An Australian and lifelong Francophile, I had always longed to settle in France, to be immersed in its heritage, food, wines, and language. While we initially considered Paris, our memories over 40 years and our deep connection to Burgundy led us south, to Saint-Amour-Bellevue. Here, over the course of our stays, sincere friendships blossomed, along with an admiration for a culture of wine intimately linked to French the art of living. We searched tirelessly for the perfect property for ten years, always coming back to this village. Then, we discovered this house, which we initially thought to be too demanding, but which proved to be unique due to its location.
Surrounded by two hectares of land, this 400 m2 house, typical of the Mâconnais region, boasts a clean-lined stone architecture with parquet floors and antique fireplaces. The marble flooring sets the tone right from the entrance and leads to generous reception areas: a 70 m2 living room, bathed in natural light, and a second, more intimate room opening onto a south-facing balcony and terrace. The slightly overhanging veranda is the focal point. It opens onto a sweeping landscape, where vineyards guide the eye towards the valley, the rolling hills of the Mâconnais, and, in the distance, the sunlit plains.
The house was built in 1850 by Emily Chandon, of the famous Moët & Chandon Champagne family. Surrounded by vineyards, the estate produced renowned wines that were vinified on site. At the end of the 19th century, the estate was acquired by the Delacour family, who continued the winemaking business. In 1957, Marie-Joseph Delacour married Édouard Balladur – the French Prime Minister from 1993 to 1995 – in the magnificent Romanesque church of Saint-Amour. The reception that followed was held in the house and its grounds. The property remained the Balladur family's country home for many years, a place of rest and tranquillity. "Château Balladur," as everyone in the village affectionately called it, was sold in 1980 to the Pieroth family, international wine merchants. We became the owners in 2016.
We offer a unique property in the heart of Saint-Amour, a Beaujolais cru. This characterful residence, surrounded by vineyards, blends the soul of the past with contemporary works selected from across Europe, creating a subtle dialogue between eras. Carefully chosen lighting, floral rugs, linen, and crystal combine to create a refined and inviting atmosphere. The ever-present views change throughout the day. Designed for culinary enthusiasts, the house has a fully equipped kitchen, complete with a range. The long terrace is perfect for convivial gatherings. The garden and swimming pool invite you to slow down: to relax, flick through a few pages, chat, or simply do nothing at all and let the hours drift by.
In Saint-Amour-Bellevue and the surrounding area, the food and wine scene is thriving. The restaurant "Lucienne fait des siennes" offers food to share, subtly enhanced with spices, while "Le Coq à Juliénas," a truly chic, century-old rural institution, delights lovers of tradition and local produce. In Avenas, the restaurant “Ema" serves inspired cuisine, enhanced by a remarkable view of the Beaujolais Vert and attentive service provided by a passionate sommelier. As for vineyards, Nicolas Maillet cultivates his old Verzé vines organically and then biodynamically, producing wines of great purity. At Château de la Romancière, Claire Midey carefully manages a small, private estate, certified "High Environmental Value," respecting the natural balance.
The house is spread out over two levels and comprises two living rooms, a gallery, a kitchen, and two bedrooms on the ground floor. Upstairs, there are three additional bedrooms. All five bedrooms have their own bathrooms.
ref 690445
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