Réf. 4563: For sale mansion house near Argentan

Breathing in the country air created by the proximity of the Sarthoise river, this elegant town house boasts an unusual setting, where town and country find a disconcerting harmony.
Immersed in the heart of one of Alençon's residential districts, this property boasts the undivided tranquillity of an unexpected country setting.
Within easy reach of all the services and shops you need for everyday life, it is also within easy reach of the main administrative structures, as dictated by its status as the prefecture of the 25,000-strong département of Orne.
Situated in Normandy, in the south of the département, at the forefront of the Normandie-Maine Regional Park, this elegant property enjoys a privileged location, nestling between civilisation and nature.
A benevolent setting... a source of serenity... and well-being, in the heart of the Duchy of Normandy.

This district of Alençon has undergone significant changes over the years. Sometimes neglected, it is now enjoying a positive renaissance, fuelled by local initiatives and ambitious regeneration projects.
The history of this district is closely linked to that of Alençon. Founded in the Middle Ages, the district experienced a major boom in the 19th century, thanks in particular to the textile industry. Buildings from this period still bear witness to its rich past.
Long neglected, the area's proximity to the city centre, the presence of green spaces and the potential of a dynamic, fast-changing district remain promising assets for the future.
With a number of renovation and revitalisation projects underway, the area is attracting new residents, particularly families and young professionals looking for a pleasant, friendly environment in which to live.
The property dates back to 1870, as evidenced by the pediment over the front door.
A nobleman's house, and possibly a weavers' house..... which was passed from one private individual to another until the current hosts bought it in 1998, after renovation, to make it their main residence.
Other, more ‘seafaring’ projects will soon accompany retirement!

The property features an ornate facade on the street side that is very different from its rear facade on the garden side.
Resulting from the division of a larger group of buildings, the dwelling is adjoined to the west, yet preserves its privacy by blocking out the neighbouring windows and by the existence of a high wall that prevents any overlooking of the ground.
The main building comprises two visible levels, broken by an elegant balustrade interspersed with ‘square dice’. A string of ‘dentils’ enhances a series of ornaments interspersed with ‘pegs’.
The windows, arranged in ‘bays’, are surmounted by ‘pediments’ bearing ‘shells’, the symbolic emblem of pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela.
The facade facing the garden is more restrained, but features an attractive ‘double flight’ external staircase.
Built over 4 stories, including a vaulted cellar, this private mansion is distributed as follows:

The ground floor: the spacious, luminous central entrance hall (38sqm) opens on to the garden and features a beautiful wooden spiral stairway with elegant wrought iron railings leading to the upper floors. Burgundy stone flooring with cabochons.
Slightly set back is a comfortable dressing room, a small utility room and the amenities (wash-hand basin-WC). Stairs lead down to the basement.
The entrance hall leads on the left to a large lounge (40sqm) with a functional fireplace topped by an overmantel. Herringbone parquet flooring; moulded ceilings. High ceilings of 3.34 m.
To the right is a recent top-of-the-range kitchen (‘cuisine française’), measuring 12sqm and very practical.

The first floor: a landing leads to 2 bedrooms (15 and 20sqm) and a study/library (20sqm). Separate WC.
One of the bedrooms backs onto a shower room / WC; the other has a dressing room and a bathroom with shower (Iroko floor). The bedrooms have parquet flooring and moulded ceilings. A utility and storage room completes the space. Ceiling height of 3.15 m.

The second floor: a landing leads to the left to 2 large bedrooms (27sqm) with sloping ceilings. Sea rush and carpet. On the right is another bedroom (11sqm) with sloping ceilings - sea grass. A separate shower room / WC (Iroko floor), which leads to the 3 bedrooms . Ceiling height 2.35m to the ridge. Thanks to its well thought-out layout, this property boasts light and open spaces, making it both functional and convivial.

The basement: the entire stone cellar on a lime slab, comprising a boiler room, a small wine cellar, a workshop and a games area dedicated to table tennis. Exterior exit to the garden.

Outbuildings :

The only outbuilding is situated below the property. It comprises an attractive square stone pavilion with a slate hip roof, where the ‘devil's teeth’ still remain.
The ground floor comprises a beautiful room with a bay window opening onto the terrace, with an upper floor that could be converted.
The possibility of converting it into a small guest house remains an interesting and technically trouble-free option.
The main part backs onto a building of lesser height, under zinc, currently used as a 1-car garage and a storage/workshop area.
A small shelter in the gable houses the swimming pool machinery.
A sheltered rest area (UNOPIU arbour), facing south, is ideal for lounging, barbecuing or family lunches,
or family lunches.
The pool is a good size (9 x 4m) - Depth decreasing towards 1.60m - Resin hull - Heated by a recent heat pump (2 years old) - Attractive stone slab terrace - It was installed around twenty years ago. It has no special protection.

On the street side, a large electric gate gives access to a gravelled parking area for several vehicles. This area is suitable for building, including the possibility of a sheltered garage.
On the garden side, the lush yet orderly landscape offers an unobstructed view that is unusual in the city.
The grassy lawns are home to a world of flowerbeds and hornbeam hedges, while a topiary garden with generous box trees accompanies a bricked pathway leading to the banks of the Sarthe.
The paths wind through a variety of species, including cypresses, willows, poplars....or simple apple trees....A gazebo, a portico...a play area with a boat on the throne for happy memories.
The river marks the property boundaries, heralding the neighbouring department, natural meadows where civilisation has lost all its rights, offering its residents a bucolic and enchanting setting that cannot be tampered with. The ducks have understood this well, and would almost make you forget... that we're in the city! The whole site covers around 4.400 sqm of land, some of which is enclosed by walls.
There is also very useful access from the outside via an alleyway, cadastral number AW 659, which is fully owned.

Cabinet LE NAIL - Lower-Normandy - Mr Eric DOSSEUR : +33 (0)2.43.98.20.20
Eric DOSSEUR, Individual company, registered in the Special Register of Commercial Agents, under the number 409 867 512 .
We invite you to visit our website Cabinet Le Nail to browse our latest listings or learn more about this property.

Information on the risks to which this property is exposed is available at: www.georisques.gouv.fr