Historic 15-18th C. chateau near Avallon

Historic château near Avallon and Vézelay offering approximately 1,500 m2 of accommodation, with around 25 bedrooms, apartments and holiday cottages. Set within 8.5 hectares of parkland and meadows, the property includes reception rooms, restaurant facilities, seminar space and 500 m2 of outbuildings, offering scope for hospitality.

Situated in the Yonne department of Burgundy, at the heart of the Morvan Regional Natural Park, this substantial château occupies a peaceful rural setting between Avallon and Vézelay. Surrounded by wooded grounds and rolling countryside at an altitude of approximately 230 metres, the property enjoys a tranquil environment suited to nature, heritage and cultural tourism.

The area offers numerous attractions, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine in Vézelay, the historic town of Avallon and the landscapes of the Morvan. The nearby Chapel of Saulce-d’Island, associated with a former Templar and Hospitaller commandery, adds to the region's historical interest. Walking trails, horse-riding routes and Burgundy's many heritage sites provide further opportunities for visitors.

The château is ideally placed for a hospitality business seeking to attract guests interested in the region's history, countryside and outdoor activities.

The Château
The château combines architectural features from two distinct periods: a 15th-century core and an extension dating from the late 18th century. Together, these buildings provide approximately 1,500 m2 of accommodation, currently arranged to support a commercial hospitality operation.

The older section comprises a rectangular main building, flanked by a rectangular tower at the front and a round tower at the rear. The later extension incorporates a substantial rectangular structure with numerous windows and two round towers at its eastern gable.

Stone corner buttresses and window surrounds add to the architectural character. The principal roofs are covered with traditional flat tiles, while the towers have slate roofs. The façades retain their old lime render, and the roofs are regularly maintained.

The current owners have developed the property into a hospitality business comprising approximately 25 rooms, apartments and holiday cottages. A restaurant has also operated on the premises.

Ground Floor
With ceilings approximately 3 metres high, the ground floor provides a range of reception and service areas. These include a reception room, a dining room of approximately 45 m2 with a large stone fireplace, a professional kitchen and storerooms.

A private apartment of approximately 80 m2 provides separate living accommodation, while a sitting room and billiard room offer additional space for residents and guests. Bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms are also located on this level.

French doors provide direct access to the grounds, allowing guests to move easily between the interior and outdoor areas.

First Floor
A double-height entrance hall leads to a stone staircase ascending to the principal reception floor, where ceiling heights reach approximately 3.5 metres.

To one side, a particularly impressive double-length reception room of approximately 70 m2 retains its late 18th-century decorative features. The ceiling is painted with ornamental motifs, the walls are fully panelled in period woodwork, and the floor is laid with parquet.

The remainder of this floor has been converted into approximately ten bedrooms with bathrooms. Many retain original features, including marble or stone fireplaces, parquet or terracotta flooring, and partial or full wood panelling. Numerous windows provide generous natural light throughout the accommodation.

Second Floor and Attic Accommodation
The second floor provides approximately a dozen further bedrooms and bathrooms. In the 18th-century section, part of the accommodation is arranged within the attic, where original features have been preserved in places.

The older 15th-century section extends to a further attic level, which contains a seminar room of approximately 45 m2 and four bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom. Exposed beams contribute to the character of these upper rooms.

The combination of bedrooms, apartments, communal areas and seminar facilities provides flexibility for a range of hospitality uses, including individual stays, group bookings and residential retreats.

Outbuildings
The estate includes approximately 500 m2 of outbuildings situated along the northern side of the courtyard. These comprise two principal buildings, both in apparently sound visible condition.

The first group, constructed in brick, formerly served as stables. Its central section has an upper floor and could potentially be converted into an independent apartment, subject to the necessary permissions and technical requirements.

The second building is older and more substantial. Its ground floor includes a workshop and various utility rooms, while part of the upper floor has already been converted into holiday accommodation.

These buildings provide useful ancillary space and offer potential for further development, whether for additional guest accommodation, staff facilities, leisure use or storage, depending on the intended project and the relevant permissions.

Grounds and Parkland
The property extends to approximately 8.5 hectares (21 acres), including around 6.2 hectares of landscaped parkland, together with meadows and other grounds.

The main entrance is through an imposing wrought-iron gate, which opens onto a spacious courtyard serving the château and its outbuildings.

A second, historic entrance on the southern side leads to a majestic avenue of chestnut trees aligned with the château. Beyond the avenue, the landscape opens onto a broad expanse of greenery, with meadows on either side and far-reaching views across the surrounding countryside towards the foothills of the Morvan.

Mature trees are distributed throughout the grounds, while a small pond lies close to the outbuildings. The combination of parkland, open meadows and woodland creates an attractive natural setting for guests and residents alike.

The property is described as entirely free from nuisance, offering a high degree of peace and privacy.

Hospitality Potential
With approximately 1,500 m2 of accommodation, around 25 rooms, apartments and holiday cottages, restaurant facilities, seminar space and 500 m2 of outbuildings, this château is well suited to consideration as a substantial hospitality property.

Its existing layout offers scope for a hotel, guest house, holiday accommodation business or retreat venue, while the reception rooms and seminar facilities could support group stays and professional gatherings. The outbuildings provide further opportunities to expand or diversify the operation, subject to planning permission and applicable regulations.

The château's historic architecture, extensive parkland and position between Avallon and Vézelay are particularly well suited to heritage and nature tourism. For a buyer seeking an established property with significant accommodation capacity and further development potential, it offers a combination of historic character, commercial facilities and a peaceful Burgundian setting.