Haute Vienne - Stunning Historic Property Offering a Family Home and a Very Succesful Business

Property Description

Located in the old marketplace, where the town's Château once towered over the medieval fortified town of Le Dorat, this stunning 400-year-old property was originally part of the accommodation for the château workers. Today, the main house and the surrounding buildings have been beautifully renovated and restored while preserving much of their historical character, including a remarkable 400-year-old hand-carved oak staircase.
The owners have transformed this property into a lovely, comfortable family home and have also developed the outbuildings into four apartments. These accommodations are designed for tourists visiting Le Dorat and the surrounding areas. The business generates more than enough annual income to satisfy the requirements for anyone seeking a working visa in France.
The town of Le Dorat is rich in history. During the medieval period, the Saint Pierre Chapel was well-known for its veneration of King St. Clovis. Le Dorat was a town of nobility and property owners. In 1356, it was besieged by the Prince of Wales, and during the European Wars of Religion, which lasted from 1524 to 1648, the town suffered significant damage. It is also believed that the name "Le Dorat" comes from the gilded angel located at the summit of the "Lou Dora" bell tower.
The town offers a variety of activities throughout the year, including horse racing events in June, July, and August, as well as a national horse show in September. Additional attractions include a sound and light show, craft days, a Christmas market, concerts, tennis, cinema, fishing, sailing, and windsurfing. In 2019, Le Dorat hosted the World Sheep Shearing Championship. This town has much to offer the thousands of tourists who visit, making it a great opportunity to continue the thriving business this property provides.
Upon arrival at the property, you are greeted by a grand wooden door that opens into an impressive hallway featuring a historic staircase. The hallway provides access to the rear of the property, the apartment building, and the family home.
On the ground floor, you'll find a spacious, light-filled lounge complete with a log burner and a magnificent fireplace. The kitchen blends modern amenities with traditional charm, perfectly suited for contemporary living. Additionally, there is a WC and a laundry room on this level.
The first floor offers two large and comfortable bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom. The second floor, which is independent but can be accessed from the downstairs hallway or the first-floor landing, currently serves as an office and an additional bedroom. This space could easily be converted into a small studio, as plumbing is available for the installation of a kitchenette and bathroom.
Located at the rear of the property, accessible through the front hallway, is a charming courtyard. This inviting space allows you to imagine the lively scenes of a bygone era. Adjacent to this courtyard is a large independent building featuring a vaulted cellar, which currently houses the oil-fired boiler. There's also a spacious basement ideal for storage, perfect for guests with bicycles. Additionally, you'll find a large workshop and a beautiful garden that offers privacy and overlooks the surrounding countryside.
Above ground, this building contains four apartments. The fourth apartment is currently undergoing refurbishment but remains unfinished due to the owner's ill health. All necessary materials, including kitchen and bathroom fixtures, have already been purchased, presenting an appealing project for someone interested in completing it.
**Apartment 1** features gas central heating and includes a kitchen-dining room, a bathroom with a WC, a lounge, and one double bedroom with a sofa bed, accommodating up to four adults.
**Apartment 2**, also equipped with gas central heating, offers a WC, a double bedroom, a lounge, and a kitchen, along with another bathroom, and is similarly suitable for up to four adults.
**Apartment 3** has electric heating and includes a bathroom, a double bedroom, a lounge-living room-kitchen, and another large double bedroom. This apartment boasts stunning views from the lounge, overlooking the surrounding countryside and the donkey fields at the back.
It's hard to convey in words the charm of this property, which includes private and secluded gardens spanning 945 m², featuring various relaxation areas ideal for unwinding with a glass of wine. The beautiful house is conveniently located just a stone's throw from quaint medieval streets lined with shops and cafes. Le Dorat also has a train station, providing easy access to the city of Limoges.
This property is truly a must-visit! (5.26 % fees incl. VAT at the buyer's expense.)