For sale Castle Saintes (17100)

Ref. 4397 : 14th C. Listed medieval Castle for sale, in Charente-Maritime Department

The property is located in the heart of Saintonge Romane in the Charente-Maritime department. This 14th century medieval château (listed ISMH) is a former stronghold steeped in history and authenticity. Close to the A10 motorway and Saintes train station, this property is easily accessible from the capital.

Jeanne de Parthenay inherited the land of Nieul in 1370, and her husband, Jean Chaudrier, an ancestor of Ronsard, built this fortified castle. Mayor of La Rochelle, he is famous for having delivered the town from the English thanks to a ruse. In the 1550s, the lords of Nieul followed the ideas of Calvin. In 1573 and 1574, Protestant worship took place here. From 1630 onwards, there were many co-lords until 1720, when the castle reverted to Gabriel Limousin. The château was sold as national property in 1793, and divided between three farmers. Since 1972, it has undergone extensive restoration.
The castle features irregular polygonal walls with projecting buttresses at the corners of the curtain walls, reminiscent of the military architecture of the 13th and 14th centuries. The curtain walls, which are more than 12 metres high, were crowned by a parapet walk, which can still be seen on the facades of the two square towers. In the inner courtyard, the dwellings and outbuildings are set against the wall. Two of the three stair towers remain, the third only leading to the vaulted basement rooms.

The property is accessed via two drawbridges over the moat, which has now been drained, one leading to the ogival gate and the other to the postern. And there you discover this magnificent ensemble that cannot leave you indifferent. The charm of the place is immediately apparent. Many events have been organised in this unique jewel, including concerts, heritage classes for children, exhibitions, night shows, films and short films. The château complex, covering around 700 sqm, comprises two main buildings.

An habitable dwelling, fully furnished with period and stylish furniture, built over two levels. The ground floor comprises an entrance hall, a vestibule, a large lounge with its monumental fireplace, a second lounge, dining room and kitchen. The 1st floor has parquet flooring throughout and comprises a landing, a library, 6 bedrooms and 3 shower and toilet rooms.

The outbuildings have been converted into living quarters, ideal for a tourist activity, and are sold fully furnished with period furniture. The building is also built on two levels. On the ground floor: a reception area, a patio, a refectory, a professionally equipped kitchen, a shower room, a bathroom and sanitary facilities. The 1st floor has parquet flooring and comprises a lounge, 3 independent bedrooms, 2 dormitories, two shower rooms and sanitary facilities.

This beautiful property has an outbuilding used as a garden shed and workshop.
This former stronghold has magnificent vaulted cellars that have been restored by the current owners.

The property extends over 2.47 acres, including its former stronghold surrounded by an irregular enclosure with curtain walls 12 to 14 metres high, pierced by archères, crowned by a parapet walk and flanked by square towers. The moat has now been drained and there is a meadow where you can take full advantage of this place steeped in history.

The chateau is listed on the Inventaire supplémentaire des Monuments Historiques:
Enclosure wall and postern; turret in the east building containing a spiral staircase; remains of the south wing, now destroyed: start of a spiral staircase and two underground rooms : listed by order of July 1988.

Cabinet LE NAIL – Poitou-Charentes – M Godefroid COLLEE: +33 (0)2.43.98.20.20
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