castle for sale Avallon, France

An occupied 18th century chateau surrounded by wooded grounds and a river, in the Nièvre region 2 hours from Paris. Off one of the town's many cobbled alleyways, a double wrought-iron gate serves as the main entrance, framed by a porch with half-timbered walls and beams that bear witness to the age of the property. This leads first to the courtyard of the outbuildings, followed by the main courtyard in front of the main residence. There is another entrance from the street, through a monumental wooden double carriage gate, leading to the courtyard of the main dwelling, embellished by two large white magnolias and other green plants. The chateau comprises a group of old residential buildings, including a street section linked by a wing at right angles that borders the inner courtyard of the main building. The three-storey main building displays classical, symmetrical style and is topped by a slate hip roof with œil-de-bœuf dormers and ridge finials. Its lime-rendered rubble masonry facades are enhanced by dressed stone corner quoins, stringcourses and a triangular pediment with an oeil-de-bœuf in the central section. Seven bays of large-paned windows, fitted with solid or louvered shutters, let the light flood into the residence. Once you have crossed the main courtyard dotted with box hedges and mature rose bushes, a flight of three approach steps leads up to the entrance of the building. The grounds in front of the residence are entirely enclosed by walls and planted with various tall and ornamental species of trees. A small private wooden bridge crosses the water feature and connects to a former orangery and a vegetable patch with a greenhouse. Finally, an opening in the perimeter wall provides direct access to the town.