Elegant 11thC priory for sale in Suisse Normande

Elegant 11th C.priory for sale in Suisse Normande. Beautifully restored, the property also has a vast reception barn as well as a chapel. Catering kitchen. 4 hectares of land including paddocks.

Shops and Services 6 kms
A88 motorway access 3 kms
Falaise 4 kms
Pont d'Ouilly 15 kms
Argentan SNCF train station 25 kms
Caen SNCF train station 40 kms
Coast (Merville-Franceville) 53 kms
Carpiquet airport 50 kms
West Paris 220 kms (approx 2h50)

Excellent sports nearby - canoeing, paragliding, climbing, water skiing, motorboating, hang-gliding, bungee jumping, hiking, golf, horse-riding, hunting, fishing etc.
The region's wide range of high-quality activities is protected by the Natura 2000 label, which is designed to protect the biotope and the environment.
Proximity to major roads and means of communication make it easy to get around.

This elegant priory, dating back to the 11th century, is located in Calvados, on the edge of the renowned Suisse Normande region, near the historic duchy of William the Conqueror. Nestled in a secluded setting characterized by a combination of agricultural plains and wooded areas, this estate boasts eight centuries of history and offers an authentic and enchanting atmosphere.

The property is peacefully secluded at the end of a dead-end road, where an almost monastic silence envelops the place. This tranquility and sense of well-being, along with the estate's exceptional charm, are sure to meet even the most discerning expectations. The priory's prime location provides both proximity to a major town and a sense of isolation.

With its versatility, this property is suitable for various family and professional endeavors, whether as a primary or secondary residence, or as a delightful holiday home.

The priory is designed in the form of a relatively square enclosure, bounded by four principal buildings arranged around a courtyard of honor and encompassed by protective stone walls. At the rear of the complex stand the church and the remnants of a substantial tithe barn. The sole entrance to the priory is located to the south, accessed through two magnificent 14th-century ogival doors, one designated for carts and the other for pedestrians.

The main residence is adjacent to a double-angled structure, currently employed for events. The primary dwelling features an almost identical three-story stone facade, crowned with a tiled roof. The design is characterized by classical elements and perfectly symmetrical openings. The entrance is unassuming, with a simple ogival door in the center of the residence. The dwelling provides approximately 180 square meters of living space, excluding the attic area. The layout is as follows:

Ground floor:
- Small entrance facing a straight, simple staircase.
To the right, a dining room with stone fireplace and wood-burning stove (terracotta floor tiles/lime-rendered walls).
Kitchen and scullery with terracotta floor tiles.
WC (terracotta floor tiles).
To the leftk, a living room with large stone fireplace and wood-burning stove (carpeting/exposed stone and plaster/painted joists).
- Another room currently used as storeroom.
First floor:
- Landing and corridor leading to three bedrooms with parquet flooring, one of which adjoins a bathroom.
- Access to the attic, which is largely convertible.
- The overall structure is in good condition, with some finishing work in progress. Ceiling heights range from 2.42 m to 2.48 m on the ground floor and 2.66 m on the first floor.

The outbuildings:
ANNEXE:
Located back from the dwelling, this consists of two adjoining stone buildings, one of which has two levels. The main part is a vast cathedral-shaped reception room of 120 sqm, which can accommodate up to 100 guests. An adjoining room can accommodate up to fifteen guests in a quieter setting. Disabled WC.
Fully equipped professional kitchen. Legally compliant safety standards. Rear access for caterer.
The first floor features a vast dormitory with a dozen beds, water/shower facilities and high-quality WC. The dormitory is a luminous space, adorned with beautiful period floor tiles, and benefits from a roof structure of rare and atypical beauty. An overhanging bedroom is reserved for newlyweds.
A terrace can be accessed from the dormitory, probably the former priest's room, adjoining the church, but now open to the sky... with only a beautiful monumental fireplace to decorate it.

SAINT-PIERRE CHURCH
The first stone dates back to 1072, with completion probably in the 14th century. Listed as a historic monument in 1929, it was long neglected and doomed to oblivion until the end of the 20th century, when the Bâtiments de France carried out a conservative-style renovation. The column capitals, vaults and windows are elegantly crafted. The capitals are adorned with beaded tracery, canelure or gadroons, flowers, foliage and other varied ornamentation. The arched windows are adorned on the outside with a beaded torus that frames them completely.
The church has now been rescued and largely restored, and the floor can now boast flagstones, which the owner of the premises has made available by chance or by judicious research.

THE TITHE BARN:
Slightly set back from the church, the ruins of this immense building remain, and will now be difficult to save.

OUTBUILDING: located on the courtyard side, this large building was probably designed to house the farm's animals. It consists of two separate parts, all in good condition and recently re-shingled. Attic. The floor area is around 100 sqm.

OPEN STRUCTURE:
Located right next to the main entrance, it now serves as a perfect carport. Its less noble Eternit roofing stands out, and will be the subject of a forthcoming estimate.

The property is set on a plateau with unobstructed, far-reaching views. A beautiful wooded area breaks the monotony to the west.
To the east are horse parks with wooden posts and a vast parking area.
Within the walls, the South brings light and warmth
A few trees and fruit trees adorn the surroundings, while roses and virginia creeper add colour to the buildings.
An old kitchen garden awaits restoration of its surrounding walls and the "green thumb" who will bring it back to life.

The whole property covers around 4 hectares, including just over one hectare within the city limits.
The owner is open to negotiations for a further fifteen hectares or so.

NB : a wind farm project is planned for around 1.5 km to the south of the property.
This situation should not affect the current view, which benefits from the presence of the building adjoining the porch.
Current operating costs of around 7840 euros (table of charges available)
IR credit of 2000 euros - Monument historique status.