Renovated 17 bedroom Manor House for sale with countryside view in Saintes, Poitou-Charentes

2,438,000 EUR 2,121,060 GBP 2,413,620 USD

Reference: 239911

Bedrooms: 17
Bathrooms: 6
Floor Size: 1,200 m2
Plot Size: 2.92 hectares / 7.22 acres
Work Required: None
Swimming Pool
Gite / Annex / Additional Accommodation
Income Potential
Jacuzzi / Spa / Hot tub
Gym
Garage(s)
Parking space(s)

Details

Luxuriously renovated 8 bedroom 15th Century Manor House with 4 fully furnished gites, gym and indoor pool, nestling in nearly 3 hectares of glorious landscaped gardens with expansive pool while enjoying panoramic countryside views from its peaceful location near Saintes.

Steeped in rich history with incredible charm, this logis whose origins date back to the 15th century, was rebuilt in the 18th century with 'pierre de taille'. The hand carved limestone, typical to the region, is flanked by a 16th century castle tower and overlooks the imposing inner courtyard and the former cognac distillery, with outbuildings converted into comfortable gites and a wellness centre.

The main house is very tastefully decorated and offers about 600m2 of living space, including 8 spacious bedrooms and 6 en-suite bathrooms with 2 walk in wardrobes, a library, an equipped kitchen and several living rooms and reception rooms with fireplace. One of the dining rooms, which still dates back to the early days of the logis, might even have had Henry IV visiting it.

The history of this property and the many authentic elements, such as the wooden floors and beams and the beautiful fireplaces, which can be found throughout the manor house, with a little imagination can transport one back several hundred years.

Each of the 4 gites has its own fully equipped kitchen and living space and a total of 9 bedrooms.

Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a spa with Jacuzzi, hammam, relaxation and massage room, indoor swimming pool, gym and billiard room with bar.

Several outbuildings and garages provide space for a vintage car collection, for the enthusiasts or additional possibilities towards further expansion.

The estate covers almost 3 ha and is located in a small village equidistant (15 km) between Saintes, the Roman market town and the world famous city of Cognac. The Charente River, which Francois I considered the most beautiful river of his kingdom, runs just two hundred metres from the estate, and was once one of the country's busiest waterways via which the illustrious Gabariers transported their cognac towards the Atlantic.

FEATURES
Optical fibre
Spring
Well drilling
Irrigation Sprinkler

Show Map

France Property Buying Guide

Guide to the French Buying Process

1. Signing the Agreement (Compris)
On finding a property you wish to purchase you will need to negotiate the terms, price and conditions of the sale with the owner. The next step, once you are in agreement, is to sign the preliminary contract (Compromis de Vente). This is a legal document and after ten days will be binding on both parties. Rules change frequently in France and it is best to consult with your notary about when this period starts. Generally the compris will be signed in France with the Agent. Variants can be included in the compris, for example an Acte (clause) can be added if the name or names to go on the title deed have not been finalised. If a mortgage will be required to purchase the property, the details for this, including the name of the mortgage company, must be on the compris.

2. Paying the Deposit
Generally the deposit will be 10% of the agreed purchase price. This will normally be paid to the notaire. There are exceptions to this, if the agent holds a carte professionelle, is bonded and fully registered then you may pay them, but do not hand over the deposit to anyone else. If for some reason the purchase does not go through, for example, if you write to the notaire and the agent that you do not wish to go continue with the purchase before the contract is binding (within seven days of signing the compris), then your deposit would be repaid. This would also apply if a condition had not been met, or the mayor or S.A.F.E.R. (a government agency that has the right of first purchase on most rural property that comes onto the market in France) could oblige the purchaser to give way. If you decide after the seven days 'cooling off' period that you do not wish to complete the purchase and pull out of the sale you would lose your deposit. If however the vendor pulls out of the sale then you will receive your deposit back plus the same amount from the vendor.

3. On Completion
Generally it will take around two or three months to complete the purchase. During this time the balance of the purchase money must be paid into the account of the notaire, this must be done well ahead of the completion date. The notaire will prepare the documents, check that the deed of sale (Acte de Vente) is in order and have the legal title ready to be signed over. It is possible to have someone sign on your behalf if you give them power of attorney. An interpreter may be of use at this point if your French is not very good and many Notaires will suggest (or insist) that an interpreter is with you.