A 19th century Mansart style chateau and its outbuildings set in 32 hectares of parklands, meadows and woods 30 km from Carcassonne - ref 117475
A 19th century Mansart style chateau and its outbuildings set in 32 hectares of parklands, meadows and woods 30 km from Carcassonne.
In the French Aude department, the estate is not far from a village situated between Carcassonne, with its medieval city listed as a Unesco World Heritage site, and Limoux, famous for its AOC "Blanquette" sparkling wine and its carnival, listed as an intangible cultural heritage since 2013. The picturesque listed villages of the former medieval county of Razès, such as Belvèze-du-Razès, Alaigne and Routier, add to the region's multifaceted appeal. Chateaux and vineyards are showcased as prime examples of the architectural, cultural and agricultural heritage of the Cathar region. Moreover, the rural parish in which the property is located is part of a natural zone of ecological interest for its fauna and flora.
15 minutes from the A61 motorway, 1 hour from Toulouse-Blagnac airport and the towns of Toulouse and Narbonne.
A driveway with centuries-old plane trees, bordered on either side by vast pastures, leads to the 1879 Haussmann-style chateau. The L-shaped edifice is bordered by a main courtyard on its east and north sides. The three-storey main building features extensions on either side. The left wing comprises two more modest, two-storey dwellings of similar style.
To the right and slightly set back from the main building stands a rectangular three-storey tower topped by a four-pitched, slate roof with a crest, finials and crenellated white stone frieze - the same material used for the surrounds of the three large windows with carved stone mullions. Next to the tower is a chapel dating back to 1890, covered by an abundant Virginia creeper, with two tall stained-glass windows framing a heavy wooden door.
At right angles, the right wing of the building houses a reception room and two flats currently rented out as gîtes (holiday accommodation).
The main building and tower have slate roofs, while the gîtes and chapel are monk-and-nun tiled.
There are also several outbuildings to the immediate right of the chateau, including a barn, a winery and a stable. Set in 32 hectares of parklands, meadows and woods in a dominant position, the chateau is protected from all forms of disturbance.
The corps de logis of the chateau The main part of the chateau recalls Haussmann style mansions with its pink dressed stone facade, featuring brick and stonework and perfectly symmetrical rectangular, tall windows with plain or louvred shutters. The rusticated window surrounds are of white stone. The lintels on the second floor feature Doric-style mouldings. The four-pitched gambrel roof follows the Mansart style.
The ground floor
The front elevation of the central corps de logis faces east. The heavy wooden entrance door with glazed transom opens directly into a wide hall with a mosaic floor - an original terrazzo granito - and walls covered with 19th century hangings depicting scenes of daily life in the 18th century. It serves the main reception rooms, including two ceremonial halls, over 3.5 m high, with herringbone parquet flooring, black marble fireplaces and moulded ceilings with coffered beams. The floor of the third sitting room features Art Deco mosaic tiles, similar to those in the entrance hall. It connects directly to a family room that serves as a sitting room and dining room, with a monumental dressed stone fireplace and large paving stones on the floor.
The ground floor orangery on the western side houses a reception hall with solid oak parquet flooring and six chandeliers with pendants. An east-facing room with an authentic 1900s steel and glass structure with black and white chequered floor, red marble fireplace and beams covered in moulded plaster provides access to this reception space.
The first floor
The second floor is accessed via a wooden ...
