Situated in a stunning natural setting on a rocky spur with southern exposure towards the Pyrenees, this formidable fortress, originally built in the 12th century, was transformed into an opulent pleasure residence in the 16th century for the Bishop of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, an esteemed aesthete and collector. In the 19th century, a captivating botanical garden, featuring a century-old palm grove, provided a dreamlike ambiance on the terraces, offering breathtaking views. This property has been highlighted in several articles in Point de Vue in 2021 and 2023.
The high terrace, accessed via a grand and majestic staircase, showcases the 15th-century castle, which was restored in the 16th and 19th centuries. Its south-facing façade offers a spectacular view of the Pyrenees. A staircase tower, reminiscent of its defensive past, is softened by exquisite 16th-century sculptural decorations.
Inside, the ground floor reception areas feature impressive volumes that have preserved their original decor and materials, including beautiful parquet flooring and intricate woodwork. The expansive living room, spanning over 110 m², is flooded with light from its dual orientation and features a richly sculpted monumental fireplace. It opens into the library, which also includes a grand fireplace and a charming balustraded passageway. A winter garden, illuminated by zenithal lighting, connects to the spacious formal dining room. Nearby, a modern, fully equipped kitchen opens into a second south-facing vestibule leading to a generous living room, an office, and a winter dining area. Additionally, there is a bedroom and a bathroom, along with two guest toilets, two laundry rooms, a workshop, a service entrance, and a small shaded terrace.
Upstairs, accessible by three staircases—including a 15th-century stone spiral staircase leading to a grand 18th-century gallery—are 14 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. The 18th-century alcove decorations are adorned with rich plasterwork, woodwork, marble fireplaces, and parquet flooring. There are two kitchens, a chapel, a study, and a terrace.
On the second floor, you'll find 3 bedrooms, a bathroom, and very spacious attics. The floors of the castle can be regarded as 5 large independent apartments. There are vaulted wine cellars and four access points.
From the south-facing terrace, access from the car park leads along the 18th-century basin; the 19th-century greenhouse and the stunning view of the outbuildings and the Pyrenees create a particularly poetic atmosphere. The greenhouse is planted with citrus fruits and aromatic plants.
The châtelet stands proudly in the park, marking the entrance to the main courtyard of the outbuildings, which were superbly and tastefully restored in 2022 for use as guest accommodations for event activities. This area includes 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, and a spacious reception room of approximately 200 m², featuring 5 ground-level accesses, a walled hanging garden, a professional kitchen, and 3 toilets. A large room of about 100 m² opens onto the courtyard through three monumental arcades. There is also a workshop and a laundry room. The expansive courtyard of the outbuildings regularly hosts events.
Within the park, a charming independent house, completely restored in 2022, features an elegant passageway overlooking the village, providing a stunning view. This house includes a veranda, a living room with a fireplace, 4 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms, all with independent access.
Additionally, there is a beautiful barn and three wells. The luxurious century-old botanical park spans approximately 5 hectares and is home to rare species, including sequoias, a bamboo grove, majestic oaks, a yew avenue, a lime avenue, a carpet of cyclamens, and an exceptional, expansive century-old palm grove.
The property features three independent access points and is registered as a historical monument. The price includes agency fees (payable by the seller).
Location:
- 50 minutes from Toulouse airport.
- 2 hours from Biarritz and the Mediterranean coast.
- 20 minutes from Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, a picturesque tourist town with a charming market.
- 30 minutes from Spain.
Condition Note:
- Restored by aesthetes since 2018.
- Comfort elements, including electricity, bathrooms, and kitchens, have been generally updated since 2018.
- New guest rooms and gîte as of 2022, with a Booking rating of 9.5/10.
