Lofty volumes, stunningly beautiful architecture enhanced by period features, these noble properties surrounded by parks are in a class of their own. From Paris to the Basque Coast via Provence, Bordeaux and Cognac, our selection is comprised of castles and manor houses which have time on their side.
In Aiguines in the Haut Var, very close to Provence, this magnificent château whose origins date back over 1500 years offers a panoramic view of the Lake of Sainte Croix. Surrounded by a 50-acre park at the heart of the Verdon Gorges, benefiting from gardens, terraces, parks, vines and fountains, it also offers a heated pool with enchanting views and a helipad. Its living space of approx. 3,000 m2 is comprised of 35 main rooms, adorned with features, many of which are listed as historic heritage. 15.850.000 €. Engel & Völkers Côte d’Azur Cannes (04 93 68 64 72).
Built in the late 19th century and listed as one of France’s most beautiful residences, this sublime Anglo-Norman property in Saint Cloud stands in grounds of 1,200 m2 and enjoys a superb view of Paris. On three floors, its living space of 350 m2 consists of eight main rooms including a cathedral lounge with a ceiling 8 metres high, a large dining-room, a kitchen with breakfast area, and 4 bedrooms including a master suite. The former stables have been converted to provide a small independent house of 60 m2. A service studio and garage complete the property. 4.200.000 €. Emile Garcin Neuilly (01 47 17 18 18).
On the banks of the Gave d’Oloron, this exceptional property in perfect condition hosts a magnificent 17th-C. château of approx. 500 m2 comprised of 14 main rooms. Near the mountains and on the banks of a river offering the possibility of many sports activities, the grounds benefit from a heated pool, gardens, orchards and about 66 acres of meadows and woods. A caretakers’ house, mill, large outbuildings and a barn complete this outstanding property. 1.680.000 €. Barnes Côte Basque (05 59 51 00 00).
In Burie, between Saintes and Cognac, this magnificent property consists of a late 18th-C. château of approx. 470 m2 offering superb living areas and 7 bedrooms. It comes with two “gîtes” of 171 and 233 m2 for paying guests, each offering 3 bedrooms and appreciable volumes. All in a wooded park of approx. 6.66 acres, ideally located at the heart of a village with all kinds of shops nearby. 1.260.000 €. Saint Louis French Properties (05 46 93 72 26).
30 minutes from the centre of Bordeaux in the Podensac area, this elegant manor house built in 1900 offers well-preserved old features in an idyllic setting. On about 3.7 acres of land it benefits from a stream, an orchard, a cascade and a heated pool. On three floors, its living space of 450 m2 offers 15 main rooms, including 7 bedrooms completed by a 3-bedroomed caretakers’ house, a shed, vaulted cellar and a garage. 1.450.000 €. Groupe International Mercure Bordeaux Aquitaine (06 84 95 12 26).
