This 14th-century chateau in France's southwest region comes with a built-in security system that was state-of-the-art for the Middle Ages.
Parapets along one wall provide a defensive position for shooting arrows at invaders, windows high above ground level stymie easy access by ladder and the structure's courtyard is entered through an arched gate, where statues of knights today stand guard.
The 14th-century chateau sits on 106 acres in the French village of Gourdon.
Set on 106 wooded acres near the picturesque town of Gourdon, the renovated residence has a rustic castle appearance with thick stone walls and multiple turrets.
At the heart of the $3.254-million property is a manor house containing a chapel, 19 bedrooms and 18 bathrooms within 18,300 square feet of living space. Wood-beam ceilings and multiple fireplaces lend a warm ambience to the extensive stonework used in the interiors.
While the flat grounds around the chateau may once have been used for jousting practice, hammer throwing and archery, today's recreational amenities include a tennis court and a swimming pool. There's a pool house with a bedroom, a bathroom, a sauna, a gym, a kitchen and a courtyard.
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Although one pigeonnier on the property has already been converted, a second is ripe for renovation. These structures for raising pigeons once conveyed the property owner's status and were considered a display of wealth. The game birds were considered a delicacy.
Vintners may choose to spend their time attending to the 2.5 acres of vineyards, which produce about 5,000 bottles of wine a year. Talk about having a house wine.
The accompanying equipment, including a vat and press, is available for optional purchase, as are the home furnishings and agricultural equipment.
Remnants of the Middle Ages remain at the castle estate, which now features a producing vineyard.
A caretaker's house of 1,615 square feet features a living room, four bedrooms and two bathrooms. A three-level outbuilding provides another 1,615 square feet of space with a living room, four bedrooms and three bathrooms.
The remaining structures include a barn that could be converted into a home, three buildings currently under renovation, an old tobacco barn and a 1,291-square-foot house.
Three structures at the estate, listed for about $3.25 million, are currently under renovation.
GrDidier Cope of Groupe Mercure, a founding member of Forbes Global Properties, represents the estate.
Gourdon has a well-preserved historic district, making it a popular tourist stop. A church towers above streets lined with medieval houses. The ruins of a castle and ancient gates used for defensive purposes are among the sights.