castle for sale La Gazelle, France

It shines like a jewel in a green, lush environment. Just a few minutes from downtown Nîmes, the chateau can be seen through the century-old trees of its nearly two-hectare (4.9 acres) park. Although its origins date back to the 18th century, the building was something of a well-kept secret until the current owners undertook a major, state-of-the-art restoration. Access to the chateau is via a driveway lined with lavender and olive trees. A Madonna greets us in front of the imposing wrought-iron gate. A large courtyard precedes the chateau's pink façade, a nod to a 1950s fantasy that blends so well with the vegetation, and is reminiscent of certain Venetian-style palazzi such as the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. The imposing door opens onto a sumptuous entrance hall (829 sq ft, over 32 feet high ceilings), where the omnipresent stone is enhanced by the soft ochre tones covering the walls. The monumental double staircase, reminiscent of the ballrooms in the fairy tales of our childhood, draws our gaze upwards. Crystal chandeliers on either side perfect a comforting symmetry. You'll be moved by the 12th-century chapel (646 sq ft, 33 feet high), nestled in the heart of the chateau, which can be seen halfway up, framed by the two staircases. Access to the chapel is exclusively from inside the chateau, further emphasizing its rare and privileged character. Designed in Gothic style, it is adorned with colorful frescoes, a starry sky and magnificent stained-glass windows - signed by master glazier Dideron - creating colorful ripples of light right down to the staircase steps. Like a comforting, protective presence, the chapel seems to emit a warm aura over the entire building. The living areas are cleverly positioned on the first floor. On one side, two adjoining rooms with large volumes and keystone ceilings, highlighted by central moldings and arches. The first, with its terracotta floor and period fireplace, is currently used as a living room. The second, with its terrazzo floor, is a media room. We cross the sumptuous entrance hall to reach the opposite wing of the chateau and its kitchen-dining room. Here, the proportions are still very generous, but the style is more sober and organic, with smooth curves that give pride of place to the garden, which can be seen through the multiple openings. This room can easily accommodate a table for more than twenty people. A scullery and laundry room follow. The glass door opens onto a spacious terrace, offering a privileged view of the garden. A bucolic setting with luxuriant vegetation: century-old trees, palm trees, banana trees and Mediterranean species rub shoulders around the pool to create a peaceful oasis, often enhanced by birdsong. A garden sublimated by the seasons, with a panoply of scents in spring, refreshing shadows in summer, and the beauty of the ginkgo's golden shields in autumn. A climb up the central double staircase leads to the chateau's second floor, with its vast landing illuminated by three large windows, which can be used as a reception area, and serves two wings. On one side, the bridal suite features soaring ceilings and a period fireplace. In the bathroom, the ultra-modern bathtub and shower enhance the original details, such as the wooden French ceilings and stone floor, with a play of juxtapositions. A large dressing room and toilet are cleverly tucked away. The opposite wing has four bedrooms - two of which are on mezzanine - and two bathrooms. Double-height ceilings, plunging views over the park, stone and hardwood floors and imposing beams add to the charm of the space. A few surprises too, including a staircase running along a stained-glass window, illustrating how exceptional features are embedded into the daily lives of the chateau's inhabitants. Two more sections await us. In the entrance hall, a door to the left of the grand staircase gives access to a completely independent bedroom and bathroom. A few steps also give access to the chateau's cellars. A spiral staircase leads to the top floor, the only unrenovated part of the building. With a surface area of around 275 square meters (2,960 square feet), it currently comprises two bedrooms, two bathrooms, two kitchens and a very large reception room. The possibilities are endless for shaping this floor to your needs. A key feature of the chateau, which spans some 1,225 m2 (13,186 square feet), is its luminosity. Every room is bathed in natural light, further underlining the care taken at every stage of the restoration. Other features of this exceptional site include an equestrian track, a noria and a borehole (guaranteeing a water supply at no extra cost), a paved area in the bamboo grove, an outdoor shelter, a pond... In a region renowned for its gentle way of life or douceur de vivre, just ten minutes from the Roman city of Nîmes, the chateau enjoys a privileged location. Close to airports, highways and a TGV train station, the estate is within easy reach. These are definite assets for your project, whether it's a primary or secondary residence, a restaurant, a professional office, a place to host, or a combination of these. The Gard department, and more broadly the Occitanie region, offer an exceptional environment and a variety of points of interest: Nîmes, Arles, Uzès, Avignon, Montpellier, the beaches bordering the Mediterranean Sea, not forgetting the villages of neighboring Provence and the Alps, easily accessible in three hours. A region passionate about its terroir, its wines and its gastronomy, with a good number of Michelin-starred restaurants. Like a restored painting by a great master. No doubt you too will be touched by this exceptional place. Further cultural and historical references available on request. Co-brokers welcome. Contact: Emilie Crouzet +33(0)6 95 74 22 06