Saumur, Pays de la Loire 49400

A residence overlooking the River Loire, with a gallery and outbuilding, in the footsteps of the abbesses and Dukes of Anjou. A side street runs alongside the river, in front of the house's gable end, leading to its entrance gate, which opens into a walled courtyard. Opposite the gate, the L-shaped residence is made up of two wings. This edifice built with tuffeau stone dates back to the 12th century, is an emblematic element of the region's history and was originally the home of an abbess. It was requisitioned by the republic after the French Revolution and was used as a coaching inn.The building has four storeys, including an attic under the sloping roof. The recently renovated slate roof is dotted with stone dormer windows with arched pediments, echoing the rounded door frames on the ground floor. A geometrically patterned frieze runs along the faade facing the street.A sundial can still be made out on the western gable end, while a second can also be spotted next to the gallery, which dominates the outer wall parallel to the River Loire, providing, whatever the season, an unbeatable view of the river and its islands, which are graced by the ballet of migrating birds. The residence can also be reached via another side street to the rear of the house.Lastly, the property also boasts a separate garden with a small house in it, a short distance away on the hillside.