Historic 12th C Commandery Estate with Listed Chapel

Remarkably preserved 12th C Commandery estate comprising a listed medieval chapel, Commander's residence, tithe barn and over 7 ha of private parkland. Beautifully restored accommodation, swimming pool, conversion potential and significant Historic Monument tax advantages create an exceptional opportunity for private, cultural, hospitality or equestrian use.

Set within a peaceful wooded valley in the Loire Valley, this remarkable historic estate enjoys complete privacy while remaining highly accessible. Cosne-sur-Loire, with its full range of shops, restaurants, services and SNCF railway station, is just 6 km away, while the A77 motorway can be reached in around 10 minutes, providing convenient access to Paris in approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. The renowned wine-producing towns of Sancerre and La Charité-sur-Loire are both within easy reach, placing the estate in one of central France's most attractive and historic regions.

Dating from the second half of the 12th century, the Commanderie de Villemoison is an exceptionally rare and remarkably complete medieval estate, retaining the three principal buildings that originally formed a Commandery of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, later the Order of Malta. Occupying over 7 hectares of private parkland, the estate offers an outstanding combination of architectural significance, historic authenticity and modern comfort.

Sheltered within an unspoilt wooded valley crossed by a stream and fed by a natural spring and an ancient Roman well, the property enjoys complete tranquillity in an exceptional natural setting.

The estate comprises:
- A chapel listed as a Historic Monument since 1907
- The historic Commander's residence
- A magnificent tithe barn, formerly housing the refectory and dormitory of the monk-soldiers, with its façades and roof protected as Historic Monuments

The remarkable survival of all three original buildings is exceptionally rare and gives the estate outstanding historical and architectural importance.

The beautifully restored chapel contains an exceptional medieval wall painting depicting Christ in Majesty, recently conserved with the support of the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs (DRAC).

The Commander's residence reflects centuries of architectural evolution, including two magnificent Renaissance dormer windows displaying the carved coat of arms of Claude d'Ancienville, cupbearer to King Francis I and Commander of Malta at Villemoison during the 16th century. An elegant Renaissance stone stair tower further enhances the property's distinguished character.

The residence, together with an adjoining former farmhouse dating from the early 18th century, offers approximately 400 m2 of beautifully restored accommodation combining historic character with modern comfort.

The accommodation comprises:
- Entrance and reception rooms
- Spacious living accommodation
- Five bedrooms
- Two bathrooms
- Two shower rooms

The impressive attic, with its remarkable inverted ship-hull timber frame, together with the tower room, provides considerable scope for further conversion, subject to the necessary permissions.

The estate is immediately habitable while offering exciting opportunities for future enhancement.

Outbuildings
Several important ancillary buildings further enhance the estate.
These include:
- Historic tithe barn of approximately 100 m2 beneath an impressive medieval timber roof structure
- Former agricultural outbuildings
- Renaissance stair tower
- Additional service buildings
The tithe barn offers exceptional volumes and significant potential for a variety of future uses, subject to the necessary permissions.

Grounds
The estate extends to more than 7 hectares of magnificent private grounds.
Features include:
- Mature wooded parkland
- Stream running through the estate
- Natural spring
- Historic Roman well
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Approximately 2 hectares of meadow
- Opportunity to acquire additional adjoining land
- Numerous mature trees and open lawns

The meadow and surrounding land provide excellent potential for equestrian facilities or other countryside pursuits.

Potential
Properties of this calibre and historical importance rarely become available. The estate would be ideally suited as:
- Prestigious private family residence
- Exceptional second home
- Boutique hospitality venture
- Cultural or heritage centre
- Wedding and events venue
- Concert and exhibition venue
- Equestrian estate
- Animal or countryside enterprise

As the chapel remains consecrated, it may also be suitable for weddings, concerts and cultural events, subject to the relevant approvals and regulations.

As a protected Historic Monument, the property may also benefit, subject to current legislation and administrative approval, from valuable tax relief on qualifying restoration works together with potential grants and assistance from the DRAC for conservation projects.

Representing almost 900 years of uninterrupted history, the Commanderie de Villemoison is one of the finest surviving examples of a medieval commandery in France. Combining exceptional heritage, beautifully restored accommodation, outstanding architectural features and a magnificent private setting, it offers a truly unique opportunity to acquire an estate of national historical significance with outstanding lifestyle and commercial potential.