A fully restored 18th-century Chartreuse, surrounded by 4 hectares of woods, in the Lot-et-Garonne area, on the slopes above Agen - ref 312393
A fully restored 18th-century Chartreuse, surrounded by 4 hectares of woods, in the Lot-et-Garonne area, on the slopes above Agen.
This property is on the left bank of the River Garonne, in the former Gascony province, 12 kilometres from the railway station in Agen, from which Paris can be reached in 3 hours by TGV, and equidistant from Toulouse, Bordeaux as well as the Atlantic Ocean (120 kilometres away). The international airports in Toulouse and Bordeaux can be reached in less than 1 hour 30 minutes. The property is 220 kilometres from Biarritz and Spain. It is approximately 20 minutes from the golf courses in Barbaste, Boé in Casteljaloux.
The estate is situated on the Albret slopes, several kilometres from the Landes Forest and in the middle of the Buzet vineyards. Nearby Agen is a city steeped in history, with the majestic Gothic masterpiece of the Saint Caprais cathedral, half-timbered houses and old pink brick façades.
The surrounding area is also brimming with history: Nérac, a favourite residence of the Albret lords and a protestant stronghold, played host to a luminous court. The future king Henry IV spent part of his youth there and forged his reputation as a lady's man.
The flat area of land in front of the wooded grounds, with an unparalleled view of the Garonne Valley, stretches out in front of the walls and buildings of the property, which can be reached through a carriage gate next to a massive watchtower and high defensive walls. The area houses a large barn used as a garage, as well as a swimming pool with a pool-house and a pétanque pitch.
Once inside the enclosed stone walls with only two entrances through carriage gates opposite one another to the north and south, tucked away from prying eyes, the 18th-century Chartreuse house stands. The house's nobility is underlined by the Roman tiles, double or triple genoise corbels, and a coat of arms above a palm leaf topping the entrance door, which is flanked by ionic pilasters.
The main façade of the Chartreuse faces west, while on its rear to the east, there is a long gallery typical of Gascony, with a wooded floor and pillars, overlooking the valley. However, the date of its initial occupation and the presence of an underground passage remain a mystery.
The many outbuildings, including a guests' house and converted barns, surround the garden/courtyard combining gravelled paths and lawns. All the roofs have been renovated, while the previously weakened walls of the outbuildings have been consolidated.
A certain variety of eras and architectural styles is evident: the medieval and austere appearance of the dressed stone walls strikes a contrast with the almost Italian-inspired garden/courtyard and the two-storey long house with dual aspect rooms, making the interior as bright as the exterior.
The ChartreuseThis single-storey Chartreuse is punctuated by six large, small-paned windows with slightly arched frames and fanlights, two French windows and a passage leading to the summer kitchen. The double-glazed windows provide a good level of insulation, while the building's layout is simple and practical. A very wide and bright corridor passes through the entrance hall along the entire façade, leading to the six main rooms. Opposite the entrance hall, an office boasting a fireplace opens out onto the seemingly suspended gallery, providing a vivid picture of the surrounding greenery. Hidden away in a large cupboard, there is a former door into the lounge. After the spacious entrance hall, there is a welcoming dining room with an open-plan kitchen laid out around a fireplace. French windows lead out onto a south-facing patio that is sheltered from the wind. It also boasts a view of the surrounding greenery, making it ideal for summer dining al fresco. To the left of the main entrance, there are two bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom, ...
