Aquitaine, Gironde, Bazas, France

This rare property, which will delight anyone interested in medieval history, was a former fortified stronghold that was the home for the commander of the Knights Templar in the 12th Century.

Set in almost 10 acres, in the grounds there is evidence of further walls, towers, a presbytery and a 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 and the interior is impressive: with a grand social space in the original stronghold and a comfortable, more contemporary modern wing with a living/dining room and kitchen.

Ground floor:

The approach to the house is via a vaulted open sided space [10m2]; entrance hall [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 (cellar), 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]; large double aspect living / dining room [38m2] with a galley kitchen [15m2] and French doors to a terrace [15m2] for alfresco dining.

First floor: landing [5m2] which leads to 2 large bedrooms [30m2 and 28m2], 1 with an en-suite 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: office space [5.5m2] at the top of the tower which used to be the gaol. 2 bedrooms [14m2 and 12m2].

The property further benefits from:

Extensive grounds: with a large 'sechoir a tabac' which has a mezzanine floor; small lake with groundwater supplied by under ground 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 [2.5km] with a very complete medical centre, pharmacy, veterinarian, garage, weekly market and many shops (butcher's shops, butcher's shops, bakeries, tobacconist, supermarket, cafes restaurants, library) and other local amenities.

Casteljaloux [13km] with its bi-weekly market, its thermal baths and 18 hole golf course.

Bazas [18km] with a cathedral and square surrounded by arcades with stores and cafes, 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 [85km], the capital of the Gironde, is about an hour's drive away.

The nearest train stations are in Langon [30km], La Reole [25km], or Marmande [30km] and there are international airports at Bordeaux-Merignac [85km] and Bergerac [83km].

REFERENCE: 244610