Historic Renaissance Château With 5 Bedrooms And Expansive Grounds

About the Property

A distinguished Renaissance château built in 1600, this property exemplifies the architectural elegance of the Périgord Noir. Set within 5.1 hectares, it is located just outside the medieval jewel of Sarlat-la-Canéda in the Dordogne department, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, southwestern France. This château is historically significant as the childhood home of Étienne de La Boétie, a renowned political philosopher and confidant of Michel de Montaigne. The château features a symmetrical rectangular plan with round towers at the corners, characteristic of the transitional style between fortified medieval castles and more domestic Renaissance châteaux. The main residence boasts a stone spiral staircase, large fireplaces, stone mullioned windows, and spacious rooms with high ceilings typical of its period. The ground floor opens into an elegant dining room with stone flooring and a central stone fireplace, leading to the main living room, kitchen, guest WC, and the striking spiral staircase housed in the southern tower. The adjoining annexe includes a fully equipped kitchen, laundry room, a half bathroom, and a bedroom. The generously proportioned living room showcases a second impressive fireplace, exposed timber beams, and double-aspect windows that flood the space with natural light while offering views of the gardens. The first floor features a spacious master bedroom with a stone fireplace, a private ensuite half-bathroom, and serene views over the château’s gardens and the valley. Two additional well-proportioned bedrooms share a charming family bathroom, while the annexe provides two further bedrooms and a WC, making it ideal for guests or family living. The property is equipped with gas central heating, underfloor in the dining room. Complementing the estate is a charming stone barn with original features that exude rustic character, presenting excellent potential for transformation into a workshop, studio, or additional living accommodation. The domaine is completed by a round stone dove cote. While some areas may require modernisation or restoration, these features offer a strong foundation for a luxury residence, boutique hotel, or heritage museum. This château represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of France’s most culturally significant Renaissance properties, standing as both a living piece of French intellectual history and a stunning architectural landmark. Location: - Close to Sarlat-la-Canéda - Approximately 45 minutes from Brive Airport - Just over an hour from Bergerac Airport Price: €995,000 including fees (paid by the seller). Exclusive listing by Maxwell-Baynes | CHRISTIE'S International Real Estate.