Looking at the exterior of this chateau in France’s Dordogne River Valley, it’s hard to guess what lies within.
The stately, rectangular-shaped house spans matching witches’ hat turrets on either end. The symmetrical stone façade is broken up by three levels of windows – the bottom rung are arch-topped, the others are shuttered. A dark sloping roof contrasts with the gray stone walls. A gently rising stone staircase leads to the entry.
The living spaces have been renovated for contemporary tastes.
Groupe Mercure
The giveaway to what’s inside is at the front door. A pane in the shape of long segment of a circle breaks up one side of the wood surface – departing from the balanced appearance outside.
The 450 square meters, or nearly 5,000 square feet, of interiors in the main house were renovated with luxury in mind and are contemporary. Marble floors, wall moldings and an artful chandelier adorn one sitting area, while stone walls create a backdrop for a modern hanging fireplace in another.
The sleek modern decor provides a contrast to the rough-hewn walls.
Groupe Mercure
The ground floor contains two living rooms, two dining rooms, an office and the kitchen.
Above the main level are four en-suite bedrooms. Rustic white-washed beams blend with the smooth linear surfaces of one of the vaulted-ceiling bedrooms.
A gym, a spa, a sauna and a hammam-style steam bath occupy the basement.
A spa is among amenities on the chateau’s basement level.
Groupe Mercure
The more modest-looking guest house lacks the exterior grandeur of its predecessor, but don’t be fooled. The 160-square-meter (1,722-square-foot) residence – containing a large living room, an open kitchen and three en-suite bedrooms – is equally chic and opens up opportunities for staff or extended family to live on site.
The style of the guest house, inside and out, is in keeping with that of the chateau – even down to the off-centered glass pane in the front door.
A vaulted ceiling with rustic beams adds visual interest in the primary bedroom.
Groupe Mercjre
The two houses total seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms within 600 square meters, or about 6,458 square feet.
The 4.3 hectares (10.6 acres) of wooded, parklike grounds contain a swimming pool reached by way of a checkerboard-patterned walkway.
The grounds of the chateau include a swimming pool.
Groupe Mercure
Pierre de Luzan of Groupe Mercure is the listing agent for the property, which is near the medieval town of Sarlat-la-Canéda in southwest France. The asking price is 1.85 million euros or close to US $2.2 million.
Nearby international airports include Brive–Souillac Airport, about 35 kilometers or 22 miles away, and Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport, 56 kilometers or 35 miles, away.
The property is near the medieval town Sarlat-la-Canéda.
Groupe Mercure
Sarlat, which retains vestiges of both medieval and renaissance times, is a popular tourist destination. It holds the designation of a Plus Beaux Detour – a town worth visiting for its beauty and architecture.
Twice a week market days offer such local delicacies as foie gras, truffles and cheese. Sarlat is also known for its quality nougat shops.
Group Mercure is a founding member of Forbes Global Properties, a consumer marketplace and membership network of elite brokerages selling the world’s most luxurious homes.