Saint-Ciers-sur-Gironde

This elegant Bordeaux Chartreuse, dating from around 1740, is a fine example of one of south-west France's most distinctive styles of period country house.

The Bordeaux Chartreuse is one of the region's most recognisable architectural styles, admired for its balanced proportions, generous volumes and understated elegance. This fine example retains all of those defining characteristics while benefiting from carefully considered modern improvements. Beautifully restored by the current owners, it now combines historic charm with exceptional everyday comfort, achieving an outstanding B-rated energy performance—a remarkably rare achievement for a property of this age and scale.

Beyond the elegant façade, a welcoming central entrance hall introduces a series of beautifully proportioned reception rooms that perfectly reflect the harmony and balance for which Bordeaux Chartreuses are so admired. The drawing room, spacious salon and formal dining room are flooded with natural light and provide refined yet welcoming spaces for entertaining and relaxed family life.

The impressive 35 m² country kitchen forms the true heart of the home. Complete with its original stone fireplace, it offers generous space for cooking, informal dining and gathering with family and friends. Directly adjoining is a substantial 24 m² back kitchen and utility room, providing excellent practical space for food preparation, laundry, storage and everyday household organisation.

The principal bedroom enjoys delightful views over the gardens and benefits from en-suite facilities. Two further generous double bedrooms share a spacious family bathroom, while the remaining accommodation provides excellent flexibility for home working, hobbies or additional guest accommodation.

Independent guest house

Adjacent to the main residence is a completely self-contained two-storey guest house comprising a sitting room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. It offers complete independence for visiting family and friends, multi-generational living or an attractive opportunity for boutique holiday accommodation.

Traditional outbuildings

The property is complemented by an exceptional collection of traditional stone outbuildings including an impressive 84 m² barn, 33 m² garage/workshop, 65 m² storage building, 19 m² greenhouse, 68 m² covered terrace, extensive wine cellar and further useful outbuildings. Together they offer exceptional flexibility for workshops, studio space, hobbies, secure parking or future conversion, subject to the necessary permissions.

A particular feature of the property is the extensive basement beneath the main house. With direct access to the gardens, it provides a wealth of useful storage, workshop and utility space, offering enormous practical flexibility.

Stairs from the kitchen lead to substantial attic spaces, presenting exciting potential for conversion into additional accommodation, artist's studios, hobby rooms or further living space, subject to any necessary planning permissions.

Gardens

The beautifully landscaped gardens extend to approximately 8,000 m², creating an attractive balance between privacy and practicality. Mature trees, pear, fig, plum and peach trees, berry bushes, productive grapevines, sweeping lawns and sheltered seating areas create delightful spaces for outdoor dining and relaxation. The grounds also provide ample room for the installation of a swimming pool should future owners wish to do so.

Recent improvements

The current owners have undertaken an extensive programme of improvements designed to enhance comfort while respecting the property's historic character. Recent works include the installation of a modern air-source heat pump together with significant upgrades to both the plumbing and electrical systems. These carefully considered improvements have resulted in the property's exceptional B-rated energy performance, making it one of the most energy-efficient period homes of its type.

About the area

Saint-Ciers-sur-Gironde offers an exceptional quality of life, combining the charm of a thriving Gironde market town with the convenience of excellent local amenities. Within an easy five-minute walk of the property are supermarkets, two bakeries, a butcher, cafés, restaurants, pizzerias, a Thai restaurant, pharmacy, bank, post office, florist, clothing shop, vineyard shop and numerous independent businesses.

The town also benefits from a cinema, gym, tennis courts, football facilities, schools, music school, dentist, hairdressers, driving school, police station, fire station and a lively calendar of community events throughout the year. A traditional Sunday market takes place every week, complemented by a weekly fruit and vegetable market, seasonal music evenings and a popular Christmas market. A modern health centre is just five minutes away by car.

The UNESCO-listed Citadel of Blaye lies approximately 15 minutes away, while the renowned vineyards of Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux, the Médoc and Saint-Émilion are all within easy reach. Bordeaux city centre and Bordeaux–Mérignac International Airport can both be reached in around 45 minutes, making the property ideally positioned for both international travel and everyday life.

Distances

• Village amenities – walking distance

• Blaye – 15 minutes

• A10 motorway – 10 minutes

• Bordeaux city centre – 45 minutes

• Bordeaux–Mérignac International Airport – 45 minutes

• Saint-Émilion – approximately 1 hour

• Cognac – approximately 1 hour

• Atlantic coast – approximately 90 minutes

• Paris – around 2 hours by TGV from Bordeaux

Rarely does a Bordeaux Chartreuse combine such elegant period architecture with outstanding energy efficiency, beautifully proportioned accommodation, an independent guest house, exceptional traditional outbuildings and the rare convenience of being able to walk to shops, restaurants and everyday amenities. Whether enjoyed as an exceptional family home, an elegant second residence or a boutique hospitality venture, this is a remarkable opportunity to become the next custodian of one of the Gironde's finest period homes.