House with pool Lectoure (32)
This magnificent Gascon Château sits in the heart of rolling countryside and has been treasured by the same family for several generations. With its foundations in the Middle Ages, circa 1479, these old stone walls have observed the centuries pass by and observed each generation adapt the building according to the needs and innovations of its time. The most remarkable of these modifications was the extension of the original château before the French Revolution by the Comtesse de Beaumont, a courtesan of the court, who, forced to flee from court and to return home to Gascony, (one wonders at the actions that led to the wrath of the Queen?), later hosted political refugees herself, fleeing the bloodshed of Paris and the reign of terror in 1789. Later throughout the 20th century and war with Germany, the chateau once again offered sanctuary to those in need. In the second world war a Jewish refugee by the name of Irène Lezorviez, was hidden here. As a sign of recognition a tree was planted in 1987 in Jerusalem as a sign of recognition to the Gascon French resistance. The Comtesse de Beaumont was the person to make the greatest contribution to the development of the Château as we know it today. Bringing back home with her the notions of fine living she had experienced at court, the Comtesse was anxious to create a similar splendour in rural Gascony. This might have been a rural and working estate, but the Comtesse made additions to ensure that it was transformed into a place of beauty and the ideal place to host parties, with the addition of the 18th century wing which forms the main building today, to the addition of the stone turrets with their far reaching views, to the development of the stunning parkland with its tree-lined avenues in the shape of a star, leading to the bronze statue of Diane the huntress, and last but not least, the construction of the delicate and ornamental chapel where current owners of this family have married. During her time at the Château many parties were hosted here, and it is a testimony to the longevity of the Gascons themselves, that having escaped the Revolution, the Comtesse lived on until the fine age of one hundred years! Each successive generation has brought change and innovation to the park and buildings, with various additions; for example, the innovative water-pump and windmill, to the complete renewal of the roof as we see them today by the current owners. This property was the first to experience the joys of running water and has traditionally been the residence of a succession of innovative and inspirational residents. With its towers, pigeonniers, moat and wine chai, as well as being a place of beauty, we are reminded that this Château is also a testament to the rich agricultural architecture of Gascony. Brought to market for the first time in centuries by BLISS IMMOBILIER since 1881, this is a rare and extraordinary opportunity to enjoy not only an incredible building and park, but to experience French history first-hand. Some of the original furniture remains, including the commode at the entrance hall with its grand mirror, installed by the Comtesse so that she might check her appearance before leaving through the grand front door. As you glance at the mirror today, and see your own reflection, it is easy to sense the rustle of the skirts of the Comtesse behind you in the grand hallway and imagine her elegant figure sweeping across the magnificent original tiled floor. These rooms are alive with history, in a place which time has somehow managed to forget. Whether your project is to develop a business suitable to the 21st century within these walls, and to bring the rooms alive with conferences or luxury guest suites for guests visiting this wonderful corner of southwest France, or whether you are someone who simply craves the joy and of stepping back in time and living a part of your life where so many others have left their imprint before, we cannot know. What we can promise, is that this is a rare opportunity to live in a place of immense beauty. Climb to the top of the high stone turret and survey the dizzying view of your magnificent 4,6-hectare park, with far reaching views as far as the eye can see on all four sides. Admire the old oak trees which are hundreds of years old, the likes of which could never grow within a single lifetime. Welcome to your own personal opportunity to become chatelain or chatelaine of this fine Gascon château. More photos and information as well as a film on our Bliss real estate website
$2,566,900
By Bliss Immobilier
