Three Storey Belle Époque Town House with Courtyard Garden

Property Description

Summary
In a peaceful and historic riverside town in Pays de la Loire, this three storey belle époque town house with courtyard garden is well-situated in a tree-lined boulevard just off the Grand Rue. The property requires further work for full modernisation and this is reflected in the asking price.

Location
La Flèche is a peaceful and historic riverside town between Le Mans and Angers with many cultural, historical and social attractions. In the heart of the Loire valley it has a rich heritage and historic monuments such as the Notre-Dame des Vertus chapel with its 11th century Romanesque porch and the prestigious Prytanée National Militaire academy, previously a Jesuit college where philosopher René Descartes studied.

The 18th century Halle au Blé hosts art exhibitions and events and incorporates an Italian style theatre dating from 1839 whilst free classical concerts take place in the 15th century Église Saint-Thomas.

There is an excellent range of lively bars, cafes and restaurants – including for gourmands the restaurant gastronomique Moulin des 4 saisons in a converted watermill and Guillemard patisserie recognised by guides such as Routard and Michelin vert. A thriving market takes place along the river front every Wednesday, there are a couple of supermarkets on the outskirts and a number of artisan shops specialising in cheese, charcuterie, chocolate etc.

La Flèche has a modern sports centre including an indoor swimming pool and outdoor water park. In addition a large leisure lake with sandy beach offers opportunities for swimming, sailing and paddle boarding. Canoes and kayaks can be hired for trips along the river where you might see beavers, otters and herons.

La Flèche is a vibrant and friendly community and there are many opportunities to make friends and socialise such as French/English conversation groups, art activities and walking groups. Regular cultural events include a theatre and street arts festival throughout the town, music on the river front and a Christmas market.

The nationally renowned Zoo La Flèche, with more than 150 different species, focusses on conservation of endangered animals. You can even stay overnight in a lodge inside the zoo with large picture windows giving direct view of lions or polar bears!

La Flèche is part of the national cycle route and was the first municipality in the Pays de la Loire to be recognised for being bike-friendly. There is direct access to the V47 Loire Valley cycle path (320 km) from the town.

The medieval city of Le Mans with the world-famous 24hr racing circuit is 35 minutes away. Other places within easy reach include Angers (I hour), Saumur (1.5 hrs) and Tours (1.5hrs) and the many famous Loire chateaux.

Access
La Flèche is 8 miles from the A11 motorway with straightforward links to the whole of Pay de la Loire and the rest of France's (excellent!) motorway network. It is about 130 miles to the ferry port at Caen.

Direct trains run from Le Mans to Paris (I hour) as well as both Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports. In addition there are international airports at Tours and Nantes as well as the small Angers–Loire Airport 30 minutes away.

Interior
Whilst the kitchen is spacious it requires fitting to bring it up to modern standards. A loft above offers potential to open up the ceiling, expose beams and install velux windows if desired.
Plumbing is already installed in a room on the second floor ready for an additional bathroom.

Exterior
The courtyard contains an outbuilding with electricity and plumbing ready to create a separate utility room.

Additional Details
Ample street parking