Bourg-en-Bresse, Rhône 01000

A 16th and 19th century chteau and 27 hectares of woods, ponds and river, 2 hours from Paris, between Lyon and Geneva, in the Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes region. After passing through the entrance gates with their limestone pillars at the end of a country road, a majestic driveway leads up to the main residence. The French-style formal gardens, with their structured flowerbeds, contrast harmoniously with the more natural areas of the estate, looked after by the caretaker. A path lined with ancient trees stretches up towards the chteau, whose imposing outline is revealed as you turn the bend. Circular towers, topped with conical roofs with traditional-style tiles, frame a parapet walk. The complex is arranged around a courtyard bordered by hedges and a stone perimeter wall. The main building, which is L-shaped and three storeys high, is topped with a French-style dark slate roof dotted with ornate dormer windows. The light-coloured stone faade has tall mullioned windows. A central staircase, flanked by balusters, leads to a huge door, in fitting with the grand building. In the immediate vicinity there are a courtyard and outbuildings, with stone walls and brown tiled roofs, once used as outbuildings and farm buildings as well as monastic cells. The enclosed parkland, covering some 27 hectares, stretches out behind the chteau, with various formal gardens. Its many springs, stream and pond make it a very special place. A two-storey caretaker's cottage with wood and gas heating, two stables, a workshop, a joiner's workshop, two closed barns and one open, a garage for three cars and a boules area complete the estate.