Ref.4798 : Medieval castle and 16th-C. noble dwelling, listed as a Historic Monument, with outbuildings and 8.22 acres in Anjou Set in a peaceful setting in the heart of the Layon Valley, this remarkable medieval castle forms part of a landscape typical of southern Anjou, where vineyards and valleys intertwine. Situated between the old village and the River Layon, it enjoys a location that is both central and secluded, reflecting the pivotal role it once played in the local community. Close to the business hubs of Angers and Cholet, and within easy reach of Saumur, the property offers excellent accessibility whilst retaining the charm of a preserved rural setting. The Layon Valley, renowned for its landscapes and vineyards, offers a sought-after lifestyle, ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the heritage of the Anjou region. The numerous surrounding vineyards contribute to the region’s economic and cultural vitality, whilst the paths and roads criss-crossing the hillsides invite you to go for a stroll. A few shops and services are within walking distance (bar-restaurant, nurses’ practice, winegrowers), and the nearest amenities are located about ten minutes away in a small neighbouring town. The property now offers an interesting heritage base, suitable for a residential or development project, in an area appreciated for its relaxed lifestyle and authenticity. All that remains of the medieval castle, dating from the 12th and 15th centuries, is an imposing square keep overlooking the valley and the ruins of its original seigneurial layout. The main tower was built on a four-storey plan with a slate roof and features spacious rooms whose opulent furnishings for the time suggest that powerful lords once resided here. Built on a promontory, the complex forms a double enclosure enclosed by defensive curtain walls with flanking towers, whose functions were to observe the valley and protect the inhabitants from external attacks. In addition to the castle, a former residence dating from the 16th-C. currently serves as the main dwelling on the estate. Built of local stone with a three-storey layout and a slate roof, it covers an area of approximately 450 sqm and is laid out as follows: On the raised ground floor, accessed via a stone stepway, a gallery leads on one side to a kitchen, a large room converted into a living/dining room featuring a monumental stone fireplace and a mezzanine accessed via a remarkable solid oak spiral staircase with a central baluster featuring a twisted design, and then to a study/library; and on the other side to a toilet, a bathroom, a dressing room, two bedrooms, a lounge with a built-in fireplace, and a shower room. On this floor, the floors are laid with Rairies terracotta tiles and solid wood parquet, the interior doors and shutters, and the ceilings feature ornate cornices or exposed beams. Partially attic space above. On the ground floor, a spacious living room used as a reception room with a monumental fireplace and an old bread oven, two en-suite bedrooms, each with its own shower room/toilet, a kitchen/utility room, storage rooms, a boiler room and a cellar. The property features numerous outbuildings: - A restored former farmhouse of approximately 100 sqm, built of local stone with a tiled roof, converted into a comfortable home comprising a large living/dining room with a mezzanine, a kitchen, a shower room, a toilet, and a ground-floor bedroom. At the rear, there are lean-to buildings (storage sheds and a woodshed) and a walled garden. Heating is provided by a De Dietrich oil-fired boiler (2000) and a wood-burning stove, with hot water supplied by an electric water heater. Note that parts of the timber frame are exposed, and an imposing stone fireplace featuring the wood-burning stove ensures a warm and cosy atmosphere. - A third dwelling of approximately 50 sqm, built of local stone with a slate roof, comprises on the ground floor a kitchen, a living room with an old limestone fireplace featuring a straight lintel, and a bedroom on the first floor. The ceilings feature exposed wooden joists, and heating is provided by a wood-burning stove and electric convector heaters. - A local stone barn with a tiled roof, currently used as a garage. - A local stone wine store with a tiled roof, comprising storage and utility rooms. - A former local stone barn/stable with a slate roof, featuring a room converted into a honey house. - A bread oven. - A kennel. - A gatehouse built of local stone with a tiled roof, currently comprising two rooms used as offices. - An American-style barrack serving as a large reception hall. - A vast hangar. - A second brick wine store/cellar. - Cellar rooms dug into the hillside. - Various other outbuildings and lean-tos. A vast plot of land covering 8.22 acres, comprising courtyards, paths, woodland, meadows, an orchard, a vegetable garden, and a park featuring beautiful ornamental trees, some of which are centuries old (plane trees, cedars, oaks, maples, ash trees, chestnut trees, Judas trees, ginkgo, paulownia, prunus, birch, poplars, camellias, lilacs, rhododendrons, laburnum, viburnum, vegelia, Mexican orange trees, hydrangeas, roses, fruit trees, vines, peonies, irises, walnut trees, olive trees, fig trees, cherry trees, plum trees, apricot trees, peach trees, apple trees, pear trees), offering exceptional views over the Layon Valley. Cabinet LE NAIL – Maine-et-Loire - M. Lodoïs HUBERT : +33 (0)2.43.98.20.20 Lodoïs HUBERT, Individual company, registered in the Special Register of Commercial Agents, under the number 792 044 077. We invite you to visit our website Cabinet Le Nail to browse our latest listings or learn more about this property.
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