castles with pool for sale Ariège, France

Step through the gates of this iconic 10th Century Benedictine monastery straight into the pages of a fairy tale!  This thousand year old property is totally secluded, surrounded by equally ancient trees in an elevated position over one of the prettiest villages in France. Despite dating back to the Dark Ages, this property is unexpectedly bright and luxurious. The cloistered layout, high vaulted ceilings and arched stone windows throughout allow light to flood through the property. Light is amplified and reflected by the worn flagstones, the wide stone staircases, decorated walls and plastered ceilings. Spread over three floors and 1,700 metres squared of living area, the property includes three dining rooms, seven reception rooms, 17 bedrooms with decorated 18th century stretched canvas walls, delightful artwork and wonderfully individual layouts making the most of the space. As well as the guests suites, the property houses two separate apartments in the main building itself providing a genteel lifestyle for the owners’ family as well as high end accommodation for staff or family. There are numerous kitchen areas to cater for groups as well as providing the possibility of  dividing the property into multiple independent living accommodation. The cloisters, library space, Medieval galleries and cellars are also echoed in the landscaped gardens that also provide plenty of room for private reflection.  The garden also has a large pool and beautiful trees that are equally ancient and well preserved. All living areas are tastefully decorated with period furnishings and artefacts that will remain with the property. Typically the bedrooms are grand in volume, boasting unusual and unique features, with commanding views over the lush pastoral landscape it sits over. There is a separate, large residential gatehouse being sold with the château.  You enter into a large open-planned kitchen, dining/living area which feels modern yet still boasts the enormous flagstone castle walls out of which it has been built.  A secluded private garden overlooks the old Medieval ramparts making this a historian or romantic’s dream spot.  On the first floor,  a large main bedroom and an enormous second room across the landing, large enough to create a master suite boast open fires and high ceilings. This is one of the best known and most romantic locations in this part of the world making it an ideal venue for wedding parties, an exceptionally special venue or someone looking for a property that is truly exceptional steeped in the history and romance of Medieval France. If you think you are special enough to take on this exceptional property, contact us today to book a viewing as this place needs to be seen to be appreciated.

Château Saint Michel is a 19th-Century jewel which sits majestically on over 100 acres of park, farm and woodland. This unique setting, at the end of a one-kilometre driveway, offers a very private setting in the rural Midi-Pyrenees, but is just five minutes from the UNESCO classified ancient village of St. Lizier, one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages and one hour from the stunning city of Toulouse. The château has been recently and extensively renovated and offers light and spacious rooms with an impressive and dramatic blend of old and new. Its rich, historic past greets you in many original details; high ceilings with intricate wooden details, ornate cornices, tall stained glass windows, impressive fireplaces and a grand staircase to take your breath away. They sit alongside an impressive collection of artwork and furniture and the large 16m x 8m heated swimming pool and wooden decking. The majestic main doors open into the great hall, the heart of the château. The light and sumptuously decorated dining room leads off from this and into the equally impressive music and reading rooms and a beautiful TV lounge. The large and fully equipped kitchen together with a modern butler’s pantry and utility area complete the ground floor accommodation. ​ Within the chateau there are 12 modern en suite bedrooms, of which 3 are currently repurposed as an office, nursery and craft studio. On the third floor you will find an amazing 2 bedroom loft style apartment complete with bathroom, kitchen and lounge ideal for visiting guests requiring their own space. ​In addition, the extensive and thoughtfully refurbished vaults of the chateau offer a remarkable lower ground space, incorporating a gym, cinema and entertainment area and further large utility spaces. The Coach House, that lies within the grounds of the estate comprises a 250 m2 apartment on the first floor. The apartment offers a large modern kitchen, leading to a spacious lounge and dining room area and 2 modern ensuite bedrooms. On the ground floor there is a fully fitted studio apartment, along with a large glass utility area and a 3 car garage The estate also incorporates acres of glorious rolling farmland, along with a stone built farmhouse and enormous barn, both ripe for development. Despite this idyllic, rural location, both the historic and modern quarters of the village are just a 5-minute drive away, so everything is within easy reach including its highlights, such as its stunning cathedral with cloisters, octagonal tower and 12th-Century frescoes. There is also a renowned restaurant with a panoramic terrace overlooking the village and across to the Pyrenees mountains. ​ The village is within the Natural Regional Park of the Ariège Pyrenees, so outdoor activities such as cycling, kayaking, and horse-riding are in abundance amongst its lakes, mountains and forests. Hiking is a great way to discover this beautiful National Park and in the spring the waterfall at Cascade d’Ars is a highlight. The area is rich with Roman churches to visit and medieval villages to explore, such as La Bastide-de-Serou and Le Mas-d'Azil. ​ During winter months skiing and snow-boarding are possible just 45 minutes from Château Saint Michel at the nearby resort of Guzet. ''Château Saint-Michel is not just a property, it is a place where every moment is filled with gentleness, serenity and refinement. Here, history and nature meet to offer a unique living environment, imbued with timeless elegance.''