The House
The property is a stunning and enormous Presbytery dating back to the 1600s.
Located in the sought after, pretty tree-lined village of Leran, in the Ariege departement in the Midi-Pyrenees. Leran has, amongst other things, a boulangerie, shop, bar, restaurant and Post Office, and is only a few minutes from the much larger bastide town of Chalabre which has all amenities.
This renovated and fascinating house has around 390m2 of living space as well as a roof terrace and a small unattached garden. Featuring a wealth of original features, the most recently discovered is an astounding 18th century fresco uncovered by the present owner during careful and sympathetic restoration of the building.
The restored house features the elegance and grandeur of the original Presbytery, boasting no less than eight original marble fireplaces, but it also benefits from oil-fired central heating. This blend of old and new is apparent throughout the property, original and restored features sit happily alongside newer additions and modern comforts.
The grand double entrance opens onto a 17m long corridor, featuring a stone vaulted ceiling, the original stone and wood floor, and an imposing stone staircase to the upper floors. On the ground floor are the main reception rooms; the living room with it's 18th century fresco, double windows, wooden floor and marble fireplace, and the dining room also featuring a wooden floor and marble fireplace.
Also on the ground floor is an authentic large rustic-style kitchen with a tiled floor and fireplace, yet with modern appliances such as a range cooker, dishwasher and large fridge/freezer. There is access to a vast wine cellar. An additional large separate breakfast room/kitchen with a further cooker is opposite the main kitchen.
Finally on the ground floor is a WC with beautiful stone walls, a heating store room and an office.
The impressive stone staircase leads to the first floor landing and 2 large bedrooms, both with original fireplaces and ensuite shower rooms. A long corridor leads to the beautiful master bedroom which features a handmade bath, original fireplace and an area for relaxing. On the other side of the corridor there is the large family shower room with double sinks and another large bedroom complete with ensuite WC and fireplace.
The polished wooden staircase goes up to the second floor were there is a huge open loft, part of which is used as a TV area.
There is also access to the bright roof terrace, which can be covered during the winter months if neccessary. Also accessed from the loft via a spiral staircase is the 5th bedroom.
The second floor also comprises another office area and a huge grenier which is ready to be converted. There are plans approved for the creation of another roof terrace if wished.
Finally there is a small garden a few minutes stroll from the house, perfect for keeping as a potager!
Although at present this house is a much-loved home, it could just as successfully be turned into a Bed and Breakfast or Gite.
The asking price for the property is 274,000 euros
For details of room sizes click here
leran@sc-art.info