castles for sale Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France

This over 600 sqm mid 16th century property located in a village in the Alpes de Haute Provence area could create a perfect family home or a B&B/gite activity. Over 300 sqm of living space has been restored and for the rest the main structure is in very good condition. The majority of the roofing, plumbing and electricity is up to current standards. In each room the superb period features have been preserved and highlighted to create a unique character. The exterior includes a little garden, vaulted cellars, terraces and stone “calades”. For lovers of authenticity.

Ideally located in Provence, this true architectural gem is nestled in the heart of a classified 15-hectare park, accessible via a grand tree-lined avenue. Crossing the threshold of this exceptional residence, the majestic entrance hall immerses us in a breathtaking atmosphere. The expansive main living room, spanning over 60 square meters, opens onto magnificent French gardens. The dining room, featuring a remarkable fireplace signed by Viollet-le-Duc, is followed by the music room. A chapel completes this level. On the first floor, the Grand Gallery stretches an impressive 40 meters, majestically running through the entire château and leading to numerous bedrooms and antechambers. The orangery, equipped with a professional kitchen, adjoins a splendid reflecting pool that mirrors the château's beauty. This unique property, distinguished by its restoration and history, lends itself to all your aspirations: a family residence, an event venue, or an exhibition space...

Listed since 1957, the Château de Sauvan is located in Mane (04) on the eastern edge of the Luberon 3 kms from Forcalquier. An exceptional early 18th century château, it was built for the Forbin-Janson family and designed by renowned Parisian architect Pierre-Alexis Delamair (Hotel de Soubise and Hôtel de Rohan in Paris, Palais des Rohan in Strasbourg...) in collaboration with Avignon-based architect Jean-Baptiste Franque (Calvet Museum in Avignon, Château La Nerthe in Châteauneuf-du-Pape...). Unique in its style in the region, it is known as “Le petit Trianon de Provence” and is set in about 14 hectares of non-enclosed grounds commanding superb views of Mane village and the Lure Mountain. Lovingly restored over the past four decades by its current owners, the château boasts superb period tapestries, bas-reliefs, chandeliers and furnishings. Offering about 1,600 sqm of very bright living space, it includes spacious living and reception rooms, sitting and drawing rooms, a dining room, a music room, 8 bedrooms/apartments, a billiard room and a chapel. The gardens boast a water feature, a fitted orangery serving as a function room for up to 150 guests and partially fitted annexes including two gites and three guest bedrooms. Other annexes include old stables built on the ruins of an older château which today are used for storage. The grounds feature a lawned main courtyard with a majestic wrought-iron gate, and a panoramic terrace overlooking a hanging garden which shall create a French formal garden for which the plans have been designed. The grounds were listed “Jardin remarquable” in 2005. The property is one hour north of Aix en Provence, and benefits from easy access via the A51 motorway.

At the time of the first crusade, the square sentry tower and the watchtower of this property were the gates to the town that they defended. Today this renovated château marks the western entrance to this town in Haute Provence. Over the years, it has become a character residence, offering the charms of its landscaped grounds and indoor swimming pool. Retaining scope for further development, the property has three levels that can be divided into two separate apartments or joined to form a single residence of more than 600 sq.m sitting on over 8,000 sq.m of private grounds. Authenticity steeped in history, just a short walk from the heart of the town. A must see!