restored it. After eight months of work, the reassembled historic residence, opened its doors to guests in 2015.

The château-hotel

The hotel has four suites, one of which is on the ground floor, and a fifth with a private terrace overlooking the gardens. Five family suites have two interconnecting bedrooms. On the ground floor, a customer reception area adjoins an electrical room. This is followed by a fully-equipped kitchen, a room for breakfast and evening meals, and bathroom facilities adapted for people with reduced mobility. The main entrance is a solid wood door decorated with nails, set off by a Gothic-style carved stone frame. Two converted outbuildings, each measuring 500 m², include four bedrooms on the ground floor, one of which is suitable for people with reduced mobility, four spacious duplex apartments, two of which have a shared terrace with a view of the surrounding countryside, and five bedrooms upstairs. A laundry and two technical rooms complete the facilities. On the side of the château, a discreet entrance, protected by a weathered wooden roof, provides access to the vaulted cellar, which leads to a rough stone passageway and then to a staircase. In the bathrooms, warm-toned natural stone tiled walls and pedestal washbasins exude an elegant harmony. The bright rooms combine warm-coloured walls with herringbone parquet flooring. Exposed beams, sculpted white stone fireplaces and historic murals create an authentic feel. Deep red curtains, soft blue shutters and painted ceilings, graced with poetic frescoes, add a theatrical, dreamlike touch. The dining room combines dark wooden beams, natural stone and restored details, while a second vaulted room is bathed in soft light that complements the terracotta floor. Every detail reflects a subtle balance between history and contemporary comfort.

The outside areas

A large gravel courtyard with a wooden gallery and stone planters stretches out in front of the château. To the rear, a leafy courtyard leads to the grounds. A line of trees frames a gravel driveway leading to a discreet wrought-iron gate. The carefully manicured lawns are adorned with white spheres of light.

The heraldic fresco

Painted on the mantelpiece of the château's main fireplace, it illustrates the union of two prestigious lineages in the 17th century. The Balme family coat of arms, adorned with a golden lion symbolising power and a sheaf evoking prosperity, intersects with that of the Trocu family, dominated by a band of azure studded with golden stars, reflecting an aspiration for excellence and brilliance. The serpentine female figures and mirrors framing the composition add a mythological and introspective dimension, celebrating both the durability of alliances and the harmony between power and refinement. Listed as a Historic Monument since 1984, this precious work embodies the living memory of the place, where history, art and architecture are intimately intertwined.

The outbuilding to be renovated

Spanning 700 m² over two floors, it comprises three rooms on the ground floor and three more upstairs. A vast attic, a stable, a cellar and a shed complete the property. The renovation potential is estimated at 15 bedrooms, a linen room, a sports room, a relaxation area and a reception area.

Our opinion

In the heart of the bucolic Ain countryside, a fortress combining the charm of yesteryear with modern comforts. With its rich history and location in a peaceful medieval village, the château, which is now a high quality hotel, combines art de vivre with profitability. From its very first year, the facility has been highly profitable thanks to its appeal to a cosmopolitan clientele. The elegantly decorated rooms are just as suitable for business trips as they are for romantic getaways or stays with family or friends. The renovation of the entire building, completed in 2014, and the potential offered by some 700 m² of outbuildings in need of renovation, are further assets of this choice address.

Exclusive sale

3 999 000 €
Fees at the Vendor’s expense


See the fee rates

Reference 928708

Land registry surface area 3099 m2
Main building surface area 1500 m2
Number of bedrooms +20
Outbuilding surface area 700 m2

Consultant

Souad Philippon +33 1 42 84 80 85

contact

Share

send to a friend Pinterest linkedin Facebook

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.

By continuing your navigation, you accept the use of cookies to offer you services and offers adapted to your centers of interest and to measure the frequentation of our services. Learn more