Authentic 15th Century Lordly Dwelling In Normandy

Ref. 4434: Authentic 15th C. Lordly Dwelling for sale in Normandy.

The property is located in the heart of Basse-Normandie, in the west of the Orne department, in the hedged farmland known as 'Pays d'Houlme'. Although the borders of this region are unclear, it stretches from the 'Suisse Normande' in the North to the edges of the Andaines forest in the South, from East to West, in the centre of an axis between Flers and Argentan, of which Briouze is the local capital.
It is in the countryside, close to but preserved from civilisation, that you should look for this discreet and reassuring house, well established in the heart of its landscaped setting. With its reasonable size and numerous outbuildings, this property is perfectly suited to the most diverse projects to meet the requirements of a main, secondary or professional residence.

LE Pays Du Houlme: A granitic land historically marked by the Viking invasions, the 'Houlme' can be defined as a green bocage criss-crossed with sunken paths, rich in manor houses and half-timbered houses set on the banks of ponds and rivers apple and pear trees, a tourist country if ever there was one .... A true hymn to the countryside.
The jewel in the crown of the Houlme, located a few leagues from the house, is the Grand Hazé, considered to be the largest marsh in the Orne. It covers almost 200 hectares and is a sensitive natural area classified as Natura 2000, a natural heritage of extraordinary richness (fauna and flora). Walking trails and an observatory allow you to appreciate, among other things, one of the most renowned bird breeding sites. Hikers can also reach the spa town of Bagnoles de l'Orne by the 'voie verte', accessible from Briouze.

BRIOUZE:
Small dynamic town with the appearance of the capital of the 'Houlme' where all the commercial, craft and cultural activities are concentrated (supermarket, doctors, pharmacy, retirement home, 2 nursery schools, 2 secondary schools, 2 primary schools, all shops).

This property dates from the end of the 15th and beginning of the 16th century and would have been inhabited by one of the many lords of the Barony of Sées. It is likely that a farm was attached to it, as evidenced by the current existence of small scattered farms.
The current owners acquired it in 2003 and began a systematic restoration campaign, obsessively guided by the conservation of the existing heritage. In 2005, they were awarded the 'Fondation du Patrimoine' label in recognition of their efforts and the architectural quality of the building. This label is awarded in close collaboration with the architect of the buildings of France and provides some advantages (financial aid and tax exemption). New, more 'seaworthy' life projects now await the owners ....

The dwelling is of great sobriety, built of granite over 3 stories under a slate roof decorated with 2 beautiful chimneys. The openings are very asymmetrical in size and position, probably installed for defensive purposes, as evidenced by the bars that have been preserved.
A beautiful stone staircase adorns the north facade and provides access to the room with the best view... And defence in case of attack.
This deceptively large dwelling has a living area of approx. 300 sqm, distributed as follows:
The ground floor: central north and south entrances opening on to a large living room with a monumental fireplace (39 sqm), terracotta tiles and joists, lime/hemp walls. Opening to a staircase leading to the large living room on the first floor.
On the right-hand side, a fitted kitchen (floor tiles and joists), adjoining a scullery, utility room and boiler room. Ceiling height of 2.40 m.
On the left, vast dining room with monumental fireplace (35 sqm). Tiles and joists.
Start of a wooden spiral staircase leading to the first floor.

1st floor (left-hand side): large 34 sqm study in the form of a wooded cathedral, with parquet flooring. Light wells through an original stained glass window and through a joist interval dominating the dining room. Ceiling height of 5.50 m.
1st floor (right-hand side): also accessible via the outside stairway, large lounge with monumental fireplace (approx. 50 sqm), with period floorboards and doors. Ceiling height of 2.30 m.
Access on the north side to 2 small rooms used as bedrooms (7.60 and 8.35 sqm), in a row.
South access to a small intermediate storage room, open to a bathroom/shower/wc, and giving access to a miller's staircase leading to the 2 bedrooms on the second floor.
2nd floor: on either side of the staircase, 2 bedrooms, respectively 30 and 42 m² on the ground, under cathedral-shaped wooden slopes. Ceiling height of 3.50 m.
It should be noted that all the rooms have numerous period features (arches, fireplace, kitchen garden, niches, locks, fittings, eyelets, safe) .....
The property is sold fully furnished.

There are 6 outbuildings, nicely spread out on the northern side. They are all in good structural condition.

-Building with cob and wooden gable, under tiles, used as a workshop, wood shed.
-Building with stone base, cob and half-timbering, under tiles former pigsty.
-Half-timbered building under tile, used as summer annex.
-Light half-timbered building, with no particular use.
-18X6.50m cob building, half-timbered gable - under recent tiled roof. Greenhouse/Charettery/Stable. Presence of a floor.
-Barn in the form of a canopy, very high, covered in fibreglass - 12X7.50m.

The property is accessed via a small driveway of approximately 100m to the north.
A second road gives access to the utility outbuildings.
The land is flat and offers unobstructed views, particularly to the south.
It is entirely landscaped and laid out in the English style, alternating with large lawns dominated by a few oak and lime trees. The immediate surroundings of the dwelling are full of flowers, interspersed with lively hedges and various shrubs that create a lively atmosphere in response to the rigour of the granite facades.
A well-kept vegetable garden is next to a pretty frog pond....pavée. There is a second well.
Pear trees, apple trees, cherry trees, mirabelle trees, plum trees and vines complete the decor and make these 7,41 acres a restful place where the eye is constantly immersed in a natural world, which is very Norman. An opportunity to acquire only 4.94 acres.
Taking advantage of the nearby Natura 2000 zone, the site can boast of being a 'protected area', which means that it is free from any nuisance, right of way or distorting project.
A place to live or a place to holiday, this house is sure to seduce with its charm and authenticity.

Cabinet Le Nail - Lower-Normandy - Mr Eric Dosseur :
Eric Dosseur, Individual company, registered in the Special Register of Commercial Agents, under the number 409 867 512 .
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