Property

Property summary

This unique property is situated in the commune of Monfort en Chalosse which is about twenty minutes from Dax where there is a local Tgv station offering one-hour transportation to Biarritz or Pau, and a one-and-a-half-hour train journey to Bordeaux. The property comprises several properties some already renovated and some still in need of restoration. The buildings in need of renovation are an old caverie, also known as 'Château', a farm typical of the Chalosse area 'dans son jus' with all the period features, a large barn and a bread oven. The renovated part comprises of a 'longère' (long house) of around 187 m² and a guest house. We enter this unique property via an elegant driveway flanked by century-old plane trees. The first time we came, we were struck by this unique, multi-faceted domain: a property with several buildings that offer on one side a magnificent view of the surrounding gardens, on another side a sweeping view on the rolling hills of the Chalosse and again, from the old barn, a view on the beautiful woodland. The Château can be found listed as far back in the XIVth century when it was the home of a noble family. The earliest recordings date back to the 1357 and to a certain Senor Arnaud Lorreyt. In the middle ages the property was passed on to Etienne de Talauresse, who was a soldier and arms bearer to Joan of Arc. The crest of Antoine de Bernadet resident in 1696 can be found above the south facing door. The crest is the particularity of the Aquitaine. Its attribution gave rights to the seigneur in residence over the subjects living on his estate, in much the same way as royalty. The main entrance to the 'caverie' or Château, is located on the south-facing way, as is usual in Aquitaine, where the coat of arms can be seen above the door. The door is flanked by two columns which are typical of properties in the area known as 'capcazalières' in Chalosse. This term was accorded to properties which were known to have existed since ancient times, possibly as far back as Roman days. We enter the property via a large entrance hall, in which a splendid wooden staircase leads to the first floor. The staircase dates back to the 18th century. From the hallway the property opens out from one reception-room to the next. The rooms, although in a state of disrepair, have all retained their original terracotta floors. The ceilings with their decorative polychromatic (painted) beams are thought to be original. To the rear of the property the original kitchen still retains a monumental fireplace. On the upper floor there is an exceptional sense of space in the bedrooms with ancient exposed beams dating back to the time of the French Revolution.
The interconnecting walls have been dismantled by the current owners to see the condition of the roof and ceilings and to see which areas are leaking. Near the 'caverie', at the end of the stunning driveway, we find an old farm-building with a floor, typical of this region. All the original features are still there, nothing inside has been touched. It is a huge asset as it will allow the future owners to keep its authenticity, while doing the restoration. Nearby, we also find another open barn, a bread oven and a well. The 'longère' and the guest house have a totally different feeling, both being entirely renovated. The longère comprises a kitchen with access on the reception room and living room with a fireplace, two double bedrooms with bathrooms and separate Wc. The guest house can accommodate 4 people. Both have been meticulously renovated : eco-friendly insulation, economical boiler using either wood or pellets, large French windows framing outstanding views. The roofs and the electricity have been redone in 2015. Both benefit from shaded terraces.
Our thoughts here at Bliss
Here at Bliss we feel that the location of this property is quite exceptional for the area, and that the Château is an extraordinary testimony to the history of the Aquitaine. It is original and highly unusual and fascinating to think that it once belonged to the bearer of arms of Joan of Arc.
The property overlooks a stunning stretch of countryside with views over the entire valley which are highly desirable. The location is utterly tranquil, and almost forgotten feeling.
The new owners will require a substantial budget in order to repair the property. Such a budget should not be underestimated. However, the owners will be able to live in the longère while the work is being done on the other buildings. Anyone who lives here will benefit from a tranquil location close to a vibrant town. In Chalosse there is a school, a college, a swimming pool and numerous shops and amenities close to the Tgv station of Dax, and the village is within easy reach of Bordeaux (1h20) and Paris (3h20 minutes away).
Here at Bliss we feel it is important when restoring the property to retain as much of its original style and character of the building as possible. To whom will this property appeal?
The property will appeal to lovers of French history and to anyone who has ever dreamt of living in a castle of manageable proportions filled with characterful features.
This is possibly the project of a lifetime - but it can easily become a family project or a little community where family and friends leave next to each other but all in separate houses. The strong points The uniqueness of this property, the tranquillity, the feeling of history, the surroundings, the community feeling, the location