Owning a historic French château may seem like a fairytale dream, but it’s actually not that far out of the question… If you subscribe to our magazine, you may have noticed that scores of people from all walks of life hailing from all over the world are seduced by the possibility of breathing new life into an old French structure.
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We love to feature their stories alongside the fabulous photos showcasing their hard work and astounding results. Perhaps after witnessing all the possibilities, you yourself have been itching to embark on such an adventure…
Whether you are in the market to purchase a centuries-old French property or just curious to see an example of what is out there, read on to discover the Hôtel de Cours de Thomazeau, a hôtel particulier for sale by our friend Jennifer Whetton in the Bordeaux region.
FOR SALE: Historic 18th Century Château in Castillonnes
Hôtel de Cours de Thomazeau is an hôtel particulier (the French version of a mansion) built in the 1770s by Victor Louis – the architect behind the magnificent Opera House in Bordeaux – on top of the remains of a 13th century fortification.
As with all traditional hôtel particuliers, the château is built in a U shape around a cour d’honneur (an entrance court) with the original gates still intact – serving as a suitable grand entrance to the magnificent property.
Upon entering, it may feel as though you have stumbled onto an 18th century film set, but it is very much a living and breathing home of the 21st century that has evolved with the times while retaining all its wonderful original features. There is a tranquil, timeless quality to the splendid old building which guests love to immerse themselves in but is also only a few steps away from the little local town with its market, shops and restaurants.
The first floor features a striking entrance hall, leading to the lavish Grand Salon, with a balcony and two large reception rooms further down. The spacious kitchen is fully equipped, with impressive windows overlooking the courtyard – the perfect place for a jovial family breakfast or a convivial brunch!
The stately staircase outside the kitchen pre-dates the property by around 100 years, and as you climb it, you can see why the 18th century architect chose to retain it in his design. It leads to 3 large double bedrooms on one side and 2 recently renovated master bedrooms on the other side – all featuring en-suite bathrooms and glorious views of the countryside surrounding the bastide. There is also an attic which could easily be converted into 2 or 3 additional bedrooms if desired. The staircase landing opens to a charming library, an ideal place for quiet reading and reflection.
Downstairs in the superbly renovated basement you will find a medieval wine cellar with a vaulted gallery, a self-contained apartment, and an enchanting water spring accessed through a Gallo Roman doorway. With possible seating of up to 100 people, there are many ways this space can be utilized.
Currently used as a luxury bed & breakfast, the hôtel particulier is also a family home for the current owners who bought the property in 2009. With a host of spacious reception rooms, 7 en-suite bedrooms, high ceilings and a grand, updated basement and wine cellar, the building is extremely versatile and can serve as a perfect space to host weddings, concerts, and exhibitions as well as function as a boutique hotel or multiple vacation rental.
In the words of the owners, “the house comes to life when it is full of people – whether it is a family gathering or chambres d’hôtes clients.” Welcoming guests for the past 6 years, Jennifer and her husband can proudly announce that this year will be their busiest to date. Over 50% of guests come from the U.S. and most have learned about the property via word-of-mouth.
However, the couple have reached a stage in their France journey in which they wish to retire and hand off the stunning historic monument to a suitable owner who will lovingly take the property to its next stage of life.
The asking price of Hôtel de Cours de Thomazeau is €950,000. The furnishings are also available by separate negotiation. If you are interested in the property and would like to learn more, please feel free to reach out to us at advertising@myfrenchcountryhome.com or you can contact Jennifer directly at decoursdethomazeau@gmail.com.
A summary of the technical details:
- 640 square meters (6,888 square feet)
- 26 rooms
- 7 bedrooms
- Gas heating with high level of insulation
- State of the art heat pump, sustainable energy, efficient and economical
- WiFi throughout with high-speed internet
- 20 minutes from the Bergerac airport
- 90 minutes from downtown Bordeaux
- Excellent train service to Bergerac
- Very short walking distance to town center – Located in the small town of Castillonnes, the gateway to Perigord, famed for enchanting Bastide towns, colorful, lively markets, and gourmet delights
Contact advertising@myfrenchcountryhome.com for more details.