private mansion for sale Centre Ville-Fenet-Petit Puy district of Saumur, France

A residence with a former school and a swimming pool, in the centre of Saumur. Off a peaceful street – the old launderers’ road, boasting remarkable architecture – a wrought iron gate opens into a courtyard boasting many plants, around which stand the residence and former school. The property adjoins the ramparts and wall walk of the town’s historical centre. Through the centuries, it was firstly the residence of a renowned family, whose members were ennobled and contributed to defending the town during the Fronde wars. Prosperous periods of trade, reinforced by advantageous alliances and marriages, bestowed richly painted decorations on the building that are still visible today. The site was sold to the municipality in 1890 and became the Jules Ferry school, with accommodation for teachers, classrooms and a refectory. It was run first as a girls’ school, then a boys’ school, before playing a central role in trade union life. Each year, the address is put in the spotlight during the Heritage Days weekend and the building is still an emblematic site in local working history of the town. Two holiday lets have been created next to the main building.