This French heritage-listed château is a patchwork of history

Elegant but eclectic, this shabby-chic manor house in France’s Pays-de-la-Loire region is a mosaic of history stretching from the 15th century to the present day.

Parts of the 15-bedroom, heritage-listed château were built in the medieval period, though the majority, as it stands today, dates from Le Grand Siècle (the reign of Louis XIV from 1638 – 1715). Around 50km from Nantes and Angers (and 2.5 hours from Paris by train), the rural property extends over 1,000 sq m and is built in schist rubble with a rendered façade, handsome slate roof and two pavilion wings.

The château is for sale via Patrice Besse for €725,000 and is being marketed as a B&B opportunity with some renovation work needed.

Living spaces inside the main house span three storeys, with grand reception rooms on the ground floor. The two pavilions house the kitchen, dining room and staff space, with beamed bedrooms with marble fireplaces on the second floor and attic level.

There are ample period features throughout, from herringbone oak parquet flooring in the living room to an array of fireplaces, including a monumental granite fireplace with carved birds with human heads and flower knots, a tuffeau stone hearth and a cut stone fireplace with a hood up to the ceiling. Elsewhere are coffered and French-style ceilings, terracotta and slate tiled floors and a beautiful oak staircase that connects each level.

The French property sits on just under 8 hectares of land — a mix of meadows, pasture and woodland – with several outbuildings in varying states of dilapidation. Among them is a 17th-century chapel with its original carved wooden altar and wrought iron communion table intact, and stained glass windows.

The 19th-century stables are in rougher shape, with the roof missing on one wing. This 350 sq m building is a renovation challenge but has some interesting features, including an Argentinian-inspired design.
Other buildings for renovation include a 50 sq m cottage (once the caretaker’s) as well as the hayloft, store rooms and a bread oven.

Take a look in the gallery above.