18th-Century Château to Be Restored with €3M Renovation
An 18th-century château sold in an exclusive transaction through Patrice Besse Immobilier will be rebuilt as it was in the 18th century.
The Château de Sainte-Feyre has been reported sold for €1.3 million to a Swiss couple with a strong appreciation for history and restoration.
Their goal is to return the 650 m² (7,000 ft²) estate to its original 18th-century condition, a task they estimate will require around €3 million and take between five and ten years. They are actively seeking craftsmen skilled in traditional construction methods to ensure the authenticity of the restoration.
Because the château is a designated historic monument, all renovations are being carried out under state supervision. Benoit-Henri Papounaud, curator of historic monuments at the regional directorate of cultural affairs, describes the building as "exceptional and unique for Creuse." The château was originally designed by Joseph Brousseau, a Limousin architect known for his work in the second half of the 18th century.
Modern construction techniques are not suitable for the project, according to the new owners. Finding skilled stonemasons has proven to be a challenge, despite France's long-standing tradition in the craft. One solution they are exploring is collaborating with the LMB in Felletin, a school specializing in traditional building trades, to provide students with hands-on restoration experience at the site.
"We want to restore this property to its original state. Many modifications have been made over the years, and there is a lot of work ahead. If we can also provide young people with an opportunity to practice their skills here, rather than in a school workshop, that would be even better," explains Philippe André Kzink, one of the new owners.
Kzink has also reached out to a young architect from Creuse who has proposed creating an architecture school within LMB. "My dream would be for her to oversee all the work," he says.
The 12.5-hectare (31-acre) property is located in Guéret, in the Creuse department of central France, about 3.5 hours from Paris. The couple began their search for a second home in 2021, visiting 19 properties across France before settling on Sainte-Feyre.
"We spent a week here in August 2024, renting the small mansion on the property. We explored the region, visited Aubusson and Ahun, and saw both well-known and lesser-known sites. The weather was perfect. By Saturday, we had made an offer to the owner," they recall.
Now, their focus is on restoring the château with the same craftsmanship and techniques used in the 18th century, ensuring that this historic monument stands for generations to come.
All photos belong to the listing agency.
