In a splendid natural setting, on a rocky spur facing south towards the Pyrenees, this powerful fortress, built in the 12th century, became a sumptuous pleasure residence in the 16th century for the Bishop of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, an aesthete and collector. In the 19th century, a magical botanical garden, including a century-old palm grove, formed a dreamlike setting on the terraces, offering breathtaking views. This property has been featured in several Point de Vue articles in 2021 and 2023.
On the high terrace, accessed by a wide and majestic grand staircase, the 15th-century castle, restored in the 16th and 19th centuries, boasts a south-facing façade with a splendid view of the Pyrenees. A staircase tower recalls the defensive function, softened by exquisite 16th-century sculpted decorations.
Inside, on the ground floor, the reception areas feature particularly impressive volumes that have retained their original decorations and materials, including beautiful parquet floors and woodwork. The large living room of over 110 m² is bathed in light from its dual orientation and features a monumental fireplace that is richly sculpted. It opens onto the library, which also boasts a monumental fireplace and a charming balustraded passageway. A winter garden with zenithal lighting opens onto the large formal dining room. Nearby, the modern, equipped kitchen opens onto a second south-facing vestibule leading to a spacious living room, an office, and a winter dining room. There is also a bedroom and a bathroom, as well as two guest toilets, two laundry rooms, a workshop, a service entrance, and a small shaded terrace.
Upstairs, accessed by three staircases—including a 15th-century stone spiral staircase leading to a large 18th-century gallery—there are 14 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. The 18th-century alcove decorations are adorned with rich plasterwork, woodwork, marble fireplaces, and parquet floors. There are two kitchens, a chapel, a study, and a terrace.
On the second floor, there are 3 bedrooms, a bathroom, and very large attics. The floors of the castle can be considered as 5 large independent apartments. There are vaulted wine cellars and four access points.
From a south-facing terrace, access from the car park leads along the 18th-century basin; the 19th-century greenhouse and the breathtaking view of the outbuildings and the Pyrenees create a particularly poetic atmosphere. The greenhouse is planted with citrus fruits and aromatic plants.
The châtelet stands proudly in the park and marks the entrance to the main courtyard of the outbuildings, which were superbly and tastefully restored in 2022 for use as event activity guest rooms. This area includes 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, and a large reception room of approximately 200 m², featuring 5 ground-level accesses, a hanging garden enclosed by walls, a professional kitchen, and 3 toilets. A large room of approximately 100 m² opens onto the courtyard through three monumental arcades. There is also a workshop and a laundry room. The large courtyard of the outbuildings regularly hosts events.
In the park, a charming independent house, completely restored in 2022, is adorned with an elegant passageway overlooking the village, providing a stunning view. This house includes a veranda, a living room with a fireplace, 4 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms, with independent access.
Additionally, there is a beautiful barn and three wells. The sumptuous century-old botanical park spans approximately 5 hectares and is planted with rare species, including sequoias, a bamboo grove, majestic oaks, a yew avenue, a lime avenue, a carpet of cyclamens, and an exceptional and vast century-old palm grove.
The property features three independent access points. Registered as a historical monument. The price includes agency fees (fees payable by the seller).
Location:
- 50 minutes from Toulouse airport.
- 2 hours from Biarritz and the Mediterranean.
- 20 minutes from Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, a tourist town with a picturesque market.
- 30 minutes from Spain.
Condition note:
- Restored by aesthetes since 2018.
- Comfort elements, including electricity, bathrooms, and kitchens, are generally new since 2018.
- New guest rooms and gîte as of 2022, with a Booking rating of 9.5/10.
