Castle Veauce (03)
The largest private château in Allier, located on a rocky spur, the Château de Veauce dominates the valleys of Veauce and Guêle, a strategic site used since antiquity. Mentioned for the first time in the 11th century, it saw its first significant fortifications in the 13th century with a regular plan, circular towers, and typical defensive devices.From the 14th century onwards, it became a royal fief before passing to the Dukes of Bourbon. During the Hundred Years' War, it was an active stronghold. In the 15th and 16th centuries, it evolved into a powerful barony with numerous lands and feudal rights. It welcomed illustrious figures, including Joan of Arc according to tradition.Transformed over the centuries, the château retains traces of its medieval past but underwent significant restorations during the Renaissance and later in the 19th century under Charles Eugène de Cadier, who modernized the site, created an English landscape park, and developed the village's infrastructure. It became a local political and philanthropic figure.The estate remained in the family until 1969.Even today, Veauce embodies the richness of the feudal, military, religious, and rural history of Auvergne, while keeping alive the legend of Lucie, the ghost of the château.On over 10 hectares, the château is organized around a large courtyard of 1260 m² and includes a set of buildings: • To the north, a medieval wing flanked by two towers (including the dungeon with its entrance porch) and partially ruined, which included a stable, stables, and housing. With a ground area of 240m², it has two levels and an attic. Behind the building, a courtyard of 320m² enclosed by the ramparts served as an arena.• To the west, the so-called "stables" wing, with its roof and floors now collapsed, has a ground area of about 570m² and included two floors and an attic. It housed the laundry, stables, a shed, and the press.• To the east, the 18th-century wing is the best-preserved building of the ensemble. It has three levels plus an attic, covering a ground area of 315m² per level. On the ground floor, there is a set of salons and reception rooms as well as a small kitchen. The first floor includes several bedrooms with bathrooms. The second floor was composed of service accommodations. To the east, a large terrace of 425m² serves as the main entrance with a superb multi-level staircase. The terrace offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.• To the south, the 19th-century wing of four levels plus an attic covers 530m² on the ground. This wing also has several levels of cellars, including wine cellars with hundreds of bottle alcoves. There is also a cave carved into the rock serving as a tank supplied by a spring with abundant and crystal-clear water.The land covers over 10 hectares. It is traversed by a small river. There are two entrances to the property. The first in the village consists of a lodge and a grand gate. The second, at the eastern end of the park, also includes an old dwelling and leads to the château through a long wooded driveway over 700m long. Here, there are ancient abandoned buildings, including a mill. The park features magnificent ancient trees of various species and decorative elements such as lava stone basins.The château is listed as a partially classified Historical Monument (Monument Historique).Overall in very poor condition, the château requires urgent repairs on roofing and stabilization, with costs estimated at 2-3 million euros. For a complete renovation, costs could reach up to 5 million euros.Prefectural authorization has been received to undertake urgent work estimated at €1,274,000 according to a study carried out by the DRAC.Proof of financial capacity is required before any visit.Seller's fees.Energy class: NAClimate class: NAInformation on the risks to which this property is exposed is available on the Géorisques website: www.georisques.gouv.fr
… $910,600
By Agence Mercure Auvergne
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