Carcassonne, Aude, France

Grandiose 19th estate on private parkland

This magnificent early 19th Century Château has been restored with an eye for luxury and a flair for interior design.

As you approach from the village the chateau is discretely shielded behind high walls, beautiful gates and two imposing gatehouses, both of which could provide further accommodation (if developed further, subject to any necessary permissions), and an ornamental courtyard.

The chateau is set over 3 floors. The grand central stairs lead to two more floors of exquisitely decorated, oversized bedrooms and suites equipped with beautifully and recently renovated bathrooms and lounge areas.

The renovation work has been done with perfect finishes, high quality materials and modern facilities for comfort. The character of the property has been retained in the vaulted ceilings, large windows, plasterwork and gorgeous original floors.   

Up into the attic you will marvel at the highly unusual wrought iron roofwork underpinning the classical French slate tiles, rare in the Mediterranean but more commonly found in the Loire valley. There is even a functional clocktower resplendent in its mechanics.

You enter into the chateau's princely hall with fine mosaic floors and a sweeping feature staircase from which the reception rooms fan out. The ground floor boasts chateau-high ceilings, multiple living areas, a number of kitchen facilities and an entry to the wine cellars below – these have been dressed to provide a perfect setting for wine tasting meetings. You walk out to the south-facing aspect of the chateau onto a lengthy and elegant covered terrace on one side and enclosed orangerie to the other which serves as a perfect spot to welcome in the day for breakfast. To the left is also a large, sleek, heated infinity pool overlooking the gardens which can enjoyed all year round. The perfect marriage of the ultra-modern and classical architecture is a theme that continues throughout the property.

The terrace overlooks 5 hectares of mature parkland with magnificent trees dating back to the same era as the chateau itself and an ornamental lake that is supplied by a water source directly from the nearby Canal du Midi.

The grounds also house a bar and outside entertaining area which can be easily opened up and closed away when not being used. The gardens are landscaped with attractive walkways, unusual planting and interesting areas.

The property also boasts a fully renovated rustic, Mediterranean-style 3 bedroom house with a lounge, kitchen, private garden, terrace, two bathrooms and its own separate entrance.

Elsewhere is staff accommodation, 2 further properties to renovate (subject to any necessary permissions) and beautiful agricultural stone buildings making up around 1500 m2 of potential development.

The property is ideally situated between 5 international airports, enjoying a Mediterranean climate and yet not too far from the ski slopes of the Pyrenees and in a really exciting part of the wine growing world also.