Castle Sainte-Croix-Vallée-Française (48)
A castle and its feudal keep with a 30-hectare estate in the heart of the Cévennes national park, in the south of Lozère. Formerly the stronghold of the Arnal family, who at the end of the 17th century owned most of the valley and the hamlet of Beaumelle, hence the name Arnal de la Beaumelle, the castle was burnt down in 1702 during the War of the Camisards. When it was rebuilt between 1730 and 1740, it became more residential. The keep still dominates the surrounding buildings and has a wonderful view over the valley. The complex consists of a castle resembling a feudal residence flanked by two towers, as well as a number of outbuildings destined for farming, including cowsheds, a shed for drying chestnuts and the remains of an old castle chapel. This mainly west-facing hilltop property commands the southern valley. Fed by two springs, the estate has developed over the last two centuries thanks to livestock activities and terraced crop cultivation on numerous sun-drenched terraces. At the edge of the stream, the property is completed by the ruins of an imposing mill powered by its water.
… $684,300
By Patrice Besse