Could it be possible that a fully restored, 17-room Medieval chateau in the heart of France – near the castles of the world famous Loire Valley – is on the market for a little more than US $2.3 million? And that the chateau sits in the middle of Parc Naturel de la Brenne, a pristine French nature preserve that is home to more than 260 species of birds and other wildlife?
Well, yes.
Cradled in one of France’s 48 regional parks, this is a home for those seeking luxury, privacy and quiet.
Unlike national parks that protect mostly uninhabited and rugged zones of beauty, such as the Alps, French parc naturels preserve inhabited rural areas of historic, cultural or natural heritage. (Groupe Mercure)
Unlike national parks that protect mostly uninhabited and rugged zones of beauty, such as the Alps, French parc naturels preserve inhabited rural areas of historic, cultural or natural heritage. In the case of Parc Naturel de la Brenne, nature is queen, although the nearby town of Le Blanc (population 6,500) supplies the creature comforts required for modern life, including hotels, restaurants and markets.
The park’s history extends back to the late Middle Ages, when monks from nearby abbeys fished the many lakes and ponds. Today the area is protected by the French government, which means the natural state also must be preserved. This is excellent news for the neighborhood and the 14th century chateau.
The 5,543-square-foot (515 square meters) home has been perfectly restored with remarkable taste and elegance. (Groupe Mercure)
And there’s more good news for a potential homeowner. The 5,543-square-foot (515 square meters) home has been perfectly restored with remarkable taste and elegance.
To enter the home is to walk into the past over old stone floors leading to an intricately carved staircase. Also on the ground floor is the main dining room with magnificent woodwork and a fireplace, a smaller dining room for more intimate meals, a large and well-equipped kitchen with a fireplace, a reception room and library and a small living room, library and bathroom.
To enter the home is to walk into the past over old stone floors leading to an intricately carved staircase. (Groupe Mercure)
The next floor up contains another living room, as well as the first of eight bedrooms: a large bedroom suite with bathroom and office, a bedroom and bath in the tower, another bedroom with a bathroom, a bedroom with a shower and two smaller bedrooms. Two small children’s bedrooms and attic space complete the top floor.
The 20-acre (8-hectare) property set on lush gardens, lawns and woods includes three charming farmhouses that have been tastefully decorated, one with a private garden, a heated swimming pool and pool house, garages and other buildings. A large barn with a stone floor is perfect for concerts, theater or perhaps even a wedding.
The 20-acre (8-hectare) property set on lush gardens, lawns and woods includes three charming farmhouses that have been tastefully decorated, one with a private garden, a heated swimming pool and pool house, garages and other buildings. (Groupe Mercure)
This haven of peace and birdsong in central France is a three-hour drive from Paris (3.5 hours by train) and a 6-hour drive from the Calais Eurotunnel terminal. But why would you ever want to leave?
Xavier Robelin of Mercure Groupe is the listing agent for the property. The asking price is 1.99 million euros or about US $2.3 million.
