castles for sale Cantal, France

A 19th-century Palladian chateau, its outbuildings, tree-filled grounds, a swimming pool and vegetable garden, on the border of the Corrèze and Cantal departments. Seen from above, the chateau’s footprint is a reminder that it was built below the vestiges of a fortified castle constructed around 1470, which once belonged to the same family. Located on the outskirts of the village and nestled within a verdant setting, from its entrance gate, a lane skirts the grounds’ immense expanses of lawn before arriving at the chateau. Steeped in the heritage of French Palladian dwellings from the early 19th century, when Palladio’s influence was combined with local classicism, the use of carefully dressed blonde stone and the regularity of the stonework conveys the desire to make the building as durable as possible, according to a rational architectural ideal, while its white louvred shutters help lighten the chateau’s overall and impressive heft. Surrounded by a wide array of tall trees: limes, thuyas, beeches and different resinous varieties, directly opposite the chateau, several metres from the swimming pool and skirting a portion of the wall that separates the property from a private drive, a perennial flowerbed is planted with rosebushes in an array of shimmering colours. In addition, a barn, adjacent to the chateau, is used as a garage and the machine room for the swimming pool, while, set back at a distance, a small 16th-century manor house, with its own garden and a central staircase tower, abuts the grounds’ southern entrance. As for the grounds, they include a variety of different spaces, such as a vegetable garden, a piece of land zoned for construction and two grassy plots, whereas four agricultural parcels with two barns, each with 400 m², can be purchased with the property at an additional price.

Situated at an altitude of 780 meters, this historic castle overlooks the Cère valley in a preserved natural environment. Dating back to the year 930, it is one of the oldest castles in the Auvergne region. Classified as a Historic Monument in its entirety since 2000, it stands as an exceptional architectural testimony, combining authenticity, prestige, and modern functionality. Architecture and History The estate consists of two major building sections: •The medieval keep, whose foundations date back to the 10th century. Raised in the 13th century and remodeled in the 15th century, it features a rectangular plan, volcanic stone walls, a pavilion-style roof, large fireplaces, and a spiral staircase. •The Renaissance main residence, built during the 15th and 17th centuries, embraces the medieval tower. It offers vast reception rooms, French-style ceilings, period fireplaces, a gallery of honor, as well as a consecrated chapel. All the roofs have been completely restored. No renovation work is required; the estate is perfectly maintained and fully operational. Accommodation The residence comprises 13 bedrooms with private bathrooms, distributed between the tower and the main residence. A master suite and several independent rooms complete the accommodation. Reception Spaces Designed entirely for event hosting, the estate offers: •A renovated barn for seated receptions and meals for up to 200 guests, equipped with restrooms, a professional kitchen, storage space, and accessible facilities for people with reduced mobility (PRM) •A reception gallery ideal for cocktails, exhibitions, or meetings •A medieval inner courtyard for outdoor events •A shaded esplanade under linden trees, suitable for ceremonies Additional sanitary facilities are distributed throughout the outbuildings, including PRM-accessible toilets. Grounds and Outbuildings The 2.4-hectare enclosed park, fully landscaped, includes: •Two exterior towers framing the main entrance in front of the castle fountain, used for storage •Two natural springs and a well, ensuring complete water autonomy •Free water supply combining spring water and municipal water via a water tower in the hamlet •Three ornamental ponds and a fountain •A vegetable garden, orchard, and horse stables •Guest parking area •A swimming pool-ready plot without technical constraints or easements •A wine cellar •A vaulted room featuring two bread ovens Technical Features •Heating: Central gas heating (two buried tanks) supplemented by wood-burning stoves •Water: Two private springs, a well, and access to the municipal network – free of charge for the property •Sanitation: septic tank (to be brought up to standards) •Electricity: Three-phase power •Internet: Fiber optic installed •Kitchens: Three kitchens, including two professional kitchens located in the barn and tower •Outdoor lighting and sound systems for evening events Location & Accessibility Located just 15 km from Aurillac, the property benefits from quick and convenient access: •Aurillac Airport: 20 minutes •Nearby SNCF train station •A75 motorway: 45 minutes (connecting Clermont-Ferrand and Montpellier) Nearby attractions include: •Lioran Ski Resort (30 minutes) •Vézac Golf Course (25 minutes) •Heritage sites, hiking trails, lakes, gorges, and classified villages This castle, listed as a Historic Monument, combines heritage, functionality, and economic potential. With no renovations needed and already operating as an event venue, it offers an ideal setting for upscale receptions, family use, or an exceptional secondary residence. Its classification provides access to favorable tax benefits for maintenance and potential upgrades. Its commanding position, water autonomy, quality facilities, and attractive tourist environment make it a rare property on the market.