This sumptuous château is found in the heart of Gascony, in the rich and diverse Armagnac region, at an equal distance between Bordeaux and Toulouse (1h45). On the home lands of d ’Artagnan, the estate sits in an elevated position with far-reaching views across the valley. Surrounded by fields bursting with an ever-changing tapestry of colour in the summer months, from the vibrant yellows of the sunflowers, to the neat rows of green vines, the property is situated just a few minutes distance from the picturesque village of Montréal (one of our favourite villages in the Gers) and just a ten minute drive to the larger town of Condom, with its many shops and restaurants. This region is one of the most highly sought-after in Gascony, with visitors driving out here from Lectoure and Condom, Bordeau or Toulouse throughout the year. This is an area world-famous for its music festivals (Condom and its traditional Bandas festival, or Marciac for its renowned jazz festival in the world). Long hot summer evenings are brought to life by colourful night-markets, and many other events throughout the year which ensure that this is a lively area in which to live throughout the winter months as well as the lovely long hot summers. The château is located on the edge of a small hamlet, and sits in private parkland. On arrival, we follow the beautiful stone walls of the gardens, the original ramparts of the château which border the property and can be seen from afar. A traditional wrought- iron gate between two stone pillars marks the entrance. From here onwards, as we enter through the gate, one has an immediate sense of magic as we enter the grounds. A private alley cuts through a line of elegant trees. We pass the guardian’s house, and two cottages, reaching a private driveway at the top where we catch our first glimpse of the Chateau. To the side and the rear of the Château a vast 12ha stretch of land flanks the estate. The parkland itself is filled with a rich variety of mature trees. To each side the fields and pasture is currently tended to by a local farmer. Visible even from up above at the Château one can clearly see a young vineyard, below, planted by the current owners. On an architectural note… The château dates back to the second half of the 19th century, and was once home to a religious order set up by the Pères Prémontrés. The property is built in the shape of an “L” with beautiful golden coloured stone walls and Parisan style persiennes shutters painted in muted tones of elegant grey. Sunshine dapples the walls from the south, the east and the west. There are roses and many varieties of shrubs everywhere you look. The property comprises two main wings, linked on the ground floor, the basement and the first floor. The main house has been lovingly restored by its current owner who is an interior designer. The renovated wing is the southern wing blessed by a beautiful flow of light from the south, north and west it bathes the rooms with natural light throughout the day from its tall windows. The property has undergone a tremendous programme of works supervised by an architect an expert in historical buildings, but as we shall see in more detail later, this property has the advantage of comprising a second as yet non-restored wing : the western wing. The additional Western wing, once restored would lend itself perfectly to parties (a large party room), weddings, or summer lettings. The Southern Wing The entrance A small flight of stone stairs on the northern side separates a courtyard from the majestic entrance, with its turning staircase and doorway onto a beautiful courtyard on the southern side. This south-facing courtyard is graced with a burst of pink blossom from its trees in spring. A long hallway on the northern side leads to the kitchen, a drawing-room and a laundry-room. On the other side there is a second reception room and the guest cloakroom and WC. The ceilings are high and the floors lain with stone tiles. The elegant, sculpted cast-iron radiators throw out additional heat, in addition to the under-floor heating in the entrance hall. The lighting system at the château is particularly well designed, and the property is a delight to visit in the evenings, when on arrival the lights twinkle as they might from The Great Gatsby’s home. The perfect backdrop for a summer party. Reception Room 1 : As with every room in the château the ceilings are high and the tall windows allow one a sweeping view over the valley and across the Gascon countryside. A stone fireplace and double doors divide the first reception room from the kitchen, both rooms are lain with the same stone floor tiles. Reception Room 2 : With a warm and inviting interior this room is a perfect evening room and has the same lovely views, and also a stone fireplace. Cloakroom & Guest WC At the far end of the entrance hall, discreetly positioned behind a carefully designed cloakroom wall we find the spacious guest lavatory and washbasin. The kitchen, Rear kitchen, Laundry-Room It would be more apt to say that the kitchen is yet another grand reception room. Warm and inviting, majestic in size with a long table to welcome guests or for breakfast with views across the valley, this kitchen is the heart of the property and spacious enough to host a large gathering. French doors open on the garden on the western side, where guests can dine under the plane trees and look over the fabulous stone ramparts and balustrades to the stunning views across the valley. Guests are provided with a backdrop view of the medieval ruins of the original château, and the pigeonnier or dovecote. A grand central island with spacious work surface place for big bowls of food prepared on the AGA. The rear kitchen/ scullery is also directly accessible from the garden and the main kitchen and is equipped with a traditional oven. This is an ideal space to be used by caterers serving food in the garden or interior. In the hallway on the other side of the kitchen a door with a beautiful sculptured wooden surround opens onto the laundry room. The First Floor : Bedrooms Opposite the courtyard entrance an impressive stone staircase turns upwards to the first floor, leading to a spacious landing and a second long hallway that runs above the ground floor hallway. All the bedrooms have parquet flooring. At the top of the landing to the right, two bedroom with ensuite shoer rooms and fitted wardrobes with decorative doors from old French armoirs. To the left of the landing there is a third ensuite bathroom with views to the south, and a long hallway leading to a vast parental suite which is one of the most spacious bedrooms and bathrooms we have yet to see in Gascony. The master bedroom suite comprises a vast bedroom with five tall windows, a double dressing room and a bathroom with a double sink, shower and oval bathtub. The Western Wing At the far end of the downstairs entrance hall, close to the entrance to the kitchen, a set of double doors opens onto the western wing comprising two floors with around 400m2 space for further development with planning permission. The Western wing comprises a hallway leading to a staircase to the first floor. On the ground floor there is a large reception room with grand openings to the park, and with views of the Medieval ruin. The family has hosted weddings at the property and this is a perfect room in which to dance and party, opening onto the park, the lovely views of the ramparts, the medieval chateau, and the folly at the end of the garden.
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maxwell-baynes residential and vineyards - christie's international real estate