Poitou-Charentes, Charente, Jarnac, France

Fabulous Nineteenth Century chateau on the northern bank of the river Charente, just a five-minute walk from the centre of glorious Jarnac.

This extraordinary prestige property was built for a wealthy cognac merchant towards the end of the 19th century, sits high overlooking a town steeped in the culture and traditions of the cognac trade, and home to Courvoisier, Hine, Delamain and Luis Royer.

Arranged over 3 stories, in excess of 700m2, and with a vast basement area to develop, this grand chateau would lend itself perfectly (subject to the necessary permissions) to a business venture such as a boutique hotel, flagship company headquarters, premium corporate events venue or even high-end chambres d'hote.

Alternatively, of course, it could simply become a spectacular family home.

On the ground floor there is a dining room, with grand wooden fireplace, wall-panelling, coffered ceiling and painted wall hangings, a study with another spectacularly carved and painted ceiling and a vast reception room area opening on to the terrace and below, the gravel driveway which encircles the building.

Of particular note is the "winter salon", with its mosaic flooring, stucco balustrading, hand-painted wall fabrics and ornate cornicing, which, although requiring some renovation works, would perfectly suit an elegant entertaining space.

A long hallway with painted wall coverings runs west to east, with a kitchen and stone, spiral, service staircase connecting basement to upper levels at one end, and a magnificent marble split-level, complete with yet more floor to ceiling hand painted artwork at the other.

On the first floor there are four large bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and each with a southerly outlook over the lawns leading down to the river. All the bedrooms open on to the grand balcony at the front of the chateau and a long, wood-panelled corridor connects them at the rear.

The top floor has a further 6 bedrooms, one of which is to be completed, a bathroom and two shower rooms.

Many original features remain throughout, including stained-glass windows, wall coverings, paintings, fireplaces, wood carvings and handmade ironmongery.

The park land of over 5 acres which slopes down from the house to the riverbank is predominantly meadow and directly in front of and beneath the driveway there is a stone "grotto" with a series of pools and waterfalls which, when illuminated, would make for an enchanting centrepiece for evening entertaining.

There is work to be done to bring this elegant estate back to its splendid former glory, but its historic status means that tax-deductions would be available for any restoration expenses, and once completed, what a glorious and prestigious property this would be.

REFERENCE: 249951