A rare find which will delight anyone interested in medieval history, this country house a former commanderie, the fortified stronghold that was the home for the commander of the Knights Templar in the 12th Century. In the grounds is evidence of further walls, towers, a presbytery and the chapel which were all part of the original buildings. The current owners have renovated and enlarged the building to create a beautiful country home.
The house occupies a dominant position, with fabulous views over the surrounding valleys. The interior is impressive: with a grand social space in the original stronghold and a comfortable, more contemporary modern wing with living/dining room and kitchen.
Room layout: Ground floor
• the approach to the house is via a vaulted open sided space [10m2]
• entrance hallway [7m2] with a spiral staircase in walnut, which serves 2 floors
• generous living room [42m2] with exposed beams and a fireplace
• utility room [16m2] and boiler room
• separate WC
• circular cave, with a trap door leading to a small underground cellar [both at the bottom of the tower; the last remaining tower of the original 11]
• a large double aspect living / dining room [38m2] with a galley kitchen [15m2] and French doors to a terrace [15m2] for al fresco dining
First floor
• a landing [5m2]which leads to 2 large bedrooms [30m2 and 28m2], one with an ensuite bathroom [10m2] and WC and a small sitting area [3.5m2] in the tower
• family bathroom [11m2] with WC and a Jacuzzi bath
• access to a large multipurpose room [30m2]: suitable for a study or bedroom
Second floor
• an office space [5.5m2] at the top of the tower which used to be the gaol!
• 2 bedrooms [14m2 and 12 m2]
The property further benefits from:
• extensive grounds : with
• a large sechoir a tabac which has a mezzanine floor
• a small lake with groundwater supplied by undergrounds springs
• 2 shelters for horses and sheep.
• fenced meadows.
The surrounding countryside in this part of Gironde is beautiful: rolling hills and valleys with woods and fields
There are several large towns nearby:
- Grignols [2,5 km] with a very complete medical centre, pharmacy, veterinarian, garage, weekly market and many shops (butcher's shops, Post Office, bakeries, tobacconists, supermarket, café, restaurant, a library) and other local services.
- Casteljaloux [13 km] with its bi-weekly market, its thermal baths and 18 hole golf course.
- Bazas [18 km] with its cathedral and its square surrounded by arcades with stores and cafés, and a bi-weekly market.
The area is known for its production of fruit, vegetables and other produce: Marmande has a tomato named after it and Bazas is the home of the Bazadais beef cattle, where there is a traditional annual festival in February.
Bordeaux [85 km], the capital of the Gironde, is about an hour's drive away.
The nearest train stations are in Langon [30 km], La Réole [25 km], or Marmande [30 km] and there are international airports at Bordeaux-Mérignac [85km] and Bergerac [83km].