Ferrières-en-Gâtinais, Centre-Val de Loire 45210

A 1904 Art Nouveau chateau in the heart of the Gtinais valley, part of the Centre-Val de Loire region, 120 km from Paris. A track leads first to a neighbouring mill and then, on the heights, to the property, which is situated on the outskirts of the village at the end of the valley. Below the drive, a number of fortified houses, chateaux and mills dot the banks of the river. As though standing on an outcrop, the estate and its natural enclosure dominate the valley. The stage is set: the view takes in meadows, a pond, a trout river and hiking trails - including the Gr132 - and gives a glimpse of the hinterland. The property stretches over almost 3 hectares, in a single lot. An iron gateway and a wicket gate provide access to the property. The perimeter wall bordering the track is topped with glazed yellow and blue-grey tiles. Metal posts, linked by chains, lead to the entrance of the main dwelling. All these ornamental features were reclaimed from the 1900 Universal Exhibition in Paris. A long, paved driveway lined with lime trees leads to both the residence and the guest house. They have a number of distinctive architectural features and building materials in common: slate roofs of various shapes, stone facades (some of which are dressed stone) and timber-framed upper storeys, segmental-arched windows with stone and brick surrounds. A double garage and a vast garden complete the property.