castle for sale Dirac, France

Nestled on the fringe of an idyllic village in Charente, this captivating estate gazes upon the serene Échelle Valley, distinguished as a Natura 2000 site for its exceptional biodiversity. An enclave for enthusiasts of nature, historical richness, and genuine charm, the estate sprawls across over 8 hectares, featuring lush meadows, dense woodlands, babbling brooks, an elevated garden, and ancient dry moats etched into the bedrock. It stands as a lively, inspirational sanctuary—ideal for a grand family residence, an artist's retreat, a venue for gatherings, or a unique boutique hotel venture. The centerpiece, a majestic château, spans roughly 500 m² of habitable space (with possibilities to extend up to 600 m²). It captivates with its spaciousness and the abundance of natural light that permeates each room through large, strategically placed windows. Across its three floors, the home boasts eight bedrooms, numerous luminous living areas, a sophisticated dining room, a kitchen brimming with character, a library, and ample storage. Historical elements add to its allure: vintage hardwood floors, weathered terracotta tiles, intricate cornices, fireplaces in stone and decorative wood, and an exquisite elm staircase winding along the stone wall. Each room offers a peaceful retreat—many with breathtaking views of the valley. Encompassed by two ancient towers, the structure's heritage traces back to the 13th century, with a 19th-century renovation marrying historical allure with modern comforts. Adjacent to the château, a remarkable array of outbuildings covers over 1,500 m² on the ground floor. Configured in a U-shape, this complex includes barns, stables, workshops, winemaking facilities, and versatile spaces. Two have been elegantly renovated: a 105 m² exhibition space and a 180 m² guinguette-style venue, perfect for hosting various events. The stand-alone guesthouse, dubbed 'La Maisonnette,' provides roughly 115 m² of quaint, fashionable living space: an open-concept living area with a wood-burning stove, limewashed stone walls, visible beams, and three bedrooms, two with private baths. It's an intimate, inviting abode for hosting friends, guests, or holiday renters. Merely a 10-minute drive from Angoulême, a city celebrated for its cultural vibrancy and festivals. This location offers convenient access to the TGV for Paris (2h), Bordeaux (30 mins), Roissy-CDG (3h), Tours, or Lille. The adjacent village caters to everyday needs. An extraordinary chance for a multitude of possibilities—a dwelling, a haven for guests, a creative space, and a place of communal gathering. A personal legacy within a spectacular natural landscape.

Located 15 minutes from Angoulême, a city of art and history, and the TGV train station, this charming and characterful little castle has remained in the same family for centuries. Standing next to a charming Romanesque church and a splendid lime tree, from the top of its rock, it overlooks a wooded and hilly valley : the view is splendid and breathtaking. It is nestled in a green setting, while the village and all shops (butcher, bakery, and convenience store open 7 days a week) are a one-minute walk away. The property is also close to many hiking trails. The owners have taken great care to restore their property while respecting its character. The floors have been preserved (terracotta tiles, rammed earth, and forged nail-worked floors). You will journey through the ages, from prehistory (a cave and its silos carved into the rock below), through the medieval and classical periods, to the romantic 19th century. Built in the 13th century, then modified in the 15th and 18th centuries, the castle offers on the ground floor a kitchen with a terracotta floor, a dining room with a wooden floor and fireplace, an entrance hall with a terracotta floor with a main wooden staircase and rammed earth floor. This room gives access to a shower room with a small bedroom above, as well as a first boiler room with an oil and wood boiler. You then enter the music room with a wooden fireplace, on parquet flooring with Persian walnut paneling. At the end of the hallway with terracotta tiles, a bedroom has been converted into the old kitchen, revealing a superb fireplace with a rotisserie and a hexagonal terracotta floor. The hallway also gives access to a shower room and a second boiler room with an oil boiler. From the courtyard, another entrance on a stone slab, with a wooden service staircase, and a WC at the end, gives access to a small apartment comprising a bedroom on the ground floor (the Blasons bedroom) and a bedroom on the mezzanine, as well as an adjoining shower room with WC, and a private courtyard. On the first floor, the wooden landing opens onto a red bed bedroom with parquet flooring and a fireplace, along with a large bathroom/shower/WC with ship's-deck parquet flooring. Above the vestibule, a library corridor with wooden flooring leads to a living room with oak flooring and a fireplace. The staircase in the tower is used as a cabinet of curiosities and provides access below to a study. On the other side of the corridor, a dining room converted from a former bedroom, with parquet flooring and a fireplace, features a small kitchen and an adjoining bathroom. A corridor with stairs leads to a bedroom with wooden flooring and a fireplace, and to a medieval bedroom with wooden flooring and a fireplace, with a private bathroom and WC, also accessible via the service staircase. The second floor contains the attic, a bedroom, a bathroom, and another room. The castle's roofs are very recent (from 2011 to 2018), and the tiles are all fixed to prevent the roof caps from slipping. The barns benefited from the same precautions during the renovations in 2018 and 2023. The sanitation system is to be redone, with the possibility of connecting to the communal network. A charming old sheepfold could inspire many projects (yoga room, guest house, etc.). Comprising approximately 100 sq.mt of living space on one level, it features a large living room with an open kitchen (53 sq.mt), two bedrooms, a laundry room, a bathroom/shower room, and a separate toilet. Many outbuildings allow for the realization of beautiful projects: barns on the sheepfold side, and a garage and a barn on the church side. The romantic garden features a beautiful masonry swimming pool (13.50 x 4.50), built in 2012 and heated by a Zodiac heat pump. The gray liner is new (June 2024) and of superior quality (90° thickness), with glass and chlorine filtration. Nearly 14 hectares of woods and meadows surround the property. Note the presence of a well and a 60 m³ rainwater tank. Not far from Angoulême, this property is 10 minutes from a shopping area (Carrefour, Leroy Merlin, etc.), while the nearest shops are within walking distance. Sale price including fees : 1,166,000 euros. Buyer's fees. Fee : 6 % VAT of the price excluding fees. Sale price excluding fees : 1,100,000 euros. Energy class : E. Climate class : D. Estimated annual energy costs for standard use : between 11,571 and 15,655 euros per year. Prices indexed to January 1st, 2021. Information on the risks to which this property is exposed is available on the Georisques website : www.georisques.gouv.fr

A little corner of paradise in southern Charente! A secret place of absolute tranquility and privacy ! This magnificent château stands in a commanding position with breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside. Offering approximately 616 m² of living space, this fully renovated château comprises: • Basement: games room, boiler room, utility room, storage rooms, wine cellar, hammam • Ground floor: entrance hall, living room, dining room, home cinema, family kitchen (with access to the pool area), professional kitchen, cloakroom, WC • First floor: 3 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a suite comprising a bedroom, study and bathroom, storage room • Second floor: 2 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, an additional bedroom, a suite comprising a bedroom, a bathroom and a lounge, storage room A pavilion adjoining the château houses a guest house (approx. 150 m²) comprising living room, kitchen, 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The guest house connects to the château at ground floor level. The entire property is in perfect condition. All bedrooms of the chateau and the guesthouse have air-co. The chateau has a very efficient wood/oil heating system. The property also includes large outbuildings (790 m²), comprising garages, a workshop, etc. The equestrian facilities are of professional standard. They mainly comprise: • Stables comprising 16 boxes (20 m² each) each with a paddock (32 m²). In addition, there are 130 m² of space for horse showers, grooming stands, cloakroom/saddle room, WC, technical room, storage space. • Riding arena (25 x 50 m) • Horse walker (8 horses) • A lunging circle Furthermore, there are a single-storey apartment (approx. 80 m²) offering all moderm comfort (air conditioning, central heating and Wi-Fi) and a mobil home (40 m²) The estate covers approximately 36.8 hectares, plus a further 7 hectares leased from a farmer. It would be possible to purchase more land around the château. Fabulous property in a most beautiful spot !

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.

Maxwell-Baynes Christie's International Real Estate is pleased to present this exceptional 15th-century castle, nestled in the heart of the countryside. A true jewel of French heritage, it offers the refined comfort of a luxurious family home, ideal for welcoming family and friends. Meticulously restored to the highest standards while preserving its historical charm, this authentic castle provides 7,000 square feet (700 m²) of elegant living spaces. It features seven sumptuous suites with private bathrooms, several intimate salons and dining rooms that blend period architecture with contemporary comfort, and a fully equipped professional kitchen, complete with sculleries and commercial-grade equipment, designed to easily host large numbers of guests. The inner courtyard, a true haven of peace, offers an exceptional setting in perfect harmony with the surrounding nature. Adjacent to the courtyard, an elegant bar and a speakeasy-style lounge create a warm and sophisticated atmosphere in a chic barn style—perfect for convivial moments in complete privacy. Outside, a swimming pool accompanied by a covered bar, a solarium, and a lounge area provides a privileged space to relax under the sun of the south west. A carefully designed wine cellar, located near the main entrance, houses several hundred bottles and reflects the refined taste of the owners as well as the level of elegance imbued in every corner of the property. The main estate spans 300 acres (120 hectares), ensuring total privacy and a sense of absolute escape. Ideally situated for an international clientele, this castle caters to discerning buyers seeking a French way of life in an exceptional natural setting, without compromising on connectivity. Surrounded by authentic villages, local markets, refined gastronomy, and a tranquil pace of life, this castle is more than just a prestige property: it is a gateway to the very best of southwestern France.

Just 15 minutes from the Angoulême TGV station (Paris in 1 hour 45 minutes), nestled in a protected natural setting, this château, built in 1746 and remodeled in the 19th century, exudes all the elegance of grand French family homes. Offering approximately 900 sq m of living space, it boasts nearly thirty rooms, including 15 bedrooms complemented by 3 anterooms, several adjoining reception rooms, and a chapel. The proportions are remarkable and retain numerous period features: antique fireplaces, wood paneling, painted ceilings, wall decorations, and expansive views. The estate extends over approximately 40 hectares in a single block, offering complete privacy and unobstructed 360° views from the façade. It includes landscaped parkland, woods, bridle paths, and a promenade leading to a belvedere with panoramic views overlooking the surrounding countryside. A caretaker's house, outbuildings, and a swimming pool complete the property. It is also possible to expand the estate by acquiring, as bare ownership, an additional 60 hectares currently leased, bringing the total land area to nearly 100 contiguous hectares surrounding the château. Located in the immediate vicinity of a village with shops, schools, and public transport, the estate combines absolute tranquility with easy access. Renovation work is required, particularly on the technical systems (heating, electricity, sanitation, plumbing), as well as an interior renovation to reveal the full architectural potential of the property. A rare property, ideal for heritage enthusiasts and those with ambitious projects: a family residence, a reception venue, a hospitality business, or a large-scale cultural project. Agency fees: €57,000 including VAT (4.96%), payable by the buyer (€1,150,000 excluding fees). Information on the risks to which this property is exposed is available on the Georisques website: www.georisques.gouv.fr

Exclusively, just 15 minutes from Angoulême and its TGV station connecting to Paris in 1 hour 45 minutes, the Château de La Rochandry stands majestically on its rocky spur, having watched over the verdant Boëme Valley for centuries. Listed as a Historic Monument, it embodies the history and prestige of the grand Charente residences. Rebuilt in the 19th century on the foundations of an old fortified castle, it offers approximately 890 m² of living space and a subtle balance between architectural character and modern comfort. From the moment you enter, the tone is set: a magnificent 70 m² hall is enlivened by a double-helix staircase. The reception rooms – living room, library, dining room – benefit from generous proportions and abundant natural light. The eat-in kitchen and service areas harmoniously complete the ground floor. Upstairs, a gallery leads to several bedrooms, a boudoir, a dressing room, and shower rooms or bathrooms, creating a structured and elegant sleeping area. The second floor offers additional bedrooms as well as rooms that can be adapted to suit various needs: extra suites, workspaces, workshops, or a games room. A large attic offers further development potential. Heritage features enhance the uniqueness of the property: stained-glass windows bearing coats of arms, a vaulted room, an underground passage beneath the building, an adjoining chapel… Every detail evokes the soul of the château. The outbuildings – a guest house, a barn, sheds, and workshops – offer a multitude of possibilities. The estate extends over nearly 10 hectares of meadows and woods crossed by the Boeme River, with a swimming pool and an old windmill, in a protected natural setting. A rare property, both majestic and intimate, ideal for an ambitious family project or as a reception residence in the heart of the Charente region. Agency fees: 5% including VAT, payable by the buyer. Price excluding agency fees: €1,650,000. Information on the risks to which this property is exposed is available on the Georisques website: www.georisques.gouv.fr