A bit of European history, plus almost 80 acres, comes with Chateau Charbonnières, a 16th-century castle just outside of Paris that played host to Henry IV on more than one occasion.
Originally priced at $9 million in 2012, the 33,000-square-foot chateau is being offered without reserve on Oct. 11 by Concierge Auctions. It’s a historic gem, said Paulina Kimbel Alvarez, director of business development at the New York-based auction house, but also has been fully modernized.
"It’s not only a historic property, but it’s been renovated at great lengths," Ms. Alvarez said during a phone interview while on her way to Paris. The 79-acre property, which she’d just visited, is just a 75-minute drive from the French capital.
There's waterfront and then there's WATERFRONT.
A historic Swiss chateau hits the auction block next month https://t.co/BB9FjPQGYg pic.twitter.com/iodyzUIHb1 — Mansion Global (@MansionGlobal) May 12, 2017
Or, for those that would rather not drive, there’s a helipad on the property for a quick commute from one of Paris’s three international airports.
The 20-room chateau was built during the 16th century and expanded in the 19th century by the Count of Chamois, according to the listing. His updates were inspired by Troubadour architecture, and the castle is one of the country’s finest examples of the Gothic-revival style popular at the time.
In 2010, the current owner completely restored the castle, as well as updated it, while "leaving its original glory intact," Ms. Alvarez said. "He put so much love into it, but he just isn’t using it as much as he used to."
With its high turrets and dormers, the chateau certainly has a stately facade. Period details include marquetry floors, fireplaces, paneled walls and ceilings, original chandeliers and the chateau’s ornate staircase.
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Inside there’s space for just about everything. That includes a gambling parlor, library and music, according to the listing, as well as a screening room and fitness center. For more formal occasions, there’s a grand salon and a banquet room.
The 18th-century kitchen is on the ground floor, a convenience which is unusual for a chateau, Ms. Alvarez said. Usually they were located in the basement, where the staff worked, she said.
The home has three floors, and is "move-in ready," with antique furnishings and art included in the sale. In addition to its modern creature comforts, there are also new bathrooms, as well as new plumbing and heating, Ms. Alvarez said.
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Located in Perche National Park, between the Loire and Eure river valleys, the castle is in a region known for farmland and vineyards, as well as equestrian activities and architecture, including Chartres Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
A river runs through the grounds, according to the listing. Meadows, manicured gardens, a private lake and a waterfall can all be found on the property. A caretaker’s cottage is also part of the estate, as are stables, an orangery and greenhouse.