Dordogne, Jumilhac Le Grand...

A renovated 12th Century Knights Templar Commanderie set in wonderful rolling countryside - your chance to own and live in an important historical property.

The phrase 'rare and unique' has never been more appropriately applied when trying to describe this fascinating historical property. Built in the 12th Century, it is the only remaining building of what was originally a Commanderie for the Knights Templar, a large complex of fortified buildings. This property is what was the Commander's residence and it fell into disrepair (it was used as a barn to store tractors!) until acquired by the vendors in 2004.

Following detailed historical research they set about restoring the house in a style that is totally sympathetic to its origins and makes full use of the many ancient features. Ancient plaster from the 15th century was faithfully recreated, 'meurtrieres' (arrow slots) were revealed and glazed with stained glass and the compacted earth floor in the cellar was dug out to reveal beautiful local quartz.

To avoid affecting the original proportions of the existing rooms, a modern extension was added to create a kitchen, a bathroom and a bedroom. The building authorities insisted that the extension must clearly be identifiable as a 21st century addition, however the flagged stone floors and beautifully proportioned windows pay homage to the original building.

On the ground floor of the original house is an Entrance Hall with stone stairs leading down to the Vaulted Cellar with its white quartz floor and a water source which would have been used to supply the house.

The original Guard Room has a flagstone floor, a beamed ceiling and an impressive 12th Century granite Monumental Fireplace. Beautiful stained glass doors open out into an entrance porch created from ancient oak, chestnut and stone.

The original wooden ramp staircase leads to the first floor landing with a beautiful stained glass window and stone window seat that provides stunning views down the valley.

The Solar has an 18th Century window at the back and a 16th Century mullioned window at the front (both with leaded glass windows). A wood-burning stove is set within a stone fireplace and a magnificent beamed ceiling and exposed wooden floorboards dating from the 17th, 18th and 19th Centuries create a wonderfully atmospheric room.

On the Second Floor are two further bedrooms, one of which is currently utilised as a study. This room has been left open to the rafters to expose the incredible 13th/14th Century roof timbers and the incredibly rare internal, stone built Pigeon Loft. The latter would have enabled messenger pigeons to be released even if the Commanderie was under siege!

The Master Bedroom occupies the majority of the second floor and offers wonderful views down the valley and across to the village. This room has an en-suite WC and wash-basin and a walk-in wardrobe.

Outside, the house is surrounded by gardens which have been planted with a wide variety of specimen trees and shrubs. The Upper Terrace provides shaded seating and spectacular views, the Rose Garden contains some lovely old fashioned roses and the Column Walk provides a vantage point to admire the features of the house. At the bottom of the garden is the 'Miraculous Spring', said to cure children who suffer from nightmares!

There is also the former 'Garconniere', a small stone tower that would have been home to the servant boys who looked after the Commander. This has the potential to be restored to create a small guest cottage or a studio.

More recent additions to the rear of the house are an open hangar which provides useful undercover parking and storage and some former piggeries. The property is set well back from the road and is accessed via a single track lane which passes the nearest neighbours - a cattle shed housing Limousin cows and calves!

The property is located just 6km from the small town of Jumilhac Le Grand with its world famous chateau and a wide range of amenities including bakers, bank/post ofice, bar/restaurant, hairdresser, doctor, dentist and schools and chemist. Limoges international airport is easily reached within 45 minutes.

Agency fees of 6% are included in the asking price.
Honoraires d'agence de 6% TTC inclus, charge acquereur.
Richard Morford, Agent Commercial, Siret No. : 752 627 984 00012
Tel : 06 88 20 70 48 E-mail richard@allez-francais.com