Offer 579

Exceptional listed 12^th century castle in the Gard department

This property is located less than 100 km (60 miles) from the Mediterranean sea, between the towns of Avignon, Alès and Nîmes, 50 km (30 miles) from an international airport and 20 km (12 miles) from a TGV railway station. It includes a big 12^th century castle, that has been beautifully restored and many outbuildings on 4.7 ha (11.6 acres) of landscaped grounds with a swimming pool, a pond and terraces enjoying striking long distance views of the surrounding countryside.

The castle is a genuine fortress that is surrounded by ramparts.

The castle was erected during the 12^th century on an ancient Roman oppidum and it exhibits signs from the Templars and the Cathars periods. It became famous Barons' property during the 13^th century, then Viscounts' property during the 15^th century and belonged to a Prince during the 17^th century. The castle has kept many features from all these periods and is now listed as a landmark (ISMH).

The frontage of the castle features many mullioned windows.

The front side of the castle overlooks a huge terrace (2 500 sq. mt., 26 900 sq. ft.) surrounded by the ramparts and enjoying panoramic views of the Cévennes and the Massif Central mounts, over 100 km (60 miles) away. The central wing dates from the 12^th century and is built on 3 levels. It is flanked by 2 high crenelated round towers: the north-east and the north-west towers. At the back, a high stone wall links the north-east tower to a third round tower of same height, which is topped by a tiled roof: the south-east tower. Last, on the opposite side, a smaller crenelated wing links the central wing to a fourth square tower of a lesser height: the south-west tower.

The front side of the castle opens onto a huge terrace with a vast reception room of 300 sq. mt. (3 230 sq. ft.) underneath.

A fifth square tower is located at the centre of the back side of the central wing. It includes the majestic main stone staircase. The castle is thus U-shaped, with a large square courtyard at the back, on a level with the swimming pool and the landscaped grounds.

The castle is U-shaped and features 5 towers, with a swimming pool at the back.

The castle offers about 1 600 sq. mt. (17 220 sq. ft.) of living space on 3 levels and 23 rooms. It includes 5 vast reception rooms of 60 sq. mt. (646 sq. ft.) to 300 sq. mt. (3 230 sq. ft.), a professionally equipped kitchen with a capacity of 150 meals, plus terraces. The whole castle benefits from a high quality restoration, that has fully kept its genuine style.

The north-east tower.	The south-east tower.

The north-west tower as seen from a terrace.	The south-west tower.

Between the central wing and the south-west tower, the crenelated western wing is topped by a pleasant tiled terrace. This wing has an independent Gothic entrance door giving access to a large entrance hall.

The west wing with its own entrance.

The swimming pool (12 × 4,8 mt., 129 × 52 ft.) is completed by a technical room in the south-east tower, with a jacuzzi and a further room of 100 sq. mt. (1 076 sq. ft.). A remarkable well is located in the courtyard. It has a depth of 40 mt. (130 ft.) and can provide for drinkable water when needed.

The swimming pool and the well in the courtyard.

The ramparts with a bartizan. The rich and long Historic past of the castle is evidenced by the different loopholes of the frontage, the crenels on the defence towers, the bartizans on the ramparts, a Gothic entrance door in the west wing, the mullioned windows, etc.

South view from the north-east tower.

The outbuildings are located in the wood behind the castle. They include converted stone buildings, one of which being an ancient big square dovecote, as well as small chalets offering 27 additional bedrooms in good condition.

The landscaped grounds (4.7 ha, 11.6 acres) surround the castle. They feature terraces, big century-old trees, including 500 years-old cedars, woods and a pond.

A unique view of the Massif Central and the Cévennes from the main terrace.

The castle monitors the whole broad valley.

A big magnificent castle, restored with great respect and offering both authenticity and comfort to the landlord and guests...

Continuation of the visit of the estate...

For more information, please contact
Demeures de France
by e-mail,
by telephone: 33/0 1 44 17 95 40
or by Fax: 33/0 1 44 17 95 77

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