Midi-Pyrénées, Lot, Autoire, France
£407,866
€470,000
- PROPERTY TYPE
House
- BEDROOMS
3
- BATHROOMS
2
- SIZE
2,562 sq ft
238 sq m
Key features
- Historic property
- Garden
- Wood pellet boiler
- Terrace
- Fiber optic
- Mains
- Linky
- Woodburner(s)
- Electricity on site
- Excellent condition
Description
A42685COH46 - Discover this rare property in the heart of Autoire, one of the most photogenic and sought-after villages in the Lot region, listed among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (The Most Beautiful Villages of France).
Between Gramat and Saint-Céré lies the village of Autoire, over eight centuries old and a true gem of the Dordogne Valley. At the heart of this historic village, the houses are arranged in a circular pattern around the Romanesque church, forming a kind of protective enclosure. Overlooking the village, the former feudal castle—now converted into the town hall—presides over an unusually high concentration of manor houses, earning Autoire the nickname “Little Versailles.”
The commune is part of two protected natural areas, offering an exceptional setting. Among its highlights is a striking amphitheater of limestone cliffs, from which the Toire stream emerges in a spectacular 30-meter waterfall.
Ideally located, Autoire is just 50 minutes from Brive-la-Gaillarde (with its airport and train station), 10 minutes from Saint-Céré, and less than 9 km from the TER train station in Biars-sur-Cère. The village also provides all essential amenities for everyday life.
Most likely constructed between the 15th and 16th centuries for modest domestic purposes, it tells part of the story of this singular fortified village, distinguished by its graceful simplicity.
The house enjoys unobstructed views of the natural cirque of Autoire, an iconic natural setting in the Dordogne valley. Facing north-east/south-west, the property showcases a range of architectural features from different periods, such as 15th-century windows and dog-eared dormer windows. Its exposed Quercy stone façades have been restored to a high standard, in line with the requirements for the village's classification as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France.
The house can be accessed through two entrances: to the west, via the garden level, at the back of a small garden with a terrace set on a very open corner plot, offering remarkable views of the limestone cliffs of the Autoire cirque; or to the north, through the ground floor opening onto a courtyard, once used as a threshing floor and now enlivened by two adjoining shops, in front of which tables and chairs are arranged.
The house has three floors, including a converted attic and a basement housing a workshop/boiler room, a storage room and a commercial space consisting of two rooms, currently used as a tea room and antique shop.
See the approximate surface areas:
Garden level – Living area
Accessible from the outside, this level has been superbly renovated in keeping with the original architecture. Converted into a dwelling in the 15th century, it retains many remarkable features:
monumental fireplace,
arched windows and deep embrasures with cushioned seats,
antique doors with intricate ironwork,
impressive oak framework and beams, combined with wide-plank waxed wooden floors.
The layout includes a fitted kitchen with a central island, an open-plan dining room (42m²) - opening onto the terrace and garden, a living room (40m²), a shower room with WC and a bedroom (21m²).
First floor
The first floor is accessed via a bespoke oak staircase, crafted using traditional techniques, connecting the kitchen/dining room to the landing.
The first bedroom (23m2) retains a strong historical character, with a medieval door and antique features subtly integrated with modern comforts. It is also used as an office.
The second bedroom (20m2) has a resolutely contemporary style, with a central bath room.
Comfort & amenities
The house is perfectly insulated and heated by a wood pellet boiler, ensuring thermal comfort and energy efficiency. This system provides heating for the entire house as well as the shop. Given the boiler’s capacity, it could also supply additional extensions if required.
Integrated extensions: at the back of the courtyard, a contemporary annexe clad in wooden shingles runs alongside the Quercy stone façade, providing additional storage space, a workshop and a boiler room.
Outdoor areas: private garden and terrace enjoying ideal exposure facing the natural amphitheatre.
Potential & opportunities
This property offers great potential for multiple uses:
* main residence with commercial or artistic activity,
* conversion into guest rooms/charming holiday cottage
* exhibition space, café-workshop or independent shop
Between Gramat and Saint-Céré lies the village of Autoire, over eight centuries old and a true gem of the Dordogne Valley. At the heart of this historic village, the houses are arranged in a circular pattern around the Romanesque church, forming a kind of protective enclosure. Overlooking the village, the former feudal castle—now converted into the town hall—presides over an unusually high concentration of manor houses, earning Autoire the nickname “Little Versailles.”
The commune is part of two protected natural areas, offering an exceptional setting. Among its highlights is a striking amphitheater of limestone cliffs, from which the Toire stream emerges in a spectacular 30-meter waterfall.
Ideally located, Autoire is just 50 minutes from Brive-la-Gaillarde (with its airport and train station), 10 minutes from Saint-Céré, and less than 9 km from the TER train station in Biars-sur-Cère. The village also provides all essential amenities for everyday life.
Most likely constructed between the 15th and 16th centuries for modest domestic purposes, it tells part of the story of this singular fortified village, distinguished by its graceful simplicity.
The house enjoys unobstructed views of the natural cirque of Autoire, an iconic natural setting in the Dordogne valley. Facing north-east/south-west, the property showcases a range of architectural features from different periods, such as 15th-century windows and dog-eared dormer windows. Its exposed Quercy stone façades have been restored to a high standard, in line with the requirements for the village's classification as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France.
The house can be accessed through two entrances: to the west, via the garden level, at the back of a small garden with a terrace set on a very open corner plot, offering remarkable views of the limestone cliffs of the Autoire cirque; or to the north, through the ground floor opening onto a courtyard, once used as a threshing floor and now enlivened by two adjoining shops, in front of which tables and chairs are arranged.
The house has three floors, including a converted attic and a basement housing a workshop/boiler room, a storage room and a commercial space consisting of two rooms, currently used as a tea room and antique shop.
See the approximate surface areas:
Garden level – Living area
Accessible from the outside, this level has been superbly renovated in keeping with the original architecture. Converted into a dwelling in the 15th century, it retains many remarkable features:
monumental fireplace,
arched windows and deep embrasures with cushioned seats,
antique doors with intricate ironwork,
impressive oak framework and beams, combined with wide-plank waxed wooden floors.
The layout includes a fitted kitchen with a central island, an open-plan dining room (42m²) - opening onto the terrace and garden, a living room (40m²), a shower room with WC and a bedroom (21m²).
First floor
The first floor is accessed via a bespoke oak staircase, crafted using traditional techniques, connecting the kitchen/dining room to the landing.
The first bedroom (23m2) retains a strong historical character, with a medieval door and antique features subtly integrated with modern comforts. It is also used as an office.
The second bedroom (20m2) has a resolutely contemporary style, with a central bath room.
Comfort & amenities
The house is perfectly insulated and heated by a wood pellet boiler, ensuring thermal comfort and energy efficiency. This system provides heating for the entire house as well as the shop. Given the boiler’s capacity, it could also supply additional extensions if required.
Integrated extensions: at the back of the courtyard, a contemporary annexe clad in wooden shingles runs alongside the Quercy stone façade, providing additional storage space, a workshop and a boiler room.
Outdoor areas: private garden and terrace enjoying ideal exposure facing the natural amphitheatre.
Potential & opportunities
This property offers great potential for multiple uses:
* main residence with commercial or artistic activity,
* conversion into guest rooms/charming holiday cottage
* exhibition space, café-workshop or independent shop
Brochures
Brochure 1Midi-Pyrénées, Lot, Autoire, France
NEAREST AIRPORTS
Distances are straight line measurements- Bergerac(International)64.1 miles
- Limoges(International)76.0 miles
- Toulouse (Blagnac)(International)88.0 miles
- Aulnat(International)90.9 miles
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Notes
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This is a property advertisement provided and maintained by Leggett Immobilier, France (reference A42685COH46) and does not constitute property particulars. Whilst we require advertisers to act with best practice and provide accurate information, we can only publish advertisements in good faith and have not verified any claims or statements or inspected any of the properties, locations or opportunities promoted. Rightmove does not own or control and is not responsible for the properties, opportunities, website content, products or services provided or promoted by third parties and makes no warranties or representations as to the accuracy, completeness, legality, performance or suitability of any of the foregoing. We therefore accept no liability arising from any reliance made by any reader or person to whom this information is made available to. You must perform your own research and seek independent professional advice before making any decision to purchase or invest in overseas property.