castle for sale Florac Trois Rivières, France

A castrum with a château, farm building and outbuildings surrounded by 13 hectares of woodland overlooking the valley, in Florac, in the south of the Lozère department . Situated in a dominant position on its rocky spur, the château with its crenelations can be seen from afar. The first foundations date back to the 12th century, but the current building probably dates back to the 15th century, when the fiefdom came under the control of the Bishop of Mende. It passed through various families through marriage and, in the 18th century, was damaged and then sold at auction during the Revolution. Acquired at the beginning of the 20th century, it has remained in the same family, who have maintained it as a holiday home until the present day. The 300-metre-long path leading to the property arouses curiosity and does not reveal its secrets until the last minute. The path opens out onto a magnificent view and the plain, which highlight the main building and the scene worthy of a painting. Built in heavy, unplastered local schist, with thick walls, the château has a certain austerity about it, typical of the Cévennes. The architecture retains characteristic traces from its origins, in particular cross windows and arched doors, while a remnant of a parapet walk enlivens the north façade. The layout of the windows is fairly regular, with ashlar surrounds and corner quoins, and small-paned windows. Built slightly below and not overlooked, the 'Bancels' farmhouse occupies the southern slope. It includes a renovated house. Finally, the small house 'la Gleyzette', with an independent access is slightly below to the west. The façades are made up of a schist bonding, only rendered on the dwelling that closes off the farm building to the west, with mostly straight windows of varying sizes. The roofs are of two slopes with lauze tiles. The uniqueness and unity of the estate can be seen immediately, and the absence of neighbours and low visibility from outside translate into peace and quiet for its occupants.