castles for sale Saint Ausone-Saint Martin-Saint Gelais district of Angouleme, France

Perched atop a quaint village, a mere 20-minute journey from Angoulême, this exquisite château, a 15th-century marvel, enjoys the prestigious status of a Historic Monument. Encircled by ancient stone fortifications, it is set amidst a picturesque domain of fields, forests, and agricultural land, presenting a unique chance to acquire a piece of French heritage that has been meticulously preserved. Entering through an impressive 17th-century fortified entrance, recognized as one of the region’s most distinguished, the château spans roughly 850 m² of elegantly restored living space, maintaining numerous original architectural elements. The northern exterior exhibits a medieval ambiance with its towers, defensive gaps, and small towers supported by sturdy buttresses, while the south side, revamped in the 19th century, showcases a romantic 'Troubadour Gothic' style with intricate masonry and elaborate Gothic fenestration. A helical stone staircase in a polygonal tower links the upper stories, revealing expansive views of the verdant environs. Inside, the château features: • A domed entryway, opulent reception halls, dining rooms, and culinary spaces distributed over four floors. • 9 sleeping chambers, 3 washrooms, and supplementary living quarters. • A subterranean level housing wine cellars, service rooms, and workspaces. • Attic areas and adaptable spaces in the roof. The grounds host several auxiliary structures: a historic stable complex with an outdoor staircase, a sizable barn, a guardian’s dwelling, ateliers, and secondary buildings. An ancient square pigeon house stands atop a prayer room on the lower level. An early Romanesque church, once serving the local parish, enhances the estate’s architectural and spiritual essence. Listed as a Historic Monument, protected elements include the château and church’s external walls and roofs, the pigeon house, the grand entryway, and the churchyard, which contains archaeological sites. An estate of remarkable distinction and magnitude, perfectly suited for a private home, cultural sanctuary, or conservation venture, all set against a serene, scenic backdrop with convenient city access.

This château, passed down through the same family for centuries, stands majestically next to a centuries-old lime tree, near a charming Romanesque church. Perched on its rocky promontory, it overlooks a wooded and rolling valley, offering an enchanting setting for this characterful property. The owners have undertaken careful restoration, respecting the history and soul of this unique place. The roofs of the château and its outbuildings have been entirely renovated. Inside, significant work has been done to modernize while preserving the authenticity of the original materials: terracotta floors and tiles, wooden floors with forged nails, woodwork, stone fireplaces—each detail exudes the charm of yesteryear. This home takes you on a journey through time, blending medieval, classical, and 19th-century romantic eras. With its 7 bedrooms, 5 modern bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and vast reception spaces, this château offers all the comfort needed for a large family, multigenerational living, or even a tourism project. The spacious attic, with an additional 250 m² to develop, opens up numerous possibilities for expansion. The entrance, marked by an imposing wooden gate, and the proximity of the Romanesque church enhance the timeless charm of this property. The romantic park, featuring a heated pool, is a peaceful haven that also includes several outbuildings, ready to host new projects. The renovated former sheepfold, a large additional barn, and an adjoining arboretum complete the property. Located in an idyllic natural setting, the property is within immediate proximity to essential shops (butcher, bakery, grocery store), just a minute's walk away. A large commercial area is only 10 minutes by car, and the center of Angoulême, with its TGV station, is just 15 minutes away. The airports of Bordeaux and Limoges are 1h30 and 1h20 away, respectively. This château is a true invitation to live a timeless dream, combining charm, history, and modern comfort.