Francis York

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Magnificent 17th Century Château Near Lyon, France

This property is on the market with Gideon Lang-Laddie of The Agency, listed for $13,500,000 USD.

Featuring regal architecture from the grand siècle and an elegant setting on the banks of the Saône, the chateau is nestled in 36 acres of grounds with formal gardens, woodlands, paddocks, and an orchard.

Château de Fléchères is a truly spectacular property in south-east France, located in Fareins, about 25 miles north of Lyon.

It was built in 1613 to mark the nobility of Jean Sève, an important Calvinist figure and one of the richest and more influential men in Lyon, following by his pivotal role in the 1594 Lyon uprising, which ultimately restored power to Henry IV, the first Bourbon king.

Throughout the chateau are frescoes by the famous Baroque Italian painter Pietro Ricchi painted in 1632, which depict images of nobility designed to establish his family amongst the nobility ‘de cloche’.

The mediaeval elements of the chateau — including its moat, ramparts, corner towers, fortified entrance, and a drawbridge— helped to give credibility to the family legend which made the de Sèves direct descendants of the Marquises of Seva, a celebrated feudal family of Piedmont, known from the 13th century.

The entire estate is listed as Monument Historique and features fine period detailing throughout, and the 10-bedroom chateau was renovated in the 2000s.

Château de Fléchères offers a total of 20 grand rooms across 13,000 square feet, featuring rich detailing, seen in the Rococo-style blue room with panelling by carpenter Philibert Lonbois, and in several apartments, including one in the Louix XV style. 

Of note is the 3000-square foot Calvinist temple on the third floor that comes with an alcove bedchamber and ‘Holy Trinity’ dormer windows, illuminating its silk-panelled walls.

The old farmhouse, converted to house the swimming pool, is set within a courtyard garden with lovely low-angle views of the castle.

With its stunning courtyard and gardens, the property has immense potential for prospective investors for boutique tourism, just a short drive to the gastronomic center of Lyon, as well as the Beaujolias, Burgundy, and Rhône Valley wine regions.

All photos belong to the listing agency.