Restored 16th Century Nobleman's House In The Loire Valley - Western Europe Property For Sale Or Rent at BestRealEstatePlanet.com

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Property For Sale Or Rent: Restored 16th Century Nobleman's House In The Loire Valley

France

La Maison Aubelle
Montreuil-Bellay
Maine Et Loire 49260
France

Property for sale: 1,500,000 €

16th Century Nobleman's House For Sale in Montreuil-Bellay, Maine Et Loire France

Beautifully restored, mostly 16th century, noblemanâ€™s house in the Loire valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Very rare opportunity to acquire a property of this type and quality, comprising the house, with its hexagonal tower, walled gardens and outbuildings which together make up a whole block in the centre of a medieval walled town ten miles south of Saumur.

Beautifully restored, mostly 16th century, noblemanâ€™s house in the Loire valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Very rare opportunity to acquire a property of this type and quality, comprising the house, with its hexagonal tower, walled gardens and outbuildings which together make up a whole block in the centre of a medieval walled town ten miles south of Saumur.

Montreuil-Bellay, the last walled town in the Anjou, has a population of 4500, several schools, employment on the two industrial zones to the south of the town and a thriving social life. There are several festivals each year, outdoor concerts in the summer, a mini-marathon in October, fishing competitions from the river bank and, of course, vineyards galore!

ChÃ¢teaux are ten a penny, but town properties of this calibre, with restaurants, shops and services within walking distance, are almost unique, and rarely come on the market.

In addition to living in this superb property, you benefit from holiday rental income, and there is ample room for further expansion in an adjoining property, which has been externally restored and supplied with all mains services, particularly suitable for lucrative bed and breakfast accommodation, which is much sought after in the area.

La Maison Aubelle is named after the Aubelle family who owned it for 300 years, although the earliest parts date back even further, to the 15th century. Four illustrious members of this family feature in the townâ€™s history, Jean (1740-1811), civil engineer, who supervised the complete reconstruction of the public highways and the dams that even today ensure that the River Thouet, flowing at the foot of the chÃ¢teau gardens, never runs dry, his sons, RenÃ© (1775-1846) and FranÃ§ois-NoÃ«l (1778-1847), who followed their fatherâ€™s profession, and RenÃ©-Alcide, son of the latter, lawyer. Three of the four Aubelles served as Maire.

One of their descendents, Claire de FÃ©ligonde, nÃ©e Assailly, inherited the house from her aunt, but, the necessary restoration being beyond her means, she put it up for sale, and it was acquired by the current owners in 1997.

The restoration of the main house and stable block took 4Â½ years of almost constant work, using authentic local materials and the finest of craftsmen. The tufa limestone came from a local quarry, roofing slate from Angers, rotten windows and doors were replaced with handmade solid oak, floor tiles from Les Rairies, still made in the traditional way, stained glass windows by Jacques Chevrier â€“ all to restore La Maison Aubelle to its original glory, but with 21st century comfort.

It now comprises the ownersâ€™ ground-floor accommodation and five further luxury apartments that are let to discerning holidaymakers, many of whom return regularly. As well as the large garden with mature trees, there is a swimming pool with its outbuildings, a room currently used as a games room, covered parking for the ownersâ€™ cars, a laundry for guestsâ€™ use, a workshop and ample courtyard parking. Roof space in the main house could be transformed into split-level studio accommodation.

La Maison Aubelle opened its doors to guests in 2000 and is now in its seventh year of welcoming holidaymakers, mostly English speaking, including regular visitors from as far afield as Canada, southern Africa and Australia. Not only do they enjoy the unrivalled comfort of their 4-star accommodation, unique in this area, but also getting together for table dâ€™h"te dinner in the evening, either in the glowing stone dining room or on the terrace. The high number of repeat reservations indicates how successful this formula has proved.

Why is this superb house and business for sale? Anno domini - retirement beckons!

Property Summary

Offered by		Owner
Construction Year		1600
Area		2,000 m2
Bedrooms		9
Bathrooms		9
Sleeps		18
Stories		3
Parking Spaces		6
Features		Furnished, Appliances, Pet Friendly, Laundry Room, Pool, Terrace, Patio, Satellite Tv, High-Speed Internet, Walled Garden, Games Room, Outdoor Chess Set,