A Renaissance Castle in the Champagne Region of France
Considered a gem of the Champagne-Ardennes region, this Renaissance castle was once described by Victor Hugo as “a delightful pandemonium of turrets, weathervanes, gables, dormers and chimneys”.
The origins of the listed castle date back to the 11th century, owned by Germond de Montmort in 1042. In 1394, the castle passed to the Hangest family who converted the medieval fortress into the present-day Renaissance castle in the 16th century.
In 1704, the castle was purchased by the famed French mathematician Pierre de Rémond, and has been owned by the same family since.
Set high above its namesake village and flanked by 4 grand towers, the historic castle makes a striking impression, set back behind landscaped double ditches, and accessible by a spectacular 3-arch bridge and a drawbridge.
An expanse of parklands stretches behind the castle which spans some 71 acres, featuring 8 alleyways laid out in a star shape, along with a spring-fed lake and an ice cave.
Enter inside the Renaissance-era residence and find a wealth of incredible period details, notable in the grand “salle des gros piliers” (room with large pillars) with its vaulted ceilings and monumental stone fireplace.
Although much of the property requires restoration, the Renaissance castle has incredible bones and beautiful original features, seen in the oak wood paneled walls, original terracotta floor tiles and the Versailles and herringbone pattern parquet flooring.
Art history buffs can revel in the original artwork throughout the 11-bedroom castle, most notably in the state lounge which features paneled canvases depicting the “Seven Corporal Works of Mercy”, attributed to painter Sébastien-Bourdon, Renaissance-style grotesques painted onto the coffered ceilings, and two statues flanking the monumental fireplace, which bears the the image of Henri III in the central trumeau.
Each of the castle’s 4 towers have been converted into various uses, including a kitchen and a kitchen larder, a library, and even a gilded toilet room.
The Old Stables house a Renaissance museum and there are also 3 entrance pavilions included —1 used as a caretaker’s cottage, and another as workshop / garages.
The sale of the Renaissance castle also comes with its original medieval castle, ready to be restored and offering an additional 4 bedrooms of accomodation.
All photos belong to the listing agency.
