Opis:

Named for its abundance of sweet chesnut trees, this very special property offers a rare opportunity to combine an idyllic lifestyle with a good potential income. Situated in the lush, rolling countryside of Lower Normandy, La Chataigneraie provides peace and tranquility, yet within easy reach of all amenities.
Briefly, the property consists of a 200 year old farmhouse (longere); a terrace of three self-contained cottages (gites); a detached bakehouse with working bread oven; an enormous timber barn with stabling and hangar, all surrounded by just under 10 hectares (approx 25 acres) of freehold pasture and woodland.

Setting

Approached by a tree-lined drive, La Chataigneraie lies in a well-sheltered, but elevated position wtih commanding views over the surrounding countryside. The main house faces south onto a central courtyard which features a circle of standing stones..

Ground Floor

On the ground floor there is an extensive living space (10m x 6.2m), presently divided into a sitting room and study area by the original columbage. An imposing granite fireplace with highly efficient woodburner is a major feature of this room, which also benefits from double-glazed hardwood windows. Also on the ground floor there is a spacious fitted kitchen with separate dining area (6m x 6.2m), with heating provided by a woodburning stove/cooker (cuisiniere)..

First Floor

On the upper floor there are currently 3 double bedrooms, the largest of which (6m x 6.2m) could easily be converted into two bedrooms and a further bathroom if so desired. The existing bathroom is very spacious and contains a bath, freestanding shower, wc and basin..

Gites

The terrace of gites faces west onto the courtayard and comprises three self-contained cottages currently used as holiday lets. Each cottage has two double bedrooms (one with washroom), a sitting room with log fire, kitchen, bathroom and separate wc..

Out-buildings and grounds

To the right of the main house stands the picturesque two-storey bakehouse. This is currently used for storage, but has an electricity and water supply, plus telephone point , and could easily be made into further living accommodation if required.
The two-storey barn contains three large looseboxes (14 ft x 14 ft), with ample extra space for storage on both levels plus the creation of further looseboxes if desired. The adjoining hangar contains a fourth loosebox (14 ft x 14 ft), and additional storage for hay, straw, machinery and firewood.
The main buildings are set in approximately one acre of landscaped garden, featuring a boules court and a variety of mature trees. The remainder of the land consists of ancient, fast-draining pasture land (currently used for grazing horses and haymaking); several acres of woodland; two mature wildlife ponds (one stocked with fish), and an orchard of productive cider apple trees. This is a region steeped in mystery and legend, borne witness to by a Menhir (standing stone) at the edge of a copse in one of the paddocks.
La Chataingeraie is a haven for wildlife. The land has been managed organically for many years resulting in a wide variety of flora and fauna to enjoy. Red squirrels abound and the birdlife is vibrant. Buzzards, woodpeckers, several species of owl, pine martens, badgers, foxes and deer all make their home here and, due to the lack of light pollution, the night sky is a joy to behold.
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Location and amenities

The nearby market town of Gorron (7 kms) has all amenities, including doctors, vets, supermarkets and a swimming pool, and the larger towns of Mayenne, Domfront and Fougeres are all within easy reach. La Chataigneraie is located some 80 miles due south of Caen (ferry port Ouistreham) and is equally well situated for the ports of Le Havre, St-Malo, Cherbourg and the airports at Dinard and Rennes. Photographs and written description cannot do this property justice and personal viewing is strongly recommended.
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Comfort

Energy report DPE (French equivalent) - NC.