castle with terrace for sale Saint-Hilaire-des-Loges, France

Majestic castle from the early 17th century, largely restored in the heart of an intact baroque estate. Built at the edge of a river, this exceptional castle embodies the transition between medieval heritage and the emergence of classic French architecture. From this former stronghold, a remarkable 15th-century keep remains. In the early 17th century, the medieval complex was reimagined under the influence of a great family from Poitou, giving rise to an elegant residence inspired by Henry IV, with an H-shaped plan, heralding the Louis XIII style. Behind its sober façades animated with Renaissance decorations and trompe-l'oeil effects, the castle unfolds a coherent interior layout. Organized around a grand staircase, it preserves many original elements: French ceilings, stone and terracotta tile floors, monumental fireplaces, enhanced in the 18th century with refined parquet and marble, and then completed in the 19th century. Designed as a place for both representation and daily life, the ensemble stands out for the harmony of its volumes and the quality of its architecture, both simple and spectacular. The estate, structured since the 17th century, offers a remarkable landscaped setting: a water canal from the former moats, tree-lined perspectives, Renaissance-inspired flower beds, a vegetable garden, an orchard, and woods. The outbuildings complete the ensemble with a vast orangery hosting receptions and events, stables, an old menagerie, and an impressive pigeon loft. A unique property, admirably preserved, this castle offers a vivid reading of four centuries of history and constitutes an architectural testament of rare authenticity.This description has been automatically translated from French.