La Vermondie is the Embodiment of Aquitaine’s Rich Cultural Heritage

Aquitaine, France Commanding an imposing position amid 50 hectares of land with outstanding south-west views, La Vermondie is a 12^th century chateau with palatial entertaining areas and a very rich heritage. Previously owned by visionary architect Gilles Saint Gilles, the estate underwent major restoration which has revived it to its former glory whilst adding some of the most sophisticated, high quality systems inside.

The architect’s attention to detail can be seen in the truly superb stonework that was undertaken representative of Aquitaine’s local style. The Chateau is built over four levels and has a habitable area of 864sqm, including five bedrooms, four bathrooms, one formal and one family dining room, a top floor gymnasium and a swimming pool and pool house.

Some of the extensive entertaining areas of this estate include a summer and winter salon decorated with stone fireplaces, oak ceilings and tall windows offering beautiful views over the surrounding hills and valleys. The main sitting room leads to an attractive courtyard with traditional flagstones and lush shrubs and flowers. To the south of this courtyard are the two guest apartments, each with their own access and a magnificent 110sqm atelier, currently used by the owner as an office but it could also serve as a ballroom, a studio or an art gallery.

On the lower ground level of the chateau there are several service and storage rooms, including a kitchen, a laundry room and a wine cellar, as well as a plant control-center. There are also garages, workshops and barns for tractors and equipment.  The latest renovation has brought the highest standards of mechanical, hydraulic and electrical installations to the estate including, sophisticated  lighting, irrigation, heating, electrical and security systems which can be controlled and monitored on-site or remotely.

The estate is set within 50 hectares of extensive mature woods, orchards and meadows and also benefit from a lake ideal for boating. Next to the estate is a leaning Gallo-Roman tower, about 20 meters in height, now listed as a historical monument. Local folklore claimed that Richard the Lionheart had some of his spoils of war stored in tunnels beneath the tower. Nowadays the estate is entirely private, and there are no public rights of way. At the owner's invitation, leading experts and connoisseurs of architecture make occasional visits.

“We rarely see French Chateaux with this level of finish.” says Joachim Wrang-Widen, Christie’s International Real Estate’s Senior Vice President for Europe, Middle East and Africa. “The history of the building combined with the recent modernisation offer the perfect retreat in one of France’s prettiest areas, with the added benefit of being able to move straight in to enjoy this rare quality of life.”

"Estates such as this are rare in Europe.  The property is steeped in history, dating back to the Hundred Years War.  It was rescued in the 1990's by a celebrated French architect, who undertook a restoration project with great skill and sensitivity.  He and the subsequent current owner have created a grand and elegant residence, a sanctuary where time stands still." Says Rupert Valpy from Maxwell-Storrie-Baynes exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate.