France €3.675m:A restored chateau in the south of France costs about as much as a decent period house in Donnybrook.
No-where is the gap between Ireland and the rest of Europe more obvious than when a premium property appears on the market for what seems a modest price, given its attractions. Ganly Walters has been charged with selling a Gascon chateau in the Midi Pyrenees region of France with a distinguished lineage and beautifully restored interior.
The asking price of €3.675 million is by no means small change and would buy a decent period house in Ballsbridge or Donnybrook. However, Chateau du Bescou is set on 12 acres of parkland and gardens and has a fine 700-yard drive through ancient trees. There is a heated saltwater pool, extensive barns and stabling, and 800sq m (8,611sq ft) of outbuildings with potential to expand. It is also possible to buy the furniture, linen, china and glass, ready to operate as an upmarket guesthouse.
Geoffroi de Betous is recorded as building the first house here in 1257 when its dominating position looking south to the Pyrenees would have made it secure. The chateau's formal diningroom dates from the 15th or 16th centuries, while the remainder was rebuilt by the Comte de Villeneuve in 1830 and has the manageable proportions of this period.
Restoration work in recent years brought the chateau into the 21st century, with a new roof, modern plumbing, wiring, central heating and double-glazing. Original cornicing and plasterwork, oak and tile floors and chandeliers were preserved. Bathrooms are traditional, with marble-topped sink units, deep old-fashioned baths and gilt mirrors.
There are five reception rooms, including a salon with mosaic floor, diningroom and country-style kitchen with stone worktops. The eight en suite bedrooms - all doubles - are dressed in the period, with flounced bed canopies and oriental-style rugs.
The village of Betous is mid-way between Nogaro and Aignan, about an hour's drive from Pau and within reach of Toulouse and Bordeaux airports. Nogaro has landing facilities for private planes.
