Stunning 17th Century French Chateau, Just 35 km From Paris
The French chateau for sale is set in a romantic 111 acre estate in the heart of the historic Hurepoix region, located in the metropolitan area of Paris (Métropole du Grand Paris).
Surrounded by a landscape of woodland and a botanical park, the property dates back to the 16th century, built as a manor house for Gilles Lemaître, general counsel to François I.
The property was transformed into a spectacular chateau in the 17th century by the Lamoignon family, along with the addition of a formal French style park in the style of French landscape architect, André Le Nôtre.
In 1755, the castle was sold to Guillaume Joseph Dupleix de Bacquencourt and later inherited by Anne-Rose-Zoé de Montesquiou, who had just married Jean-Thomas Arrighi de Casanova.
A second cousin to Napoleon Bonaparte, he was granted a title of nobility for his military prowess in the Imperial Fleet: the Duke of Padua.
The Dukes of Padua would launch a spectacular restoration of the chateau and grounds in 1820, transforming the French formal gardens into a romantic landscape park by Louis-Martin Berthault, with the addition of an artificial lake to the grounds, with the help of the famous landscape architects of their day, the Bühler brothers.
In 1980, the chateau’s owners enlisted the help of the globally-admired landscape designer Timothy Vaughan to revive the gardens.
Considered one of the most romantic gardens in France, they were awarded the “Jardin Remarquable” (Remarkable Garden) Label in 2004.
Inside, the 17,700 square foot chateau features rich period detailing, especially notable in the "Napoleon III salon", a striking 2-storey drawing room with a trompe-l'oeil balustrade and a striking ceiling mural depicting a spring sky.
The aristocratic French residence has classic chateau detailing throughout, with panelled walls, oak parquet, as well as black and white cabochon floors, and magnificent fireplaces, all of which are beautifully maintained.
The yellow sandstone and brick chateau is flanked with several outbuildings, including stables, a historic water tower, caretaker’s accommodations, and two greenhouses.
All photos belong to the listing agency.
