This manor of character, completed in 1610, was originally part of a castle’s outbuildings. In perfect condition, the main quarters provide more than 700 sq m of living space on three levels. According to the Poule Faisan agency, which is offering the house: “The garden, the architecture and the property’s air of authenticity are among its many assets. Vintage materials (fireplaces, floor-tiles, period staircases, exposed beams, solid wood entrance door, flagstone floors) emphasize its historical nature.” The living quarters are on the ground floor, with a 60 sq m living room, a 100 sq m “winter garden”,a kitchen with a fireplace and a dining room. There are six bedrooms, with bathrooms, upstairs as well as a charming library. Except for a 300 sq m outbuilding, the entire manor was recently renovated (plumbing, electricity, heating, structural design). Quiet but not secluded, with an open outlook, it has a 2.5 acre garden with flower beds, cloud-shaped boxwoods and a centuries’ old lime tree in the cobble stone paved front yard. There are also the remnants of a tennis court with a charming former pool house adjacent, an illuminated grotto and an ancient underground ice house. Located in the Eure valley, South of Houdan, this property is part of a charming hamlet near a recreation area with water sports,and is half a mile from nearby shops. Paris is only a one-hour drive away, which makes this an ideal weekend destination. Proposed price: 2,85 million euros

Estate agent : La Poule Faisane, 78950 Gambais. Tél. : 01 34 87 09 27. http://www.lapoulefaisane.com

Photo : © Franck Tomps