17th C dwelling and remains of 13th C fortress for sale

A bewitching property in the Mayenne comprising the remains of a 13th C fortress and a 17th C dwelling. The dwelling has been beautifully restored and now offers comfortable living as well as the opportunity to create a fabulous events location.

Situated in the northern region of Mayenne, historically known as Bas Maine, this 17th-century estate is nestled in a relatively secluded, intimate, and picturesque setting.
Access to a small town with essential amenities just 10 kms away by car.
All-encompassing shops and services provided by a vibrant and historically rich town located 19 kms away.
Convenient access to the TGV (high-speed train) station in Laval, approximately 47 kms away.
Proximity to Caen, located about 115 kms from the property.
This charming estate combines tranquility and accessibility to various services and transportation options.

This unique property, nestled within the remnants of an old medieval fortress surrounded by water, consists of the remains of an ancient castle and its wings. The dwelling is accessed via a single bridge spanning the moat and passing under a charming porch with vermiculated stonework. The estate features:

Ruins of the castle, including the parapet walk, moat, base of two imposing defensive towers, and two large communal wings. The only habitable parts are the two wings.
A formal garden in the center of the enclosure with old gates.
Symmetrical outbuildings on either side of the garden, back-to-back with the former castle that once stood at the end of the courtyard. These outbuildings are built of stone, lime-rendered, and have slate roofs, adorned with bull's eyes.
The east wing serves as a spacious reception room.

The west wing serves as the dwelling, featuring:

Ground floor:

A large room with two monumental fireplaces, exposed beams, and the start of the staircase to the first floor. This room is partially divided into two areas by a glazed door.
To the south, a bedroom with fireplace, terracotta floor laid between oak slats, and exposed beams, along with an adjoining bathroom with WC.
To the north, a spacious kitchen with fireplace and a terracotta and stone floor.
A laundry/boiler room and a separate WC.
First floor:

Four bedrooms with shower rooms and WCs, separated by hemp and lime partitions. The floors are covered with rush matting.
The rooms face east and south, with the opposite side featuring thick, high walls forming the wall topped by its parapet walk.
The house has a living area of approximately 350 sqm.

Opposite the dwelling, the former stables (twin building of the dwelling) have been converted into a reception area, with work completed in April 2020. The large room measures around 250 sqm, with tinted cement flooring, lime-plastered walls, and an elegant ship's hull-shaped formwork on the framework for volume and sound absorption. In the extension, there is a room equipped for the caterer and a sanitary block (WC and washbasin).

Legend has it that a hound's head sculpted on one of the easement walls indicates the exact spot where a barrel of gold is hidden, though this treasure remains undiscovered.

The current owner's restoration efforts have revived and preserved this historic site, which was once in a state of decline. This remarkable property awaits a new owner willing to continue its preservation and maintenance for the future.

- Stone outbuilding with a slate roof used as an equipment shed is set back from the dwelling
- Picturesque chapel 3.2 km away by car, covered with shingles
- The fortified enclosure dominates the old garden to the south, (to be restored), bordered by raised paths. A few small, unoccupied meadows complete the ensemble for a total surface area of approximately 6.17 acres (2.59 ha)