Great Architecture
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2011
This magnificent 55 hectare estate is exclusively listed by Belles Demeures de France, Paris
Provence, France—Commanding a majestic position amid the rolling Provençal countryside, this 17th-Century château is a stately domain masterfully renovated to preserve its authenticity. Surrounded by glorious views of the Luberon mountains, Château de Sannes is within close proximity to Aix-en-Provence.
A long private driveway, shaded by cherry trees and under planted with blue irises, leads to the peaceful grounds of about 55 hectares, surrounding the château. An abundance of cypresses and ancient Cedar of Lebanon trees are interspersed throughout the grounds, surrounded by olive groves, a truffle plantation, wheat and lavender fields, and extensive woodland.
Italianate gardens with pools and fountains grace the grounds. The outdoor swimming pool, flanked by ancient Cedar of Lebanon trees, has two 18th-Century stone pavilions reflecting the elegant architecture of the château. An indoor swimming pool has also been added for use in less temperate times and the roof terrace above provides a fantastic view of the grounds of the château and the surrounding countryside.
Masterly renovated and carefully preserved, the main château is in immaculate condition, retaining all its original features. The imposing stone exterior with shuttered windows and creeping vines enwraps an interior of generously-scaled spaces filled with ample natural light.
A 17th-Century entrance opens onto a stone staircase decorated with historic gypseries, arched doorways, period stone fireplaces and original stone and tiled flooring, stand in contrast to stunning white walls.
On the ground floor, there is a spacious drawing room with a beautiful 18th-Century carved stone fireplace. Two adjoining dining rooms, a study, a panelled library, along with the vaulted family kitchen and cloakroom facilities, complete the ground floor area. The three upper floors accommodate seven spacious bedrooms, each with a large connecting bathroom; an elegant reception room is also located on each floor.
“Belles Demeures De France is extremely pleased to have been chosen to represent Château de Sannes,” says Lionel Macaire, Director at Belles Demeures De France. “This breathtaking property is the perfect combination of 17th-Century architecture and 21st-Century comfort nestled in beautiful Italian gardens and surrounded by its own vineyards. ”
The estate further consists of original buildings that have been carefully renovated to the highest standards, including an 18th-Century farmhouse with six bedrooms and its own pool, a self-contained studio guest house (the “Ecuries”), two staff cottages and a guardian’s house. The 18th-Century windmill restored to working order and a “pigeonnier” add a whimsical touch to the composition of the grounds. 32 hectares of quality producing vines border the grounds of the estate, producing wine which is one of the few to be allowed the use of the Domaine name, that of Château de Sannes.
“Château de Sannes is a testament to fine craftsmanship, both inside and out; what sets this estate apart is its combination of gorgeous Italianate gardens, immaculately presented interiors, extensive vineyards and classic architecture bringing to mind an old world elegance of times gone by. Rarely does an opportunity like this come to the market,” says Giles Hannah, Sales Director for Europe at Christie’s International Real Estate.
Château de Sannes is located only 45 minutes from Marseille’s International airport and very close to the medieval village of Ansouis, rated as one of the “Plus Beaux” villages of France, ideal for a wandering visit around its ancient cobbled streets.
CONTACT
Lionel Macaire, Belles Demeures de France, +33 685 824 770 lmacaire@bdfrance.fr
Antonia Koumantaropoulou, Christie’s International Real Estate, +44 207 389 2855 akoumantaropoulou@christies.com
Christie’s International Real Estate
Christie’s, originally founded in 1766 by James Christie, pursued an innovative real estate venture in 1995 by acquiring Great Estates, a luxury real estate network founded in 1987. Christie’s International Real Estate is an invitation-only Affiliate network composed of the world’s most proven and qualified real estate specialists. The company has central hubs in London, Hong Kong, and New York; field offices in Beverly Hills, California, Chicago, Illinois, and Palm Beach, Florida; and circa 120 Affiliates in Europe; North, Central, and South America; and the Caribbean as well as Asia, Africa, and Oceania. In 2011, new Affiliates were signed in Dallas, Texas; Pyrénes-Atlantiques, France; Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa; Highlands, North Carolina; Maui, Hawaii; Lake Tahoe, California; Phoenix, Arizona; the Turks & Caicos; and Toronto, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Ottawa’s Rockcliffe Park, all in Ontario, Canada.
