Largest Private Chateau In Provence Goes on Sale

The  largest private château in Provence built in 980 is for sale for €18 million. After 15 years of painstaking sympathetic restoration using traditional building methods, including some of the most exquisite 18th century ornamental plasterwork, it has been brought back to its former beauty.

Although the castle retains all of its historical charm, it still provides all the modern comforts one expects from a property of this calibre. Boasting over 5000 m2 of living space with a rich and established 16-hectare enclosed park, there are 120 rooms comprising of 25 bedroom suites each with independent bathrooms, 3 kitchens, libraries, many lounges, guardian's lodge, the list is exhaustive.

The castle is surrounded by a multitude of terraces, French-style gardens, English inspired gardens, fountains, statues, 2 swimming pools,  an Olympic sized equestrian arena, stables, helipad, garages and many outbuildings. The exceptional 360° views overlooking the Sainte Victoire, the Sainte Baume and the Mont Faron are breathtaking. As part of the park comprises terraced ground, there is a possibility of creating a vineyard to complete the most incredible Provence estate.

The chateau is located in La Verdiere in the Var, Provence, France. It is around 45 mins from Aix en Provence and one hour from Marseille.

Tim Swannie, Director at Home Hunts comments: “It is not often a home of this size and historical importance comes up for sale. The area it is in is a quieter part of Provence which is off the tourist trail; this certainly adds to its appeal for many. This lesser-known area has attracted many high profile celebrities over the years such as George Clooney, Brad Pitt and George Lucas, who all own estates nearby, we also recently sold the former home of Eric Clapton which was just down the road.”

“This is an area where people come to relax and enjoy the real South of France, there are lots of charming villages and places of interest to visit nearby, such as as the Gorges de Verdon which are described as Europe’s Grand Canyon. For culture vultures, you are only around 45 minutes from Aix en Provence which is one of the most popular cities in Provence”

In the 17th century it was owned an illustrious family to whom we owe the attachment of Provence to France.

In the 18th century the owner turned it into one of the most sumptuous residences in Provence, whose interior ornate decorations were of unprecedented finesse. Apparently, the owner died of grief when he learned that the inhabitants of La Verdière had looted the château and its collections.

After substantial recent renovation, it was classified an Historic Monument in 1986.The chateau is privately owned and is a listed building, but it is possible to use as a commercial property.