MANOR HOUSE IN THE JURA In Vers-en-Montagne, behind its stone walls and wooded grounds, this historic home built in 1790 tells the story of more than two centuries of history. Formerly a private school known as ?Nazareth,' the property offers 570 m² of living space, complemented by a large annex. Original hardwood floors, fireplaces, a central staircase, and beautiful high ceilings create an atmosphere that has retained its authentic character. Surrounding the property are nearly 8,000 m² of wooded grounds, dotted with century-old trees, giving this family home a unique sense of space. A HOME THAT HAS STANDED THE TEST OF TIME In the upper part of Vers-en-Montagne, near the Saint-Laurent Church, the property emerges from behind its stone walls with the tranquil presence characteristic of historic homes. Built in 1790, it notably served as a private school?known as ?Nazareth'?in the late 19th or early 20th century. This history remains evident in the scale of the spaces and the grandeur of its architecture. The main house offers approximately 570 m² of living space across two levels. From the moment you enter, the proportions set the tone. The ground floor features spacious living areas, including a living room, dining room, study with a fireplace, workshop, separate kitchen, and pantry. Upstairs, the bedrooms follow one after another, some of which still feature fireplaces. Above, approximately 200 m² of attic space opens up even more possibilities for renovation. The solid, antique hardwood floors, the fireplaces, the high ceilings, and the central wooden staircase with its ornate banister preserve the home's heritage. The décor still bears the patina of time and hints at a new interpretation of the spaces, one that respects their character. A PRIVATE PARK Outside, the atmosphere changes. The vast grounds form a rolling, tree-lined park, enclosed by stone walls and home to large, century-old trees. The property lies set back from traffic, in a village and countryside setting. From the house, the view opens onto the garden and the canopy of trees. An almost timeless atmosphere takes hold, perfect for long dinners, afternoons under the trees, and family life that values space without losing its connection to a small town. Vers-en-Montagne remains close to Champagnole and its shops. More broadly, the property's location places it within the Jura landscape, where lakes, vineyards, and rolling hills converge, with Switzerland also within easy reach. SPACES TO CREATE A NEW STORY The scale of the property extends beyond that of the main house alone. A second stone building, also dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, significantly expands the range of possible uses. Its ground floor currently houses a studio, among other things, while the upper levels feature numerous rooms. Depending on the project, this layout allows for the creation of independent living spaces, accommodations for family members, or a hospitality business. The main residence itself currently offers six bedrooms, with the potential for more. A spacious basement with an underground cellar, a convertible attic, garages, and numerous storage areas add yet another dimension to the property. The property has already undergone significant renovations. The facades were recently completely refurbished, and the window and door frames were replaced in 2024. Future work on the project could focus on thermal comfort, the heating system, and interior design, to adapt the house to a new use while preserving its identity. Whether as a family home, a gathering place, or a venue for a hospitality project, its spacious layout allows for multiple possibilities. All share the unique opportunity to continue the story of a property already deeply rooted in its local community. THE CONSULTANT'S PERSPECTIVE ?Above all, I loved the natural charm of the place, untouched by any artificial staging. You can't help but be swept up in a gentle sense of nostalgia. The house has a genuine patina. That's precisely what moved me: it still leaves room for those who will come after, for their tastes, their way of life, and the story they'll choose to write here. The grounds play a big part in creating this feeling. Between the stone walls, the well, and the century-old trees, it feels like an intimate retreat. Inside, the spacious layout makes it easy to imagine a large family home where everyone can find their own space. It's a place with a soul, close to Champagnole, the lakes, the vineyards, and Switzerland, waiting for its story to continue.' Mathieu Ardenghi
…