Here’s a fast pass to joining the ranks of the landed gentry.
An expansive hunting property has come on the market in the Loire area of central France for 1.85 million euros or about US $2.14 million.
Encompassing 76 hectares, or 188 acres, more than half the property is meadowland that can be leased out and a quarter is woodland. A lake occupies the remaining portion.
The facade of the main house is reflected in the ornamental pond.
Groupe Mercure
The main residence, built in 1911, overlooks a swath of lawn and an ornamental pond. A swimming pool sits to one side, where the landscape gives way to mature trees.
The three-story residence has a steep gabled roof with dormer-type windows. The bottom portion of the roof is sprung – to direct runoff away from the walls – lending the home a storybook air. Exposed rafter tails add to the effect. Wide stone surrounds frame the windows.
A porch, a balcony and a large bay window take in the views of the pond.
The use of rich woods creates a welcoming ambiance in the central reception room.
Groupe Mercure
But the façade of the home gives little hint at the richly detailed rooms that lie inside.
The central reception room is a study in Beaux-Arts decor. Four wide arched openings with bowed wooden framing connect the space to the surrounding rooms and the bay window alcove. A paneled wood ceiling with ornate carvings tops the space. Three colors of tile create a pattern in the floor.
The use of wainscoting and an intricate paneled ceiling continue in the dining room. Wooden columns support a carved fireplace surround and mantelpiece. Inlaid wood floors lead into a sitting room.
Rich details continue in the formal dining room, which opens to a window-side sitting area.
Groupe Mercure
Tall windows frame another fireplace in the brighter living room, which features high ceilings, crown molding and a herringbone-patterned wood floor.
The residence contains about 650 square meters, or 7,000 square feet, of interiors and includes 11 bedrooms. A caretaker’s cottage provides another 2,529 square feet of living space.
Windows flank the fireplace in the living room.
Groupe Mercure
Other structures include a garage, a hayloft and an old kennel. The French have a tradition of hunting with dogs. The quarry may include deer, rabbits or game birds.
There’s also a well on the grounds.
Nicolas Devic of Groupe Mercure is the listing agent for the property, which is near Feurs.
The ornamental pond as seen from the second story.
Groupe Mercure
Attractions include visiting the archaeological museum, hiking along the river and taking in the horse races at the Feurs Hippodrome.
The international Saint-Étienne–Bouthéon Airport is about 23 kilometers, or 14 miles, away. Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport is about 67 kilometers, or 42 miles, away.
Groupe Mercure is a founding member of Forbes Global Properties, a consumer marketplace and membership network of elite brokerages selling the world’s most luxurious homes.