Sarlat-la-Canéda, Aquitaine 24200

In the Vzre Valley, at the heart of the Prigord Noir, an exceptional Renaissance architectural estate a model of heritage preservation composed of a manor house, a peasants dwelling, a barn, and a bread oven, nestled within 11 hectares of woodland and meadows. Swimming pool.A perfect embodiment of both noble rural and vernacular architecture of the Prigord Noir, this estate was lovingly and painstakingly preserved by its former owner, who dedicated his entire life to its restoration. Michel Fontaine former president and later honorary president ofMaisons Paysannes de France, now deceased acquired the property in 1979, then in a state of advanced disrepair. Over the course of more than forty years, he devoted his energy and considerable expertise to saving and protecting this architectural jewel of the Prigord.This lifelong devotion ensures an unparalleled level of structural preservation. As for the interior and finishing works, Mr. Fontaine favoured the authentic function of old buildings breathing walls, natural ventilation, local materials over the expectations of contemporary comfort. The next custodian is free to bring their own sensibility, provided it remains in reverence to the preserved spirit of the site.And it is indeed this future custodian whom we will seek with the utmost care, through an interactive and selective sale process (1). For to inherit such a place so exceptionally well preserved is a true honour, and with it comes a noble responsibility.The listed price corresponds to the minimum offer, including agency fees. All offers will be submitted to the seller, who remains free to choose which offer to accept. No additional costs to be expected.Would you like to learn more about this historic property?We invite you to read the following sections or to directly by phone at .LOCATION And SURROUNDINGSThis heritage estate is located in the Vzre Valley designated aGrand Site de France at the heart of the golden triangle of the Prigord Noir (Sarlat-la-Canda / Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil / Montignac-Lascaux), within the commune of Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil, known as the 'World Capital of Prehistory' (home to the National Museum of Prehistory and the International Prehistory Welcome Centre).This modest rural commune boasts the highest concentration of listed and classified heritage sites in France, some of which have been Unesco World Heritage Sites since 1979.The village also offers all essential amenities and local services.Nearby towns: Sarlat-la-Canda (25 min), Prigueux and Brive-la-Gaillarde (1 hr), Bordeaux (2 hrs)Nearby airports: Prigueux, Brive Valle de la Dordogne, and Bergerac Dordogne Prigord (1 hr) international airports: Bordeaux and ToulouseTrain stations: Les Eyzies (8 km), Saint-Cyprien (15 km), Prigueux and Brive-la-Gaillarde (50 km)Despite being situated within an internationally renowned tourist region, the property enjoys rare tranquility, positioned at the edge of a tiny hamlet and well off the beaten path. To reach it, one must follow a small communal road that gives way to a rural lane. Ideally set on a gentle hillside, it offers sweeping views over the wooded Beune Valley.THE ESTATEThe land and buildings are elegantly arranged around a Renaissance manor, forming a remarkably private and harmonious ensemble with breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside.The property likely maintained historical ties with the renowned Chteau de Commarque, just a short distance away as the crow flies itself a former dependency of the Chteau de Beynac, the main stronghold of the region.The estate spans over 11 contiguous hectares of woodland and meadow.Free from any servitude, the domain benefits from two separate accesses and comprises three main buildings and a swimming pool.THE BUILDINGSI The Manor House (approx. 270 m2 of living space over 2 levels)Dating from the Renaissance, this noble residence reminiscent in some respects of a former fortified house stands proudly above the land. Its main body is compact and solid. A perpendicular wing and a small tower containing a stone spiral staircase complete the structure. The roof frame and cover are entirely new, offering attics with high potential for conversion. Though the beams are saw-cut, they have been assembled using traditional pegged joinery. The flat tiles are genuine antique terracotta tiles, each one individually tested before being laid. The manor features Renaissance-style mullioned windows with single glazing and internal wooden shutters.The layout spans four levels, three of which including the cellar have direct access to the gardens thanks to a clever terracing of the terrain.Basement level (R-1): vaulted stone cellar. An interior staircase (to be restored) leads to the floor above.Ground floor (R): entrance via the tower, which contains the staircase to the upper floor. This structure, once entirely collapsed, was painstakingly rebuilt by Mr. Fontaine himself, using the original foundations. The stair steps were cut from local quarry stone.Future kitchen (approx. 30 m2), in structural condition, remains to be fitted out direct access to the manors lower courtyard.Bedroom (approx. 31 m2) with ensuite bathroom wooden flooring, lime-rendered walls, with a view over the valley.Dining room (approx. 51 m2) featuring a restoredpis(rammed earth) floor, extended with exemplary craftsmanship by Mr. Fontaine. It includes acantou the traditional southwest French hearth, once the homes vital center. Wooden beam ceiling in the la franaisestyle, stonebassireunder the window, direct access to the shaded garden. A wooden staircase leads to the grand salon above.First floor (R+1):A majestic reception room (approx. 51 m2) adorned with a large, later fireplace (late 19th to early 20th century), in a neo-Renaissance/neo-Classical style with fluted columns (simplified Tuscan order).The room is luminous, traversing, with high ceilings (over 3.5 m), wooden flooring, lime-coated walls, and a French-beamed ceiling. Access to the outside is by way of a small fixed wooden bridge evoking, if only imaginatively, the drawbridges of old.Two large bedrooms (44 m2 and 32 m2), one with a bathroom and fireplace. The second was recently finished (walls, floors, ceiling), pending the installation of a bathroom. Both offer spectacular views over the valley.II The Peasant House (approx. 140 m2) and its BarnThis long farmhouse is naturally extended by its barn, formerly used for livestock and hay storage.Built in local stone, of irregular but sturdy construction, the roof has been entirely restored (flat terracotta tiles, lauzeoverhang). The barn roof, however, requires work.Though its finishings are basic, the house features mixed electric and wood heating.Entry is directly into the main living room (over 50 m2), which serves as both lounge and dining area.Cantouwith wood-burning stove. Rustic yet functional kitchen. Four bedrooms, two with ensuite bathrooms. Additional independent bathroom and two separate toilets.While habitable, this charming dwelling would benefit from a thoughtful renovation to fully reveal its potential.The barn offers significant potential for development or storage.The enclosed garden, protected by a stone wall, is planted with various trees (plane, walnut, fig, etc.).III The Bread Oven and WoodshedHistoric utilitarian structures, the bread oven and adjacent woodshed form vital components of the estates self-sufficiency. The oven is in working condition, with its baking floor and vaulted ceiling in excellent repair, ready to be brought back to life.IV The Bathing AreaThe only modern addition allowed by Michel Fontaine, this large pool situated below the manor was built to offer his children a refreshing recreational space. It is discreetly enclosed by a chestnut-wood fence, with the technical room hidden underground.