CastleSaint-Viâtre (41)

Ref.4451 : Magnificent fenchchateau to bes restored for sale in Loir-et-Cher department.
In the Loir et Cher region of central France, in the heart of the Sologne lake district, stands this sumptuous architectural gem, surrounded by vast stretches of woodland and lakes.
Situated in a pleasant commune of some 1,200 inhabitants with all the main shops and services you need (supermarket, bakery, nursery school, secondary school, etc.), the property enjoys a highly privileged position in the golden triangle of Sologne, embodying both classic elegance and the more rural charm of the Solognot region.
It is close to the towns of ROMORANTIN LANTHENAY and LAMOTTE BEUVRON, with their SNCF train stations, which are 25 km and 15 km respectively from the property. The nearest motorway, the A71, is 14 km away and PARIS can be reached by car in less than 2 hours (160 km).
Orléans and Blois, the regional capitals of Loiret and Loir et Cher respectively, and cities of economic, cultural and historical importance, are just forty kilometres away.
Sologne des étangs, a natural treasure trove in the heart of France, less than 2 hours from Paris, is a region of wild and bewitching beauty, where nature reigns supreme. Known for its countless bodies of water, Sologne is often described as a paradise for lovers of wildlife, flora and absolute tranquillity. This land, steeped in mystery and serenity, offers an exceptional setting for those seeking a return to their roots.
Although it still retains some of its medieval features, the château is an emblematic example of 18th-century aristocratic architecture, embodying the discreet, refined nobility of Sologne châteaux.
The château is reached after crossing the drawbridge, passing the two entrance pavilions and crossing the courtyard.
Comprising a rectangular main building with 7 bays over two storeys, topped by a third storey with dormer windows and flanked by two pavilions, it is punctuated by a symmetrical arrangement of openings. In the centre, the entrance door is topped by a double triangular pediment, pierced by a bull's eye and topped with a mascaron. The pediment of the east wing features a coat of arms followed by a cartouche reading ‘tout par labeur’ (‘all by labour’).
The local red brick facades contrast with the ashlar tufa stone surrounds, creating a play of texture and colour. The dwelling's high, 4-slope slate roof, crowned with a finely decorated zinc finial, adds to the majesty of this remarkable building.
Facing North/East/South/West, the building spans approx. 800 sqm of living space, divided as follows:
Ground floor: entrance hall with imposing monumental stone stairway, floor tiles with cabochons, separate toilet and storage space. To the east, a billiards room (48.5 sqm, HSP (height under ceiling): 4.5 m) with a splendid gallery library (wood panelling on the walls, cabochon tiled floor, marble fireplace) and a vast lounge (77 sqm, HSP 4.6 m) (wood panelling on the walls, herringbone parquet flooring, marble fireplace). To the west, a study, a bedroom (34.4 sqm, HSP 4.4 m) (fireplace, herringbone parquet flooring) with its toilet, a dining room (50.7 sqm, HSP 4.8 m) (wainscoting, herringbone parquet flooring, fireplace), a landing and a room housing the castle's water supply pump.
The first floor comprises a vast landing followed by a corridor leading eastwards to 4 bedrooms, some with an anteroom and each with its own toilet. To the west, 4 further bedrooms, some with en-suite shower rooms and an anteroom. This floor features beautiful marble fireplaces and parquet flooring (straight and herringbone). There are attics above the two pavilions.
On the second floor, in the main building only: a long corridor leads to 8 bedrooms on either side, each with a toilet or an anteroom, storage rooms, a linen room and a toilet.
Above is an attic.
The château will require extensive restoration to bring it back to its former glory. However, it has retained all its authenticity and many period features that make it so interesting.
Countless projects are possible for this sumptuous château, which is just waiting for the determined, entrepreneurial soul of a scholar of history and architecture to bring it back to life.
At the southern entrance to the château, within the original surrounding walls, stand two quadrangular towers that stand like sentinels, guarding the grounds. Both are built of brick with ashlar quoins and frames, under slate roofs.
One of them houses the chapel, while the second houses a caretaker's cottage (approx. 150 sqm) comprising a living room (37 sqm) with fireplace and a kitchen on the ground floor. The first floor comprises two bedrooms, one of which (22.3 sqm) has an anteroom, and a bathroom (7.4 sqm). The second floor comprises three bedrooms and a bathroom. The property is in apparently good condition and has a well water supply, electric central heating and an independent drainage system.
Extending from the château to the west are vast, continuous outbuildings of brick under local tiles. Forming an ‘L’ shape, they seem to recreate a protective belt to the west of the castle, in response to the pond facing it on the east side. They include
The château's former kitchen;
A service staircase giving access to the château from the west pavilion;
Various storage rooms;
Beautiful stables;
A former groom's accommodation and attic on the first floor;
Garages;
A former cowshed;
An old dovecote, converted into a water tower, which once provided water for a vegetable garden and lawns. A hydraulic ram, located below the pond, allowed the water to flow upwards;
A workshop;
A former kennel;
Various other outbuildings, now enslaved by vegetation that has reclaimed all its rights.
The walls of the outbuildings appear sound for the most part, but the roofs are badly damaged and are waiting to be saved by the same intrepid spirit that restored the château.
The enchanting setting of the buildings and their exteriors, formed by the layout of the buildings and their exteriors, is striking from the narrow lane that runs alongside the pond and the old moat feeder basin. A standing bridge, topped by two stone columns, gives access to a forecourt leading either to the outbuildings or to the main courtyard.
Watched over by the two towers, linked by a surrounding wall, the courtyard of honour is enhanced by the view over the pond and the judicious landscaping that gives it a worked appearance, contrasting with the English-style parkland where nature has been given free rein on the north side.
The outbuildings, meanwhile, form a more discreet courtyard, without in any way disturbing the intimacy of the château's noble exteriors.
Opposite the château, on the other side of the road from the bridge, a magnificent, perfectly straight driveway gives the château a most pleasing depth.
To the north, a thick forest of predominantly deciduous trees provides a much more mysterious backdrop that is highly representative of the Sologne region, where flora and fauna undoubtedly thrive.
Finally, to the east, a sumptuous pond of almost 12.35 acres (5 hectares) enhances the estate and contributes to the harmony between the architecture and the surrounding nature. The estate extends over almost 123 acres (50 hectares).
Cabinet LE NAIL – Loiret - Sologne – M. Baudouin LE GRELLE : +33 (0)2... Baudouin LE GRELLE, Individual company, registered in the Special Register of Commercial Agents, under the number 917 712 .... We invite you to visit our website Cabinet Le Nail to browse our latest listings or learn more about this property.