This delightful chateau of traditional stone construction, sits close to the border between the rolling vineyards of the western Gironde and the wooded hillsides of the southern Dordogne. A beautiful and un spoilt region of South West France.
The property, called Chateau de Maravau, is located in a small hamlet a few km from the pretty town of Ste Foy-la-Grande, a market town which straddles the river Dordogne. Ste Foy-la-Grande offers a good range of commerce, retail, schooling facilities and medical care.
Ideally located within 'greater' South West France, the chateau is an hour to the wonderful city of Bordeaux (an 18th century architectural masterpiece). A city which has undergone a complete renaissance in recent years, making it a European cultural centre, vibrant, attractive and chic. The chateau is also 30 minutes to west from the handsome medieval town of Bergerac with its winding streets, antique shops and most convenient airport (5 minutes further)
Offering two large bedrooms and two smaller ones, all en suite, the chateau currently provides a very generous 300m2 of living space within its principal quarters.
The property retains 2.5 acres of mature gardens where there is privacy, calm and green space all around. All is in excellent order; having been well-maintained throughout by its current owners. It offers many rooms of character and several parts of the chateau date back to the Knights Templar (13th Century). There are magnificent open fireplaces, exposed beams throughout the property, girondine floors (traditional tiling) and a unique 12th Century 'Lookout Tower'. Of historical significance, the tower was built on an old Gallo--Roman site and used through several centuries to warn of approaching attacks from invaders. This tower still rests proudly as a defining feature of the chateau as shown in the photo.
The chateau sits in an elevated position, built into the shoulder of a high ridge, giving fine views of the open countryside from its walled garden. The property also offers a large swimming pool (14x7m), several stone constructed outbuildings grouped around a pretty courtyard and a garage.
In addition, there is an imposing Knights Templar house (Maison du Chevalier) with a vaulted cellar. This Knights Templar house could be further renovated to provide additional accommodation (currently renovated for dry storage).
Chateau Maravau is a most attractive and rare property; possessing unique charm and history from the age of the Knights Templar.
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