Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, Aquitaine 24250

An ancient noble dwelling from the late 17th century, with breath-taking views, outbuildings and 36 hectares of wooded hills and pastures in the Prigord Noir region. The site, absolutely magnificent, is one of these numerous Prigord plateaus sandwiched within a complicated network of large and small valleys with abrupt edges and spectacular views, surrounded on all sides by a landscape practically devoid of all human occupation.Comparable to that of a horseshoe, with its curves corresponding to the property's north and northwest slopes and the central part to the estate's cultivated plateaus, the site's topography culminates at an average of about 200 metres in altitude with an elevation gain of approximately 20 metres, guaranteeing awe-inspiring views of the surrounding woods, hills and meadows.Divided up after World War Ii, the property has, nevertheless, preserved 36 of its original 104 hectares. Remarkably conserved thanks to careful replanting, these spaces underscore this site's singular value, which still succeeds in offering a meaningful testimony to the splendour of these great estates of yesteryear.Founded in 1571, as indicated in the archives, and passed down from the Lord of Roufflilhac to various bourgeois and local notables, the 'noble dwelling', which is sometimes known more emphatically as 'the chateau', and its outbuildings were built during the late 17th century over the vestiges of a medieval dwelling destroyed during the French Wars of Religion.Although possessing the essential Prigord architectural characteristics from the late 17th century, it was reorganised in the 18th and 19th centuries, when it was acquired by the Pontou family, who would go on to keep the property in their possession for more than 100 years.Today, the property includes the 'noble dwelling', the former tenant farm, which is now used as a guesthouse, a caretaker's cottage and former stables partially converted into accommodations, the whole forming a kind of hamlet. In addition, a completely restored dovecote with a stone slate roof, a tennis court and an immense infinity swimming pool are scattered throughout the grounds, the water for which is supplied by the property's own natural spring located below the main dwelling along with a washhouse and basin.The result? One of the most beautiful properties in Dordogne - the authenticity of which has been carefully conserved - providing breath-taking views of the surrounding Unesco Word Heritage-protected landscape.