French Castle Kept In The Family For Centuries Asks $2 Million

17th century castle 63265 Orléat, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France — The sand-colored stone castle in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, listed for about US $2 million, … [+] has been owned by the same family since it was built in the 17th century.

Groupe Mercure

Generation after generation of one household from the village of Orléat in central France has walked the same grounds for some 400 years.

This sand-colored stone castle in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region has been passed down within the family since it was built in the 17th century. Over the years, events put on by the owners have attracted a collection of esteemed guests, including writer and politician François-René de Chateaubriand, political theorist Madame de Staël and mathematician and inventor Blaise Pascal, to name a few.

french castle interior entryway — Writer and politician François-René de Chateaubriand, political theorist Madame de Staël and … [+] mathematician and inventor Blaise Pascal are among those who have attended events at the castle.

Groupe Mercure

But the property has yet another notable feature. The centerpiece of the 13,000-square-foot chateau is a two-story library filled with shelves housing a collection of 60,000 books. A spiral staircase connects the two levels in one corner of the wood-clad room. A book-lined gallery features inlaid wood floors and French doors.

reception rooms inside a Center of France – 17th Century castle with a large history — The elegant reception rooms feature high ceilings, elaborate moldings and gracefully arched windows.

Groupe Mercure

A mansard roof and conical turrets top the two-story residence. The elegant reception rooms feature high ceilings, elaborate moldings and gracefully arched windows. Many of the 10 bedrooms are on the first floor.

MORE FOR YOU

dining room inside a 17th century french castle groupe mercure — High ceilings and tall windows create volume in the formal spaces.

Groupe Mercure

A grand staircase leads to a landing before splitting in opposite directions to access the second floor.

art and statues inside a Center of France – 17th Century castle with a large history — Antiques, paintings and elaborate busts further the property’s Old World feel.

Groupe Mercure

There’s additional space in the attic, where dormer windows bring in daylight, and the basement.

60,000 book library inside a 13,000-square-foot chateau in france — The centerpiece of the 13,000-square-foot chateau is a two-story library filled with shelves housing … [+] a collection of 60,000 books.

Groupe Mercure

Tucked at the end of a path on the wooded grounds is a neo-Romanesque chapel designated as a Monument Historique, a national heritage site.

large library gallery with inlaid floors and french doors 17th Century castle — The massive book-lined gallery features inlaid wood floors and French doors.

Groupe Mercure

Various outbuildings provide more housing and storage.

bedroom inside a 17th century castle — The castle features 10 bedrooms, many of which are located on the main floor.

Groupe Mercure

The estate encompasses 50 hectares (about 125 acres) of forest and gardens overlooking a valley. The views also take in the Chaîne des Puys. The now dormant volcanic range contains cinder and lava domes, as well as craters.

staircase inside a 17th Century castle with a large history — A grand staircase leads to a landing before splitting in opposite directions to access the second … [+] floor.

Groupe Mercure

Sophie van Cayzeele of Groupe Mercure is the listing agent for the estate, priced at EUR 1.7 million (US $2 million).

Located 20 minutes from Clermont-Ferrand 17th century castle owned by same family — The estate encompasses 50 hectares (about 125 acres) of forest and gardens overlooking a valley.

Groupe Mercure

The property is about 20 minutes from the university city of Clermont-Ferrand, where sites to see include a Gothic cathedral made from black lava stone and the Place de Jaude, a broad public square centered on a statue of a war hero from Julius Caesar’s Gallic Wars. The city also has a renowned rugby team.

Nestled in a green setting, the chateau is for sale with about 50 hectares — The views also take in the Chaîne des Puys.

Groupe Mercure

Regional delicacies include local cheeses, wines and aperitifs.

Aerial View Of Cityscape Against Sky — An aerial view of Clermont-Ferrand, France.

getty

The chateau is approximately 10 minutes from a freeway and 70 minutes to Lyon and the international Lyon—Saint Exupéry Airport. Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne Airport is the nearest air hub.

Groupe Mercure is an exclusive member of Forbes Global Properties, a consumer marketplace and membership network of elite brokerages selling the world’s most luxurious homes.